When I was presented the opportunity to relocate my family from Philadelphia to Jacksonville back in 2013, I recall logging onto the Bass Pro Shops website to see if there were any in the area. There weren’t, but one was noted as “coming soon”, and expected to open in 2014.
Well, it took a while, but that new St. Augustine Bass Pro location finally opened this November. Ten years later than advertised, but just in time for holiday shopping.
The location is equally convenient and inconvenient. It’s only 15 or 20 minutes from my house. Way closer than visiting the Harrisburg Bass Pro (or Hamburg Cabela’s) back when I lived in Pennsylvania. But it’s literally built right next to a Costco and the “Gas Pro Shops” otherwise known as Buc-ees. IYKYK. So the traffic in and around the new Bass Pro is kinda bonkers.
My wife and I visited the new Bass Pro on Friday night. We figured the “off hour” visit would make the trip less chaotic than going on a Saturday afternoon. And luckily, we made a good call!
It’s really a well appointed store. And it was decorated beautifully for Christmas. It was perhaps not the biggest location I’ve ever been to, but there was plenty of hunting, camping, and fishing gear. Plus, an endless assortment of boats, taxidermy, snacks, and Garth Brooks CDs…
There was even some fly fishing gear, although it was just confined to two short aisles among the rest of the fishing gear. Many other locations I’ve visited have a “fly shop” within the larger store. That said, there was way more fly gear than I thought I’d see, and unlike the other fly shops in Jacksonville that are (rightfully) overwhelming saltwater, there was actually quite a bit of what I’ll call “freshwater trout” stuff including rods, reels, flies, tying materials, and accessories. At least there are some options if I find myself in a pinch for tungsten beads or 7x tippet.
Overall, I really enjoyed the visit and I’d like to go back and spend a lot more time deliberately walking the aisles looking at all the thingamabobs and whatchamacallits. The first time at a new place like this just sensory overload.
While I’ll always try to shop small and local first, it’s good to have options, especially if you find yourself needing something like an oversized stuffed opossum.
Michael
Our Bass Pro Shop is located east of Birmingham in Leeds, Alabama, near Buc-ee’s. On weekends, it can be quite hectic with shoppers looking for food at Buc-ee’s and fishing tackle at Bass Pro. The last time I visited Bass Pro, I ended up buying a lot of items that I don’t use. Now, when I go there, I only look for specific items and nothing more!
I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!