Best Hunting/Fishing/Outdoor Store

May 20, 2011 2:15 pm

Bass Pro Shop, 6425 Daniel Burnham Dr., Portage, IN 46368, (219) 787-6800, basspro.com

Step into one of the country's 60 Bass Pro Shop and it's like you're stepping into another world. With taxidermy looming overhead, to the side, behind you; huge aquariums filled with fish of the Great Lakes; waterfalls sounding like river rapids ready for a raft; shooting ranges with targets on duck decoys and unsuspecting cardboard opossums; Bass Pro Shop is an outdoor person's dream. Guns, tents, barbeques, clothing, flashlights, fishing rods, hiking shoes, bows and arrows, ATVs, electronic fish finders, sunglasses, golf clubs, and more. And then there's the boats. In 1978, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris introduced the Bass Tracker aluminum boat package to the world. It was the first time anglers could purchase a boat as a complete ready-to-fish package. It came with a custom trailer, fish finder, trolling motor and power-matched outboard motor. Bass Pro Shops still specializes in fishing boats today with their enormous boat showroom, allowing clients to customize their own boat.

SECOND PLACE

Cabela's, 7700 Cabela Drive, Hammond, IN 46324, (219) 845-9040, cabelas.com

THIRD PLACE

Blythe's, 2810 Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383, (219) 462-4412, ihuntishoot.com