Hmm, is worth spending $7.00 on gas to save $1.50 on a plug? It seems many people here think so, unless you plan on spending $200 on corkies and plugs, traveling to these big discounters doesn't save any money. I always try to support the smaller local shops, if I have to pay 12 cents for a corky instead of 10 cents big deal. Most of time the prices on the bigger items like rods and reels are the same or even lower at the smaller shops. Why would I go to OE to buy a shimano reel and a Loomis rod for the same price or even more than I could at a smaller local shop(BTW, smaller shops are generally more willing to cut a little deal with you on bigger purchases) The smaller shops are usually a more pleasant experience, and I find that the local knowledge and reports to be very helpfull.

[This message has been edited by salmontackler (edited 03-24-2000).]