BushBear,

What shop do you own? Or work in? I don't think special orders is what will keep the mom & pop stores running. It'll be customer service. I try and spend money in Tumwater Sports because I like the owner. He's a nice guy, always helpful, and tries to do the best for me. I don't usually get that from the giant Walmart sporting good stores. I'll spend money at Cabela's for sure, but if Tumwater has it, then they have first shot at my dough.

And since I'm passing out kudo's...Here's one to Mr CB's Tackle in San Bernadino. Charlie Bethrum took $5 weekly payments from me when I was 16, because he didn't want me to have to wait 3 months to buy a decent rod a reel. I didn't sign any applications, or have a cosigner. He said "just pay me when you see me again."

I haven't been back in 15 years but his store is still there. I hope he sold it and moved to Astoria like he told me he wanted. I wish before I left California I had told him thanks. Thanks for all the listening he did in those 5 years, and thanks for getting this annoying, curious teenager started off right.

If anyone knows Mr CB, please pass it along.

VHawk