Fun5acres,

You are totally correct about the "gas markup" on gear travelling the way I did. But what choice do I have? If our local shops don't have it.....which I eluded to earlier that they often don't, then I've got to travel.

I appreciate your offer to buy and mail for me but my trips there wouldn't be but once or twice a year and with the volumne of crap I'd be buying (some of it large in size) I'm guessing postage would come very close to or more than my gas money (about $25). At that rate, I might as well do it myself and get the fun of overspending. :p

I like the Warehouse when I'm gearing up before a trip, their prices beat Swain's in most cases, they have a lot of gear, nearly everything I need. Staff is pretty friendly. The only problem is, once I get in there I just want to spend way too much money. Otherwise, while I'm out, it's Olympic in Forks, Van Rippers in Sekui and Big Salmon in Neah Bay.

Eric...Ok, but the offer stands should you need just a few "can't get 'em here" items. No problem for me.

I guess the Aber-denizens among us have too much $ too go to Denis Co. It usually fills the bill for my modest needs.

From Olympia to the coast it's my #1 option as the Oly tackle shops offer goods at yuppified prices ($4 cleos, $3.50 gami 8-paks, $11.50 ultra-green 1-shots, etc). Too bad the downtown Yard-Birds went down the tubes so long ago. With all the development being thrown up in the area it seems like they'd install a Sportco, GI Joes, etc.

Mikey,

Never been called an "Aberdenizen" before! Dennis Company is pretty good and does serve the need MOST of the time. They also lack my selection/size of corkies, hook brand and size, wader brand, cooler size....you get the picture but they are good for simpler items.

Sportsman's Warehouse, mainly because it's the closest and has competitive prices. If not them, Cabelas.

For most of my bulk buying like sinkers and swivels, I try and use Cabela's, but some things they just dont carry in the larger bulk packaging.
GI Joes is close and convenient but the one on South Hill has been really inconsistent on their ordering as of late. Im usually in there a few times a month so I know whats on the shelves. Many times I have seen items go on sale that are not even on the shelf.
"Work,Sports & Outdoors" in Orting is where I have been trying to go lately when I can get down there. They might not have the huge volume of inventory like the larger stores, but their prices are very competitive and the owner is a super nice guy.

anywhere but 3-rivers marine

Always go to the little guy.. I do at least. Cabelas is opening a 132,000 square foot store here in June. I doubt I'll ever even go inside. Sportsmans is going to be in a world of hurt in this town as soon as it opens up.. who cares.. the sportsmans here is run by dumb asses and staffed by kids making 6 bucks an hour.

I go to Three Rivers, they get All my buisness!

3 rivers always gets my business. Great staff with top notch service. Everything I every want as far as selection goes and more! Plus the owners and staff truly care about our fisheries. I personally know that they are totally dedicated to helping enhance and grow our recreational fishing opportunities. They have proved this to me with their financial support....but more importantly with their time! As long as they are open they will have all my business! Keep up the great job guys and gals!
CM

Have to vote for 3 rivers also. Followed Kent and Brian there from Ted's. If they don't have it they can get it for you. They have expanded their tackel selection to include warm water (green fish) species.

It is Outdoor Emporium for me. Great service, fantastic prices, and lots of fishing stories.

Spud

Sportco is my "Mom & Pop" store and Ebay is my main store.
I stay away from those small local shops. I don't care who they support; all I know is that their prices are a rip off. Why would anyone want to pay for something 2 to 4 times more?

Santa brought $175 worth of gift certificates to me from 3 Rivers so my favorite is ....um...oh yeah 3 Rivers! That should buy enough Owner hooks for about a year.

Oh, if you you're up north, don't forget the Holiday Market in Burlington or Fred's by the Vedder. I like the places that will give you some useful information.

Beezer

swains definately, though i dont mind stoppin by sportsmans just to check stuff out when im over that way, but swains even has it in their slogan-swains general store has everything you need....nuff said

I got GI Joe's and Fisherman Marine close but I go to Bob's in Longveiw for the better slection and price.

Outdoor Emporium or Ted's pretty much cover all my fishing needs.

G.I. Joes once in a while.

sunbirds chehalis has it all, and they know there stuff. cheap romeos

Ted's