I think you need to have a good repor with the guys at your local shop. If you feel that you are negelected unless you are buying things only then I suggest that you move on. I have a favorite shop here in seattle, they cater more to fly fishermen but I am always welcomed regarless of my purchas. They help out with what to buy and what not to. They are all great fishermen/ fly and non fly. It does take sometime to get to know the people at your local shop. I think it's ok to goto big department style shop like outdoor emporium,sportco gi joes etc, if you know what your looking for and thats it but your local tackle shop will be more helpful. It does take time to get to know these guys too, they are not just going to divulge everything, you have to make a "friendship" and things will work out and if you dont like a certain shop don't do bussiness. Sometimes it is better to pay a little more for that kind of service then to be hearded like at the big shops(chains). The local shop will be loyal and honest with you if you treat them with respect. Support your local shops, thats amy .02 cents worth. Good luck to all and WDF&G needs new managers to run things.