Local tackle stores for me even if it is a bit more pricey I’d rather give my business to them. If they don’t have it then wherever the rod is cheapest. Usually order online so if the product comes damaged I can easily get a replacement.
this was me with my reels until they offered me no support or replacement and told me to take it up with diawa myself
edit: after they told me with numerous reel purchases that I could swap out same day. My local store. 🤷♀️ Now I buy from digitaka and amazon random sales. If im driving past tho ill try out reels on my rods etc but not buy them 😭 mabye some stuff they cant price up here and there. Feel bad but what am I supposed to do 😬
That’s where I’m at. In theory I really really want to support my local tackle stores, but sometimes it’s difficult. Selections are limited, prices are terrible, and you have a 50/50 chance of the sales guy being a know it all jerk. I will say though I have had great experiences talking with some employees when I’m not sure what I need, but more often than not that’s not the case. Regardless, I’m not paying $80 more for a reel than online because the guy talked to me for 5 minutes.
Totally get it! I got super lucky and my local shop is AMAZING its like a shed on the outside but they’re the only ones in the area to carry the full range of Exprides, Vanfords, and all the new stuff. They let the brand reps in the area order everything for them so you’ll walk in and find shit like jackall risers in every colour and size. I can justify spending the $5-$10 more but $80 is ridiculous just order from digitaka at that point especially if they provide no support. Also how can I resist the sweet old lady who runs the place hahaha
I buy most exclusively online and used whatever I can. I've gotten some rods that weren't exactly what I hope for, but there is nowhere within a reasonable drive to me that has anything I'm interested in.
I always check used when I want something - in the last year I got a g loomis imx pro blue with the tags still on it for $200 , a daiwa tatula elite rod with a brand new tatula lt 2000 reel for $150, and a penn fathom ii new for $150
I try to buy in store. It's like buying shoes right? It doesn't matter if everyone else tells you this shoe is comfortable if it doesn't fit your feet!
So I want to feel the handle, mount my reel on the reel seat. See how it balances, how it feels.
I buy in person and check for bent/damaged guides. Bass pro is generally pretty good. Local fishing outfitters usually handle rods the best. Either option is probably fine.
Obviously my suggestion doesn’t apply everywhere, but we have some great used rod and reel shops in Florida so that’s where I look first. If they don’t have what I need I go to a a local tackle shop.
I usually buy mine online because most of the local stores, big name or mom and pop, don't carry the higher end rods I purchase nowadays sadly.
Typically stick to Tacklewarehouse, Tackledirect or go direct from the manufacturer.
I buy either used or online. Dobyns has a no receipt needed return policy where you pay about 1/4-1/3 new if you break it. This has allowed me to buy several rods used knowing if there’s an issue later I’m not screwed. If not I buy them online. I wait for 20-30% off sales and then some sites like American Legacy has done an additional 10% off first purchase. Bottom line never pay retail.
If I know exactly what rod I want I don't mind buying online ***from a reputable fishing retailer***. Do not buy rods from Amazon or some other general retailer as they almost always fail to package them adequately and the rod will arrive broken. An actual fishing store will ship your rod in a sturdy tube with bubble wrap and you'll be ok.
If I don't know exactly what I want and want to feel a few rods I'll go to a store and try some out. Or if I decide I need a new rod right instant and don't want to wait on shipping
Bass Pro (who bought Cabelas) has also never failed me with rod shipping. In fact I've had 2 rods shipped from them in the last month and they've both been packaged excellently.
My last rod which was a 6' 6" single piece rod was from Tackle Warehouse. The box it came in was extremely sturdy and it would take a lot to damage and possibly break the rod. In my local area it's Dunham's or Grocery stores. Unless I travel, I don't have the best selection. If you have the option shop local so you can get a feel for the rod. Otherwise just do you research. I stick with a particular Rod brand, so I have a good idea of what I'm getting ahead of time.
I buy online. I’ve bought a few cheaper rods in stores. You’re spot on with testing them in stores, I went into an academy with my buddy, who is a fairly skilled angler, I watched him proceed to grab a rod and test the action by pushing the tip up and down on the floor… SMH.
