Walking into a Bass Pro Shops location feels like more than just a store — it’s an immersive experience for outdoor lovers. From the moment you pass through the doors, you’re greeted by a sweeping panorama of hunting, fishing, camping, and gear displays, along with dioramas, aquariums, and wildlife decor that set a nature-inspired tone.
Product Selection & Variety
One of Bass Pro’s biggest strengths is its breadth of inventory. Whether you’re looking for fishing tackle, hunting rifles, camping equipment, boating supplies, outdoor apparel, or accessories, the store often has a far deeper and more comprehensive selection than more general sporting goods chains. This makes Bass Pro a one-stop shop for many outdoor needs. Even boat and marine gear divisions are integrated into many locations, which is a bonus for those who want to browse everything under one roof.
Atmosphere & Store Experience
It’s clear a lot of thought goes into the store layout and design. Themed displays, live fish tanks, mounted wildlife exhibits, and cabin-style décor give it an adventurous, lodge-style feel. Many people say just walking around the store is fun — you might stop and admire a fish tank, a display of archery gear, or the outdoorsman’s cabins they’ve built into the layout.
Employees tend to be more than just cashiers — many are enthusiasts themselves and can offer advice, help with gear matching, or share knowledge about local hunting/fishing spots (depending on the store). On a recent visit, I had staff members point me toward the best rod for my style, and even give tips on rigging my set up for local lakes. Their passion shows.
Pricing & Value
Because Bass Pro carries premium and specialty outdoor gear, some items come with premium price tags. But they also run seasonal promotions, “outdoor classics” sales, and clearance events that make gear more accessible. For those committed to an outdoor lifestyle, the value of having high-quality, specialized gear under one roof often balances out the premium pricing.
However, some customers report that certain items or brands are priced higher compared to online only retailers or local niche shops. (In online forums, some anglers say Bass Pro’s lure or tackle pricing can be higher than smaller specialty retailers.) 
Service, Returns & Challenges
For the most part, customer service is friendly and helpful — staff are willing to get you gear, answer technical questions, or walk you through product features. That said, in busier locations or peak shopping times, staffing shortages or crowding can lead to delays or difficulty locating a team member.
Return policies are generally fair, but a few customers have reported frustrating experiences when trying to return or exchange certain items (especially after a long time or with specialty items).  Also, there have been complaints via the Better Business Bureau about delayed deliveries, catalog price misprints, or warranty disputes. 
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about the outdoors — whether fishing, hunting, camping, or boating — Bass Pro Shops is a compelling destination. The scope of its inventory, the immersive setting, and the knowledgeable staff make it more than just a store — it’s a hub for outdoor lifestyle. Just go in with reasonable expectations about pricing and, on busy days, patience.