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There has been a downturn with local baitshops, over the last few years, here in central IL. After seeing what Hook It has done in his area, lets not forget that there are shops willing to provide us fisherman with products. We lost Engel's here at Evergreen but Smiley's is still open. Luckily the parks and rec opened one at the lake. Clinton has a few shops, Presley's in Peoria, and Tackle world in Decatur to name a few. You don't realize how important they are until they are gone.
I agree Sparky...good post.....Tim Presley good friend of mine and I always tell people to buy local as much as possible...even applies to when the wife and I eat out, give the local ma and pa places your business as much as possible. Benefits everyone.
I have a weakness (confession is good for the soul) i am an avid collector of fishing stuff. I depend on the local shops to get my fix. I've been to Mike's for many years and many of the others as well. You are so right!...<><
I believe these Large Box Stores, Walmart etc...have really played a big part in the small bait shops demise. Unfortunately that is the sign of times. Not only demise of the baitshops, but small businesses in general, as well as small town Main Street altogether. I try to shop with the small businesses when possible and always buy from local bait shops for tackle when possible. But with that being said.....I do enjoy strolling thru a Bass Pro.
I agree totally-SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOPS. I worked at a small, local sport shop while going to college. K mart and K's Mechandise Mart opened up stores nearby. We couldn't compete with their prices on many things. However, we did provide service: bait, line winding, local information and know how. I'd hate to count how many times novices came in, totally frustrated, with unsuitable equipment for the species they were targeting.
I am a big advocate of Mom and Pop shops. They employee the majority of the US population. I buy all my bait from Presley's. Even when they are in the opposite direction. I swing by the night before on my way home from work, in the am all I have to do is wake and go. Presley's is kind enough to let us have our HOI Crappie Club meetings too.
I agree that the small shops are very important. Down here around Crab Orchard Lake I shop at Cooksey's Bait Shop on Rt. 148 and at the Crappie Pro Shop in Carterville. I'd hate to see either of them go.
I know for a fact that I am gonna hit up HOOKITBAIT at their new store in shelbyville for EVERYTHING I need. Anybody know when they are gonna open it up?
The building will be moved in on Monday.
I am tired of the big stores like cabelas and scheels. They are nice but I am trying to fight the megastores and buy from REAL people.
ne one know of a bait shop around lake sangcris
up on the north end there is one
Is there still a bait shop in New City?
I agree. My wifes brother and sister-inlaw live in in the Decatur / Mt Zion area and whenever we are down to visit them I make it a point to stop at Mikes Tackle World. I absolutely love that place!!!!!!!!!!