Big Box vs. Brown Bag

[IceGrizz]

So, I caved in this year and bought a Jet Sled 1 (the snow got too deep!). Always used my home made gear sled prior. After, maybe, 10 uses this season I devloped a small hole in one of the back corners. I emailed several suppliers looking for the wear bars that go on the bottom. Guess who I heard from?
Alan at AJ's Bait in Meredith. I sent him an e-mail through his website link. Literally, 5mins after I sent it I got a reply. He said he had one left and would get back to me first thing this morning to let me know how much it was.
First thing this morning came and he was Johnny on the spot! Put the wear bars on hold for me because I had a ways to drive. I walked in said I think you're holding something for me. She said oh yes Tom. Here they are!
He gave me a hell of a deal too. I won't tell you how much because we shouldn't expect a "deal" when spending our money in his shop.
Big Box "Pro" shops? Not for me....
Guys who bring their lunch to work in a brown bag like the rest of us is the way to go. Never have I had a bad experience at AJ's. From buying bait to asking stupid questions. He's a stand up guy.
And NO I do NOT work there or know him personally.....althoug h I wouldn't mind having a friend like him.

Cheers to the little guy!! You'll get my business from now on!!!

[fishingidjit]

The "little guy" always gets my business if at all possible.

[NH piker]

AJ's is the best!  I was always afraid of trying the big lake thinking I would get lost out there. After going into AJ's for some lure's and then hitting him up with some questions he was so helpfull and talked me into trying the big lake. He suggested 4 lures which I bought and he also told me of a place to try out and sure enough all 4 lures caught fish and I still fish this spot after 4 years now and I have never been skunked. I am going to try and search many other area's of the lake and I'm sure I'll be asking many more questions from the folks at AJ's....

[IceGrizz]

I should add that, I PM'd another "little guy" who is a sponsor of IceShanty and still have yet to hear from him.

Next season I'm going to focus on catching more whites and lakers (both eluded me this year). They're just so much fun. AJ's will be a regular stop. Hahaha

[jimmyrig]

  Your statement is very true! AJ's Always treats us right as well! New store is much nicer as well! I go to some of those big box outfitter stores often with my wife and kids, it is a fun day trip and we usually grab some good food nearby..... but consequently, we usually leave the place without making a purchase. It is fun to just walk around and look.

  Jimmy

[Chris338378]

I buy at the little guys or mom and pop shops as much as I can because they really appreciate my business and are by far nicer to deal with.  The one that I deal with the most always welcome me and say thank you for coming in even if I don't buy anything on that trip.  If they don't have something I want they do their best to track it down and get it in, which in most cases is within two weeks. 

[perch boy]

That is all personal preference I guess.

[justatrout]

AJs is a great place they are always willing to help

[carpzilla]

I love my brown bag, and a small box.

[IceGrizz]

If I didn't live an hour away from AJ's I'd be in there all the time. If for nothing else, just to shoot the sh**.

However, if the Big Bix Pro Shops has a reel I want for $20 less than anyone else then obviously  I'd go there. But in my experience, the big stores Jack up the price on the little things and you pay more for that. Such as soft plastics for open water bass.