I agree that mail order companys and REI pull more people into the sport, and before I opened a shop I often purchased gear through them. I have gained a diffrent perspective owning a small shop. The gear is expensive and from the outside if may seem like one would be getting rich selling it, but its a tough buisness. A lot of competion, limited number of local fisherman and a tough fishery. The diffrence between eating or starving in the winter could be one or two rod sales. The big stores have the economic power to buy at volume getting a better price, you dont have to pay sales tax if the shops out of state. They can sell for less and still make more money. Hard to beat.
So to compensate we offer free classes, casting and tying lessons, the inside scoop on whats happining not only in fishing but the politics and enviormental issues that surround it. Heck Ill even take you fishing.
It would be a bummer to have to drive to Seattle or wait a week to get a 3 dollar bag of Hot Orange marabou you need to fish tommorow.
Its a tough one, I couldnt afford my gear with out the guide discounts.
My Two Cents