[622769]

Well, Sports Authority USED to be one of my favorite stops to get tackle but not anymore. I went there about 2 weeks ago with my brother-in-law who is moving back to L.I. and he wanted to get some tackle. The selection was very limited (Nassau store) and he needed to show a photo I.D. to purchase a filet knife!! Are you kidding me or what! That chain was good back in the days when it sold handguns, hunting rifles, and a large assortment of gear....what ever happened??
This past week i went to the Sayville store to purchase rain gear....(after talking the matter over with a 16yr old), it turns out that they had none. Then i went to look at some waders....while the selection was limited, what they did have, wasn't priced marked. Now what good is that?? I walked out of that store disgusted and swore i'd never go there again.

Well, i took a lil' trip into Sayville to "Island Fish Net" (142 Railroad Ave.) and was greeted by the owners of the store who were great to deal with. I got what i wanted for a decent price and walked out of there with a smile. Then i went a few doors down to buy myself a cigar and guess what? Yup, the same thing....help from the owner. I picked out my cigar, paid for it, and was given a lighter (free of charge) so i could fire it up!! Again, i left that store feeling good. So from now on, i say: "To **** with those chain stores" They never have anything you need and good luck finding help.
I'll gladly give my money to the "Mom & Pop" stores while avoiding the big ones.

Oh yeah, i almost forgot...."Terminal Tackle" in Kings Park will be getting my tackle business from now on. I'm sure it'll be worth the trip!!

 

[Captneilf]

Hi StriperKid.

Thanks for that post. You just happened to be in my neighborhood. I have been buying my skins, boots and other stuff in Island Fish Net for years. Always very helpful and had what I wanted.

35 years ago I would have stopped in the cigar store but no more.

In many of my posts I tell the fishermen to go to their local tackle shops. Sometimes you might pay alittle more but thay are there at 6 AM when you need bait or leave it behind the store if you stop by during the night. Try to get good fishing reports and the latest info from a chain store. If one tackle shop does not have what you need a near by shop will. All the shops I frequent will order what you want if need be. Most of the sell custom rods along with all the factory rods. Part of my fun is talking with all the guys in the local shops. Just by listening I learn.

SUPOPORT YOPUR LOCAL TACKLE SHOP!!!!

Capt Neil

 

[spygull]

I live close to the Bohemia Sports Authority store (yes its in Bohemia not Sayville) so it is convenient for me to shop there on occasion. I stopped by the other day to replace a leatherman tool I lost at Montauk. after picking out the item I get to the checkout and the first thing the young girl asks me is for my phone number. I ask her if she is planning to call me for a date and she says no so I tell her that she doesn't need my home phone. Then She asks me for my date of birth. Now I starting to get annoyed, all I want to do is pay cash for the dammed pliers and get out of there. She then informs me that they are considered. a dangerous weapon and you must be over 18 to buy them. I've been told I look young for my age, Im in my 60s but I dont think I could pass for 18. I told her I was born in 1980 and she bought it. So much for todays youth. Shop in your local stores, its the only place you can get good service, advice and the money stays in the local community. It the local businesses that sponsor the local teams support the service clubs and keep our towns alive.

 

[strip]

Ditto!

I was in Sports Authority in Commack last weekend to p/u a pitch back for my kid who plays in little league.
I noticed some neat lookin outdoor grills on display with a big sign above them that said "sale" so I figure I'd check it out......well they were not marked or tagged with prices and after 20 min dealing with the "clucks'" that work there the manager finally shows and guess what after 5 min of him paging thru a book and making phone calls we still don't know the price!
Needless to say I didn't purchase a grill.....and I don't think anyone else did that day.
So now my kid and I are looking at the different pitch backs and none of them are marked either!
It was pulling teeth to get a freakin price and nobody gave a ****.
I walked out half burning up and half laughing at the lunacy of the situation.

 

[fishologist II]

sports auth.

I live in Queens.A few years ago,a Sports Authority opened near Woodhaven Blvd. and Metropolitan Ave.I often pass it on the way home from work.
I buy there once in a while,but I usually have to hunt for a salesperson,and most of the time the clerk is not at all versed in fishing,these people I tell to go back to selling tennis rackets.On the rare occasion I find a knowledgable salesperson,I go back next week and cannot find him again.I think when they hire someone who knows the ropes,management sends him to the cellar or something.
The people there are basically stupid,and sometimes its easy to BS them .
And I recently found out the store manager is anti-hunting,so I don't think I will give them alot of my business in the future.
Pete

 

[nightwing34]

I've been in that sports authority as well. the fishing section definitely leaves a lot to be desired, and that's being very polite about things. the SA on northern blvd in woodside is a little better, but is still worse than a below-average local bait & tackle store. and the prices really aren't that much better. i'll gladly take a ride elsewhere to find a good tackle shop before going back to any SA.