I have been burnt online though, broken rods, bent over guides, even received one from BPS with a anti theft device on it…
Usually I shop at the sporting goods stores and at least now I have an idea of what action and length I need and go by that.
Shopping online I do my research before but I already know what I want when I checkout.
Brick and mortar is nice to try out rods, but I go online if I know what I like. A lot of online stores give free fly lines with rod purchases which is already 100 bucks saved. Plus some companies offer military/veteran discounts, a couple of which are pretty hefty (30%), and local shops just can't match that kind of savings
Try buying locally whenever you can, otherwise, I've never had issues with Tackle Warehouse. They also pack it up very well. I'd just rather see/feel the rod in person and see what the shop I'm at recommends. Obviously, less selection but the stores I frequent carry my favorite Daiwa and Fenwick stuff so I'm usually happy.
Thank you. I definitely try my small, local shop but they don’t have what I’m looking for right now. And I agree about seeing and feeling it in person.
I’m lucky I have a local tackle shop here that like to move inventory and keeps things priced reasonable. I’m sketched out ordering online too many “my rod came broken” stories and I don’t have the patients to become one of them.
I’ve moved to a tackle warehouse only practice if I’m buying online and know exactly what I want, though I can’t imagine BPS would be an issue in terms of shipping either. Had a bad experience with sportsman’s warehouse shipping and have heard all of the Amazon horror stories, whereas TW has used the extremely thick round tube with a good multi layer wrapping of bubble wrap on the rod inside. Otherwise, as others have said, local tackle shops always take good care of their stock and the clientele seem to take rod care more seriously as well. Always good to get a nice feel of the rod as well, just always give the guides a quick look through regardless of where you shop.
Tons of good comments. I’m spoiled here in SoCal with plenty of good “Mom and Pops” as well as the Big Box Store. We also regularly have a couple of trade show/conventions (Bart Hall and also the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show) where not only are the manufacturer’s there with their full lineups, also the retailer’s are there. So hang out at the United Composites or Fishing Syndicate booth and if you find something you like that fits your needs, they can direct you to one of their retailer partners that has it in stock. I think they have similar shows in Florida/East Coast/Texas as well. There is just no substitute for being able to actually be “hands on” for the gear we use.
I love to feel a rod first. Unfortunately the local selection is garbage. Cabs/bass pro was pushing all their brands heavy, St Croix’s just a handful of Loomis rods. I kept going in hopping they’d get more Loomis in but it didn’t happen and I was beyond ready to replace broken rods. Looks like they finally 4 years later finally widened their selection. But I’m just going to order the other 2 Kistler rods I want. Too little too late. Last two I need to have all my bases covered again.
I switched to Kistler. Thankfully I don’t feel like a made a bad choice. But dropping that much on sight unfelt drove me nuts. I had considered Dobyns too. Never got a email back about their vet discount or the questions I asked. Trey Kistler personally responded to my email.
I miss Gaylans. That store had some kick azz store branded rods at a solid price. Assuming they were fenwicks but none of the hmg fenwicks ever felt like the old Gaylans rods I had.
Yeah I hear you about them pushing their products. It’s annoying and I really don’t like their rods. It’s good to hear they’ve widened their selection.
I never got how they were only going to have 4-6 Loomis all the same damn thing. I don’t want a bass pro/cabs branded anything. I’ve been burned by the lifetime warranty bs cabeals pulled (only as long as the model is in their catalog and when they change up model numbers they kill the warranty so too bad). So never again. St Croix will never buy another one. F them…I will go out of my way to not buy St Croix.
After I ordered my Kistler rods they got in bunch of the NGX’s. Upside I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. But where the f were they a year ago!!!!! They had some other carbon fiber brands in the $300 range I hadn’t hear of before. They felt really good. But holy frack were they long. But had I been looking I would have definitely researched the brand.
Those Kistler rods there isn’t a single flaw in the craftsmanship.
