Buying Bait or other gear online?

[JewellOutdoors]

Who buys leeches, crawlers, or other live bait online? What about other fishing gear? If you could get bait direct to your door at a good price - would you?

[Mr.Seaguar]

I have bought icefishing bait online several times. I will probably buy leeches this yr online. I dont know what a good price @ # is but it has to be cheaper then $4 a dozen so I will just buy them from the guys I bought maggots from.

[opsirc]

I have bought alot of gear off [the auction site] without any problems. most of it is new or almost new condition and save a bundle in the process.

[LOTWSvirgin]

I have bought alot of gear off [YouNeedAuthorization] without any problems. most of it is new or almost new condition and save a bundle in the process.

Same here no problems.

[traveler]

I try to buy local, but have dealt with the big mail order/now online firms for years. Also some of the newer strictly online merchants. I buy some saltwater tackle so I can't get that locally, and i gotta say, I love the no questions (or raised eyebrows, whatever) return policies of most online retailers. Haven't tried bait online, but I don't use much live bait lately. If I did, I'd probably give it a try.

[Sandmannd]

I've got a lot of things off the web and c-list. Also, you can order bait from Vados online.

[Tuds75]

I used an certain online auction to buy lures that are not being made anymore and thus off the market. Also its a great way to purchase bundles of lures at a 1/3 or less of the normal price.

Certain online auctions are also a great place to sell old, unwanted and rarely used lures from your own tackle box.

[deadeye]

I had to get my euros from vados online when I lived up in ely. It always worked out great for me. Im not really sure if im game for leeches and crawlers in the mail though. They are kinda fragile with tempuratures.

[moparmarv]

I have not bought bait online but I have bought any other fishing items online from auction and stores and have been very happy with the purchases

[WyoChris]

I don't get the same euphoria online as I do when I walk into gander mountain or cabelas. So no, I don't buy online.

[Marbleye'd]

I got my berkley lightning rods off the "E" and It was still MN store. It was a good deal, I will try Vados for night crawlers this summer.

[prov1900]

Anyone know any salted minnow wholesaler/retailer? I am too lazy to make my own.

[Esox_Magnum]

I buy 80% of my tackle online, mostly stuff I can't get local, bait I get at the local shop. I buy leeches by the pound ( $18 a pounds cheaper than $3 a dozen) I'm not a crawler fan so maybe only buy a few dozen a year. Ice bait I also buy local in bulk since I go through it fast.

[iwishinifishin]

Last year I was in Ely and someone recommended a bait & tackle shop as a "must see". I was in awe the second I walked in the door. However; in talking with the owner of the place, he explained to me how he prices his stuff.

He said that there is a Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) that all retailers must abide by (unless it's a clearance or sale item). So, he said that even though he advertises & sells online & does a lot of business online, that speaking with someone directly is the only way he can negotiate. He can't advertise that he is willing to negotiate prices but is more than happy to if someone asks.

Since he competes directly with some of the big box retail outfits, he said he has to be careful with the MAP - the other retailers watch him & have turned him in to manufacturers.

So...my point is that if you really want to save money, call to ask if they are willing to cut a deal - this especially works at privately owned tackle shops but not each & every time.