 

[B.Attitude]

Fishologist II

I live near that store your talking about in Queens,the last time I bought something from a chain store was in the late 60's.It was a Royce union spinning reel bought in a Time Square store.LOL Even though I live in Queens,100% of my gear is bought out on the island in small shops like Causeway bait and tackle.These guys are great,they take care of me there.They have nice bait,quality tackle(not immitation)good advise on whats happening and where and if you go there enough they will do you right on the price too.I've been going there for about 16 yrs now and I became good friends with all of them in there.Stay away from the chains!!!

 

[621109]

I ALSO GO TO THIS SPORTS AUTHORITY. AND THEIR IS A GUY IN THEIR WHO IS ALWAYS VERY POLITE.. HELPS ME WITH ALL MY GEAR.. I ASK A QUESTION HE HAS AN ANSWER.... HES VERY INTO FISHING AND HELPS EVERYONE THEIR. THEIR IS ALSO ANOTHER GUY WHO IS HELPFUL. YOU CANT BLAME ALL OF THE PEOLE IN THIS STORES BUT, YOU ARE RIGHT... SOME OF THEM REALLY ARE ASSHOLEZZ

 

[ronzo]

re sa

The SA in Massapequa is OK! Nothing but polite service and cheaper than my favorite tackle shop prices... but I guess it may depend on the clerk at
the time as well.

 

[Tracker99]

Banning Sports Authority

I try to make as many of my fishing purchases from numerous tackle and Baits shops, but there are those occasions when I've resorted to purhasing tackle from Sports Authority. Unfortunately, most of the time it's been a fustrating experience. Most hooks for merchandise have a price sticker, but the merchandise never does. On several occasions I couldn't figure out the price and then had to go looking for a sales person, not always a easy task. Nothing like thinking a piece of tackle is $2.95, only to have the cashier ring it up for $6.95. Watch every transaction carefully so you don't have to go back for a refund. Every register by law must have a screen facing the consumer so you can see each item as it's rung up.

They ask everyone for their phone number. I questioned this and was told that it was to mail me promotional materials. I responded that I didn't want any, and that I've never received any. Just tell them that you have a unlisted number. The only time that they need your phone number and other ID is for a personal check. I always pay with a charge card.

I live and work in Suffolk county, so I'm very familar with Suffolk counties consumers laws. Here are some of the major ones that Sports Authority and other large retailers like Walmart don't follow:

1- All merchandise must be marked with the correct retail price.

2-All shelf labels must correctly reflect the regular sales price. Shelf labels are not required if the merchandise is clearly marked.

3-All sale signage must be placed below and infront of the sale merchandise.

4- Merchandise that is mismarked by an honest error like missed price increase of decrease doesn't require the merchant to honor that price, but if most or all of the product and shelf tag is at the wrong price, then they have to honor that price.

Complaints about errors in pricing and signage should be reported to Consumers Affairs. Fines up to $1,000 per item can be asseted to the retailer.

 

[622769]

Boy, the more i read, the more i dislike Sports Authority. It's a shame too because i saw this store go from "Very Good" to straight "****".
Correct me if i'm wrong, but it's turning into a clothing outlet. The only difference between them and "Bobs" is the tennis racket aisle!

 

[Calmwater]

I try and stay out of the Sports Authority, when they started acting like selling hand guns was something to be ashamed of, that was it for me.

 

[619623]

I agree with ronzo SA in massapequa has a few qualified fisherman in that section plus a fair amount tackle to choose from.I agree also that when i can i like giving mom and pop the biz too,the only thing is at times mom and pop give me the biz .I just got 2 spin reels 704z and another penn reel when i went to 3 differant mom and pop stores to price them and found SA saved me 25.00 on 1 reel and 30 on the other.If it was a matter of a few bucks its 1 thing but 55.00 is another matter.Dont know about you but im not rich and had to take advantage of the savings

 

[613098]

Kid,
You're sure right about Terminal Tackle. That is one great store!! I drive out there from Great Neck because their sevice, selection and professional help are the best. It's worth a little drive. The Sports Authority on Old Country Road is slowly sinking into the sunset. Fishing and hunting gear get less every day.
Paul
Paul

 

[bobfish]

For those guys in Queens, try Pro Fishing Tackle on 134-22 Northern Blvd in Flushing. Everything you need and very nice owners.