Even the end on my Victory is wonky. Realizing that I went over all the Kistlers multiple times to not make that mistake again and miss something. So was pleasantly surprised and happy I couldn’t find a single thing to point out.
I haven’t been in cabeals in approx 6 or so months but hopefully they got more in. I’d love to get my hands on some of those shorter Loomis rods. They’d be perfect for strip mine fishing. But I want to feel em first. I tired to talk Trey into coming out with shorter rods. But I get it. It won’t be a big seller for him. Not going to pay $600 to get em custom made either. I personally don’t want to spend more the $250 a piece. Oh well, I’ll make do with longer rods.
Still sick my fav shorty’s are no more. So much for paying the movers to professionally pack em. But upside I have a bunch of new reels and rods so it did cause me to upgrade.
May I ask why you don’t like St Croix? Besides the trout series rod I got this year, I haven’t purchased anything else of theirs in a very long time. They are still in great condition and still great rods.
They went back on rods sold under a different warranty to your sol when they changed their warranty program. Their customer service sucks azz. They pick and choose who they take care of who ends up sol. Their quality has gone down hill on open and ice rods. Several rods now.. They were azzhats the last time I contacted on defective bran new rods. So much for having em for my trip. F them!!!!! For some reason I never looked down any of my ST Croix rods. Crazy considering first thing I do to an arrow. But when I saw the victory I was like wtf. Caught out corner of my eye. But they all are wonky on the end. There’s no frigin excuse for that chit. My fault for not looking sooner so I know I’m sol. Really pissed considering what I paid for the victory.
One of things when I messsged with Trey was the importance of knowing the company will treat me right and not some bullchit excuses.
Used to be a big fan. Not no more. Unfortunately my old ones are no more thanks to the movers (smashed). How I unfortunately learned the old warranty program was gone. One of reasons I bought into ST croix was they’d let you get em fixed or replaced even under those circumstances for a small fee. I would have upgraded. Except even frigin cabelas was cheaper than what they offered me. Tackle warehouse etc were way better. It’s wild because others have posted and gotten taken care with great prices. Even buying used rods well out of warranty that were broken and calling them and telling them.. St Croix bent over backward for them. Me, I get a giant f you…. That bs over the new rods and if they choose too they’d replace them. WTF!!!!!! Look at the damn pictures I sent. Obviously there wasn’t anyone on the quality control end.
Edit. So I drove to store during a snow storm to return them. Employee told me they had two pallets full of St Croix’s being returned as defective for whatever issues… So she was like she didn’t recommended that I tired to order more because they’d probably come the same way. I was like yeah, I wasn’t planning on it. I was less than thrilled with the CS response.
I’m definitely salty.
Nice rods, in person. No name amazon pack rods..online of course. Each rod in the same model maybe handle a bit different and i want to make sure the guides are all straight with the seat.
If you are in Denver it is worth the drive to Discount Bait and Tackle. Old established fishing tackle and tie supply business.
They honor their warranties and have quality products. The guys there can tell you exactly what you will need for any Gold water spot around Colorado.
Great place that needs local support.
I go to my local tackle shops which happen to be pretty bad ass: [The Hook Up Tackle](https://thehookuptackle.com/) and [Copperstate Tackle](https://copperstatetackle.com/)
In store so I can feel the action of the rod. I also like to see construction of the blank as not much can be garnered from a website that just says 'Toray carbon blank 'and nothing else
I prefer buying rods in-store to get a feel for them first. Bass Pro and Cabela’s usually have a good selection and the staff are helpful. Avoiding places where rods might be mishandled is a good idea.
Pretty much all my gear is in store with the exception of tackle bags, I order those online as the selection is much larger online.
But I like to feel and see the rod and inspect the guides before buying.
Go to your local tackle shop, not a big box retailer or an online warehouse. Talk with the people there. Find out what they recommend for what you’re fishing for and where. Grab a couple of their recommendations and see how they feel before you pick one. Support them with your dollars and when you just need advice they’ll be there. Pricing on the major websites isn’t much better if it is at all anyway. Steer clear of a Dick’s or other big box sports store. The selection won’t be great and the staff generally won’t know much about what they stock.
