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Spotlight: Bass Pro Shops

By CHUCK CURRY (Contact)

Friday, March 2, 2007

From landmark shops like Master Bait & Tackle in Bonita Springs to the nearby Sunshine Ace Hardware store and its surprisingly well-stocked fishing department, local stores must now compete with the 800-pound gorilla: Bass Pro Shops is open.

Photo by CHUCK CURRY / Banner

A rack of rods is part of Bass Pro Shops’ fishing section at its Outdoor World store in San Carlos Park.

This weekend concludes Bass Pro Shops’ Spring Classic weekend with fishing clinics and appearances by professionals who will show off the latest fishing gear and techniques (see today’s fishing calendar for details).

The national chain is large and can host a variety of events that draw people to the store. Even after the professionals leave, Bass Pro Shops offers weekly classes in everything from fly tying to casting techniques. It’s all part of the company’s marketing plan.

Southwest Florida’s newest outdoors establishment has been open since November and offers more than 100,000 square feet of fishing gear, camping equipment, clothing and more.

While Bass Pro Shops might not challenge Master Bait & Tackle for sales of items like shrimp or shiners, the chain store is a force.

With a front moving through Southwest Florida this weekend, chances of rain are forecast up to 30 percent today and Sunday. This follows a few warmer days in the aftermath of the previous cold spell. Sunday and Monday are forecast to be cooler (with highs only in the low to mid 70s) and then a beautiful Tuesday before another increased chance of rain on Wednesday.

Fishing is expected to be a mixed bag through the weekend and improving into the middle of the week.