What's going on with lack of inventory? I was in the Nanaimo store 3 weeks ago to get Bradley smoker pucks, and the shelves were bare. They only have to be brought over from the mainland, and isn't this the time of year when we are smoking our seasons catch. Phoned today for Bradley racks, got none, how about smoker pucks, sorry out of stock. This isn't the only department lacking inventory. My question then is this, are they going under or is the Nanaimo store going bye bye.

Yep, went there to buy some wading boots amd they had about 10 different brands and not a single pair of size 11 available. Huh?????

We've had that problem allot, they seem to get a shipment in and if all the green buzzbombs or a certain hook size sell out then that's it no more till next season. I used to go there all the time and the inventory is always spotty, but you know what, I'd rather spend my money at the Harbour Chandler or Gone Fishin, so that's what we do now. I'm tired of big box stores in general, we just shoot our selves in the collective foot when we stop shopping at the smaller places and they go out of business, all in the name of saving a couple of bucks.

Their stock situation is getting worse it seems. Was there in August and there were all out of Bradley alder pucks. We were told that none were available from Bradley (yeah right)! It was more of a case of not ordering enough to meet demand and when the stock runs out you have to wait months or till next season to get more. Dumb way to run a business. I agree with others - support your smaller, local business - you usually get way better service. My 2 bits.

I went in looking for a specific fly line. They didnt have it and told me that from now on they were only doing store-to-store transfers and no new orders. They wouldn't even order the line in for me.

Harbour Chandler in Nanaimo for your saltwater needs.
Robinson's in Victoria for fly fishing.
Cowichan Fly and Tackle is great too.

I hear a lot of the smaller stores have a "Tourist price" and a "Locals price" and everything seems to be negotiable. I don't like an industry that gouges like that. That drives people to the big boxes with the good marked prices. Or like me drives them to make their own. Wow when did I turn into a cheap ass grump?

Retail has always been like that especially for larger purchases-if you don't ask then you'll never find out will you?


That is not in any way gouging.


Big boxes will do it too you just have to know how to approach people-usually management.

Start by asking if they take credit cards and say "Well this is a cash deal what can you do for me" if they won't do anything walk out.

And my Dad made a lot of his own gear in fact most things he could see a picture of he could make and what he fabricated was often better/stronger/sharper/more efficient-that's the nature of humanity.