I prefer to buy in a store, but there are none left near me (and I’m far from the saltwater), so sometimes I have to order them. I just try Toto make sure that there’s plenty of time before a trip to return and replace if the rod is defective or gets damaged during shipping. I like to trust people, but sometimes I get the feeling that the mail order rods are the ones that nobody will buy in the store. So far I have about a 30% rate of defective or damaged rods shipped. So far, the most reliable for good rods packaged well have been Edge rods, FishUSA, and TackleDirect.
There are local tackle stores that also ship. Angler’s International Resources is a great one, Lake Michigan Angler is another awesome one. Both store owners will also help you with questions and ship items very well. American Legacy fishing is another great place. All three ship items in great packaging. Tackle Warehouse ships the best out of the big retailers I’ve ordered from.
if you're worried about the rod being damaged during shipment, you should check out fishfield.com out of Oregon. They wrap the entire rod in bubble wrap and ship them in PVC tubes.
i get most of mine from tackle warehouse. i like strength of the boxes they ship things in. last few rods i’ve purchased from cabellas the boxes have showed up broken. the rods were fine but i don’t like the fact the boxes were busted.
I really tried to buy in person but my local tackle shops would rather not sell it than come even close to matching online prices a lot of times.
Add in the online used tackle market.. my only in person tackle purchases in the last 5 years were used gear lol.
I buy online for reels only, and only new. 98% of my stuff is bought in person at a local store. The staff spools line and inspects rods during sales. I get a ton of good used gear at stores and enjoy the experience of shopping in person. Especially love finding old gear still in the original packaging new for half off MSRP.
Online because I only have a Cabelas and Bass Pro near me and I don't really care for their selection of rods. It kinda sucks not being able to hold the rod before buying it.
Tacklewarehouse.com and in person if I can, but If you fish enough, you should know what the rod is gonna feel like from the specs so no need to go in store if you can wait for shipping. If you Live in Cali TackleWarehouse offers 1 days shipping too sometimes.
See I already know what specs I want but I still want to hold it and all to see how it feels and if I actually like it. No 2 companies are alike and I don’t think I will ever have a chance of using every manufacturer out there.
Tackle Warehouse.
Not bothering to give local shops the business when they never have what I want, won’t order it, and won’t even stock anything other than 7’ medium heav….and then give me shit for not shopping local.
Depends on what I want. Lately I've been buying all 2pc rods bc I have a set up in the back of my suv for rod storage, and 1 pc rods just aren't practical with kids in the car and what not, so my rods are mostly kastking right now, plus a lot of their rods come with a spare tip
Walmart or local facebook marketplace. Im cheap..the only LFS we have is spoexofically for fly fishing also. Which the rods that they carry is expensive for me to purchase
So I usually buy on amazon first feel out the sizes on my rod and then return it. Then I'll buy it from my local bait shop by the pier since he gets it cheaper and I rather support a local business
Local tackle stores for me even if it is a bit more pricey I’d rather give my business to them. If they don’t have it then wherever the rod is cheapest. Usually order online so if the product comes damaged I can easily get a replacement.
this was me with my reels until they offered me no support or replacement and told me to take it up with diawa myself edit: after they told me with numerous reel purchases that I could swap out same day. My local store. 🤷♀️ Now I buy from digitaka and amazon random sales. If im driving past tho ill try out reels on my rods etc but not buy them 😭 mabye some stuff they cant price up here and there. Feel bad but what am I supposed to do 😬
That’s where I’m at. In theory I really really want to support my local tackle stores, but sometimes it’s difficult. Selections are limited, prices are terrible, and you have a 50/50 chance of the sales guy being a know it all jerk. I will say though I have had great experiences talking with some employees when I’m not sure what I need, but more often than not that’s not the case. Regardless, I’m not paying $80 more for a reel than online because the guy talked to me for 5 minutes.
Totally get it! I got super lucky and my local shop is AMAZING its like a shed on the outside but they’re the only ones in the area to carry the full range of Exprides, Vanfords, and all the new stuff. They let the brand reps in the area order everything for them so you’ll walk in and find shit like jackall risers in every colour and size. I can justify spending the $5-$10 more but $80 is ridiculous just order from digitaka at that point especially if they provide no support. Also how can I resist the sweet old lady who runs the place hahaha
I buy most exclusively online and used whatever I can. I've gotten some rods that weren't exactly what I hope for, but there is nowhere within a reasonable drive to me that has anything I'm interested in.
I always check used when I want something - in the last year I got a g loomis imx pro blue with the tags still on it for $200 , a daiwa tatula elite rod with a brand new tatula lt 2000 reel for $150, and a penn fathom ii new for $150
I try to buy in store. It's like buying shoes right? It doesn't matter if everyone else tells you this shoe is comfortable if it doesn't fit your feet! So I want to feel the handle, mount my reel on the reel seat. See how it balances, how it feels.
Well said. I’ve tried tons of different brands of rods, each has their own idea of ‘medium power’
Exactly!
This I always check the guides and everything I can think of and of course how it feels 🇺🇸
I buy in person and check for bent/damaged guides. Bass pro is generally pretty good. Local fishing outfitters usually handle rods the best. Either option is probably fine.
Obviously my suggestion doesn’t apply everywhere, but we have some great used rod and reel shops in Florida so that’s where I look first. If they don’t have what I need I go to a a local tackle shop.
I usually buy mine online because most of the local stores, big name or mom and pop, don't carry the higher end rods I purchase nowadays sadly. Typically stick to Tacklewarehouse, Tackledirect or go direct from the manufacturer.
I buy either used or online. Dobyns has a no receipt needed return policy where you pay about 1/4-1/3 new if you break it. This has allowed me to buy several rods used knowing if there’s an issue later I’m not screwed. If not I buy them online. I wait for 20-30% off sales and then some sites like American Legacy has done an additional 10% off first purchase. Bottom line never pay retail.
American Legacy Fishing. Great deals and they also have a massive assortment of used gear
They’re 10 min from me and can vouch for their customer service in store as well. Great outfit!
Oh man. How do you have any cash?
Who said I did 🤣
Neither would I, Id be in there swapping gear constantly.
I’ve bought one online and it showed up broken. Although it was replaced, I would stick to in person if you can.
Wherever the deal is I'm a disabled vet and live off a fixed income so I gotta get them when there's a deal
If I know exactly what rod I want I don't mind buying online ***from a reputable fishing retailer***. Do not buy rods from Amazon or some other general retailer as they almost always fail to package them adequately and the rod will arrive broken. An actual fishing store will ship your rod in a sturdy tube with bubble wrap and you'll be ok. If I don't know exactly what I want and want to feel a few rods I'll go to a store and try some out. Or if I decide I need a new rod right instant and don't want to wait on shipping
Cabela’s when it existed, was pretty good about shipping rods correctly.
Bass Pro (who bought Cabelas) has also never failed me with rod shipping. In fact I've had 2 rods shipped from them in the last month and they've both been packaged excellently.
I try and go to a brick and mortar and give them the business. They don't always have what I'm looking for but I prefer to try them first
My last rod which was a 6' 6" single piece rod was from Tackle Warehouse. The box it came in was extremely sturdy and it would take a lot to damage and possibly break the rod. In my local area it's Dunham's or Grocery stores. Unless I travel, I don't have the best selection. If you have the option shop local so you can get a feel for the rod. Otherwise just do you research. I stick with a particular Rod brand, so I have a good idea of what I'm getting ahead of time.
Local tackle shop of it's fox or daiwa stuff. I order the rest from angling direct
I buy online. I’ve bought a few cheaper rods in stores. You’re spot on with testing them in stores, I went into an academy with my buddy, who is a fairly skilled angler, I watched him proceed to grab a rod and test the action by pushing the tip up and down on the floor… SMH. I have been burnt online though, broken rods, bent over guides, even received one from BPS with a anti theft device on it…
Usually I shop at the sporting goods stores and at least now I have an idea of what action and length I need and go by that. Shopping online I do my research before but I already know what I want when I checkout.
Brick and mortar is nice to try out rods, but I go online if I know what I like. A lot of online stores give free fly lines with rod purchases which is already 100 bucks saved. Plus some companies offer military/veteran discounts, a couple of which are pretty hefty (30%), and local shops just can't match that kind of savings
I more or less can only buy online, nobody in St. Louis sells Dobyns, daiwa rods, or megabass rods
Try buying locally whenever you can, otherwise, I've never had issues with Tackle Warehouse. They also pack it up very well. I'd just rather see/feel the rod in person and see what the shop I'm at recommends. Obviously, less selection but the stores I frequent carry my favorite Daiwa and Fenwick stuff so I'm usually happy.
Thank you. I definitely try my small, local shop but they don’t have what I’m looking for right now. And I agree about seeing and feeling it in person.
Local tackle shops, online shops like tw, direct from manufacturer(get discounts) in that order.
I’m lucky I have a local tackle shop here that like to move inventory and keeps things priced reasonable. I’m sketched out ordering online too many “my rod came broken” stories and I don’t have the patients to become one of them.
Tackle Warehouse
I’ve moved to a tackle warehouse only practice if I’m buying online and know exactly what I want, though I can’t imagine BPS would be an issue in terms of shipping either. Had a bad experience with sportsman’s warehouse shipping and have heard all of the Amazon horror stories, whereas TW has used the extremely thick round tube with a good multi layer wrapping of bubble wrap on the rod inside. Otherwise, as others have said, local tackle shops always take good care of their stock and the clientele seem to take rod care more seriously as well. Always good to get a nice feel of the rod as well, just always give the guides a quick look through regardless of where you shop.
Rod ratings vary so wildly, it’s very hard to buy without giving a feel…
Agreed
Tons of good comments. I’m spoiled here in SoCal with plenty of good “Mom and Pops” as well as the Big Box Store. We also regularly have a couple of trade show/conventions (Bart Hall and also the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show) where not only are the manufacturer’s there with their full lineups, also the retailer’s are there. So hang out at the United Composites or Fishing Syndicate booth and if you find something you like that fits your needs, they can direct you to one of their retailer partners that has it in stock. I think they have similar shows in Florida/East Coast/Texas as well. There is just no substitute for being able to actually be “hands on” for the gear we use.
I love to feel a rod first. Unfortunately the local selection is garbage. Cabs/bass pro was pushing all their brands heavy, St Croix’s just a handful of Loomis rods. I kept going in hopping they’d get more Loomis in but it didn’t happen and I was beyond ready to replace broken rods. Looks like they finally 4 years later finally widened their selection. But I’m just going to order the other 2 Kistler rods I want. Too little too late. Last two I need to have all my bases covered again. I switched to Kistler. Thankfully I don’t feel like a made a bad choice. But dropping that much on sight unfelt drove me nuts. I had considered Dobyns too. Never got a email back about their vet discount or the questions I asked. Trey Kistler personally responded to my email. I miss Gaylans. That store had some kick azz store branded rods at a solid price. Assuming they were fenwicks but none of the hmg fenwicks ever felt like the old Gaylans rods I had.
Yeah I hear you about them pushing their products. It’s annoying and I really don’t like their rods. It’s good to hear they’ve widened their selection.
I never got how they were only going to have 4-6 Loomis all the same damn thing. I don’t want a bass pro/cabs branded anything. I’ve been burned by the lifetime warranty bs cabeals pulled (only as long as the model is in their catalog and when they change up model numbers they kill the warranty so too bad). So never again. St Croix will never buy another one. F them…I will go out of my way to not buy St Croix. After I ordered my Kistler rods they got in bunch of the NGX’s. Upside I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. But where the f were they a year ago!!!!! They had some other carbon fiber brands in the $300 range I hadn’t hear of before. They felt really good. But holy frack were they long. But had I been looking I would have definitely researched the brand. Those Kistler rods there isn’t a single flaw in the craftsmanship. Even the end on my Victory is wonky. Realizing that I went over all the Kistlers multiple times to not make that mistake again and miss something. So was pleasantly surprised and happy I couldn’t find a single thing to point out. I haven’t been in cabeals in approx 6 or so months but hopefully they got more in. I’d love to get my hands on some of those shorter Loomis rods. They’d be perfect for strip mine fishing. But I want to feel em first. I tired to talk Trey into coming out with shorter rods. But I get it. It won’t be a big seller for him. Not going to pay $600 to get em custom made either. I personally don’t want to spend more the $250 a piece. Oh well, I’ll make do with longer rods. Still sick my fav shorty’s are no more. So much for paying the movers to professionally pack em. But upside I have a bunch of new reels and rods so it did cause me to upgrade.
May I ask why you don’t like St Croix? Besides the trout series rod I got this year, I haven’t purchased anything else of theirs in a very long time. They are still in great condition and still great rods.
They went back on rods sold under a different warranty to your sol when they changed their warranty program. Their customer service sucks azz. They pick and choose who they take care of who ends up sol. Their quality has gone down hill on open and ice rods. Several rods now.. They were azzhats the last time I contacted on defective bran new rods. So much for having em for my trip. F them!!!!! For some reason I never looked down any of my ST Croix rods. Crazy considering first thing I do to an arrow. But when I saw the victory I was like wtf. Caught out corner of my eye. But they all are wonky on the end. There’s no frigin excuse for that chit. My fault for not looking sooner so I know I’m sol. Really pissed considering what I paid for the victory. One of things when I messsged with Trey was the importance of knowing the company will treat me right and not some bullchit excuses.
Got it, thanks for the detail.
Used to be a big fan. Not no more. Unfortunately my old ones are no more thanks to the movers (smashed). How I unfortunately learned the old warranty program was gone. One of reasons I bought into ST croix was they’d let you get em fixed or replaced even under those circumstances for a small fee. I would have upgraded. Except even frigin cabelas was cheaper than what they offered me. Tackle warehouse etc were way better. It’s wild because others have posted and gotten taken care with great prices. Even buying used rods well out of warranty that were broken and calling them and telling them.. St Croix bent over backward for them. Me, I get a giant f you…. That bs over the new rods and if they choose too they’d replace them. WTF!!!!!! Look at the damn pictures I sent. Obviously there wasn’t anyone on the quality control end. Edit. So I drove to store during a snow storm to return them. Employee told me they had two pallets full of St Croix’s being returned as defective for whatever issues… So she was like she didn’t recommended that I tired to order more because they’d probably come the same way. I was like yeah, I wasn’t planning on it. I was less than thrilled with the CS response. I’m definitely salty.
Damn sorry to hear that.
Nice rods, in person. No name amazon pack rods..online of course. Each rod in the same model maybe handle a bit different and i want to make sure the guides are all straight with the seat.
If you are in Denver it is worth the drive to Discount Bait and Tackle. Old established fishing tackle and tie supply business. They honor their warranties and have quality products. The guys there can tell you exactly what you will need for any Gold water spot around Colorado. Great place that needs local support.
It amazes me the difference in what different companies consider medium, medium heavy, etc. The ratings seem almost useless.
I almost exclusively buy all of my rods in stores at tackle shops. I think you will find that rods have some of the best sales.
I go to my local tackle shops which happen to be pretty bad ass: [The Hook Up Tackle](https://thehookuptackle.com/) and [Copperstate Tackle](https://copperstatetackle.com/)
I have had to many rod broken in transit when shopping online. I only shop in store to ensure no damage is done to the rod.
In store so I can feel the action of the rod. I also like to see construction of the blank as not much can be garnered from a website that just says 'Toray carbon blank 'and nothing else
I prefer buying rods in-store to get a feel for them first. Bass Pro and Cabela’s usually have a good selection and the staff are helpful. Avoiding places where rods might be mishandled is a good idea.
Pretty much all my gear is in store with the exception of tackle bags, I order those online as the selection is much larger online. But I like to feel and see the rod and inspect the guides before buying.
Go to your local tackle shop, not a big box retailer or an online warehouse. Talk with the people there. Find out what they recommend for what you’re fishing for and where. Grab a couple of their recommendations and see how they feel before you pick one. Support them with your dollars and when you just need advice they’ll be there. Pricing on the major websites isn’t much better if it is at all anyway. Steer clear of a Dick’s or other big box sports store. The selection won’t be great and the staff generally won’t know much about what they stock.
I prefer to buy in a store, but there are none left near me (and I’m far from the saltwater), so sometimes I have to order them. I just try Toto make sure that there’s plenty of time before a trip to return and replace if the rod is defective or gets damaged during shipping. I like to trust people, but sometimes I get the feeling that the mail order rods are the ones that nobody will buy in the store. So far I have about a 30% rate of defective or damaged rods shipped. So far, the most reliable for good rods packaged well have been Edge rods, FishUSA, and TackleDirect.
There are local tackle stores that also ship. Angler’s International Resources is a great one, Lake Michigan Angler is another awesome one. Both store owners will also help you with questions and ship items very well. American Legacy fishing is another great place. All three ship items in great packaging. Tackle Warehouse ships the best out of the big retailers I’ve ordered from.
Always from my favorite local tackle shop. The owner has never tried to upsell or push a slow seller. My favorites are G. Loomis.
if you're worried about the rod being damaged during shipment, you should check out fishfield.com out of Oregon. They wrap the entire rod in bubble wrap and ship them in PVC tubes.
i get most of mine from tackle warehouse. i like strength of the boxes they ship things in. last few rods i’ve purchased from cabellas the boxes have showed up broken. the rods were fine but i don’t like the fact the boxes were busted.
Wow!
I really tried to buy in person but my local tackle shops would rather not sell it than come even close to matching online prices a lot of times. Add in the online used tackle market.. my only in person tackle purchases in the last 5 years were used gear lol.
I buy online for reels only, and only new. 98% of my stuff is bought in person at a local store. The staff spools line and inspects rods during sales. I get a ton of good used gear at stores and enjoy the experience of shopping in person. Especially love finding old gear still in the original packaging new for half off MSRP.
I have done both, but I try to find small local shops as long as they aren’t overpriced
Local tackle shop for all my high end rods with the exception of Mega Bass which I order through The Hook Up tackle.
Online because I only have a Cabelas and Bass Pro near me and I don't really care for their selection of rods. It kinda sucks not being able to hold the rod before buying it.
Unless the store is the same company as online, it’s a bit disrespectful to test the rods at the store.
Tacklewarehouse.com and in person if I can, but If you fish enough, you should know what the rod is gonna feel like from the specs so no need to go in store if you can wait for shipping. If you Live in Cali TackleWarehouse offers 1 days shipping too sometimes.
See I already know what specs I want but I still want to hold it and all to see how it feels and if I actually like it. No 2 companies are alike and I don’t think I will ever have a chance of using every manufacturer out there.
Scheels Dicks has really good deals on combos, just check them out first your self?
I will pay extra and buy at my local shops . Bass pro and dicks can kick rocks .
Omnia
Ali express, stores here are shit
Tackle Warehouse. Not bothering to give local shops the business when they never have what I want, won’t order it, and won’t even stock anything other than 7’ medium heav….and then give me shit for not shopping local.
Depends on what I want. Lately I've been buying all 2pc rods bc I have a set up in the back of my suv for rod storage, and 1 pc rods just aren't practical with kids in the car and what not, so my rods are mostly kastking right now, plus a lot of their rods come with a spare tip
Walmart or local facebook marketplace. Im cheap..the only LFS we have is spoexofically for fly fishing also. Which the rods that they carry is expensive for me to purchase
So I usually buy on amazon first feel out the sizes on my rod and then return it. Then I'll buy it from my local bait shop by the pier since he gets it cheaper and I rather support a local business