Bass Pro Shops is a retail chain that sells fishing, hunting, boating, and camping gear

Bass Pro Shops operates physical stores and a website where you can buy rods, reels, tackle, hunting rifles and ammunition, boats, camping tents, backpacks, and outdoor clothing. The chain also runs a rewards program called Club membership that gives you points on purchases. Most locations include an indoor aquarium, a shooting range, or a boat showroom as part of the store layout.

The company was founded in 1972 and is now one of the largest outdoor retailers in the United States. Stores are located in most states, though not all regions have a location nearby. You can shop in person or order online for home delivery or in-store pickup.

Key Takeaways

  • Bass Pro Shops sells fishing tackle, hunting gear, camping equipment, boats, and outdoor apparel across hundreds of physical locations and online.
  • The Club membership program tracks your purchases and gives you points that convert to discounts, though membership itself is free to join.
  • You can return items within 60 days with a receipt, or within 30 days without one, though some categories like ammunition have stricter policies.
  • Many stores include shooting ranges, aquariums, or boat docks, so visiting in person offers a chance to see and test equipment before buying.
  • Price matching is available in-store and online if you find a lower price at a competitor, though some exclusions explore.

How the Club membership program works

Club membership is free to join and tracks every purchase you make at Bass Pro Shops. You earn points on most items — typically one point per dollar spent — and those points accumulate in your account. Once you reach a certain threshold, the points convert into a discount certificate you can use on future purchases.

You sign up in-store at the register or online through the Bass Pro Shops website. You provide your name, email, and phone number. After that, every time you shop, you give your phone number or scan your membership card at checkout, and the purchase is recorded to your account. The conversion rate and point thresholds vary, so check your account or ask in-store for current details.

The membership also gives you early access to sales and sometimes special pricing on certain items. You receive email notifications about promotions tied to your membership. There is no annual fee, and you can cancel anytime by contacting customer service.

Return and exchange policies by category

Bass Pro Shops allows returns within 60 days if you have a receipt, or within 30 days without one. Most items can be returned for a full refund or exchanged for another item. However, some categories have different rules.

Ammunition and firearms cannot be returned once purchased, except in cases of defect. Live bait and certain perishable items are final sale. Clearance items marked as such are often non-returnable. If you buy something online and want to return it, you can ship it back or return it to a physical store if one is nearby.

Damaged or defective items are replaced or refunded regardless of the time frame. If you discover a problem after 60 days, contact customer service with photos and your receipt. Some gear like boats or high-end fishing equipment may have manufacturer warranties that extend beyond the store return window.

Price matching and how to use it

Bass Pro Shops will match a lower price you find at another retailer, both in-store and online. You need to show proof of the competitor's price — either bring the item's listing on your phone or print out the webpage. The price must be from an authorized retailer selling the same item in the same condition.

Some items are excluded from price matching, including clearance merchandise, items on final sale, and certain brands that have resale restrictions. Ammunition and firearms are typically excluded as well. If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, ask a staff member before checkout.

Price matching applies to the final sale price, not bundle deals or promotional packages. If a competitor is running a "buy one, get one" offer, Bass Pro Shops will not replicate that exact deal, but they may adjust the price of the item itself.

Shopping online versus in-store

The Bass Pro Shops website lets you browse the full inventory, read customer reviews, and check stock at nearby stores before you go. You can order online for delivery to your home or arrange in-store pickup, which is often faster than shipping. Shipping costs vary by item weight and destination.

Shopping in person has advantages if you want to see and handle gear before buying. You can test a fishing rod's action, try on a jacket, or sit in a boat. Staff members are usually available to answer questions about specific products. Many locations have aquariums or shooting ranges you can visit while you shop.

Online prices are sometimes different from in-store prices, so check both before making a decision. Your Club membership points accumulate whether you shop online or in-store. If you order online and pick up in-store, you typically avoid shipping costs.

What to bring when you shop for firearms or ammunition

If you plan to buy a firearm, bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Federal law requires a background check, which happens at the register. The process takes a few minutes to several hours depending on the background check system's speed. You must be at least 18 years old for rifles and shotguns, or 21 for handguns.

Ammunition purchases also require an ID in most states, though some states have additional restrictions. Bass Pro Shops staff can tell you what your state requires before you buy. If you fail a background check or do not meet age requirements, your purchase is denied and you cannot get a refund.

Some states require a permit to carry a firearm, and Bass Pro Shops does not issue permits — you obtain those through your local law enforcement agency. Staff can point you toward the right office in your area.

Finding a store location and hours

Use the store locator on the Bass Pro Shops website to find the nearest location. Enter your zip code and the tool shows all stores within a set distance, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Some stores are open seven days a week, while others have reduced hours on certain days.

Call ahead if you are looking for a specific item, especially if it is a specialty product or a popular size. Staff can check inventory and hold items for you for a limited time. During peak seasons — spring for fishing and fall for hunting — stores can be crowded, so shopping on weekday mornings is often faster.

Many locations have restaurants or snack bars inside, so you can take a break while you shop. Some stores are attached to Tracker boat dealerships or have additional services like fishing guide booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return something I bought online to a physical store?

Yes, most online purchases can be returned to any Bass Pro Shops location within the standard 60-day window with a receipt. Bring your order confirmation or receipt, and staff will process the return. Some items like ammunition or firearms cannot be returned at all, regardless of where you bought them.

Do I have to be a Club member to shop at Bass Pro Shops?

No, Club membership is optional. You can shop and pay without joining. However, membership is free and gives you points on purchases, so there is no downside to signing up at checkout if you plan to shop there more than once.

What is the difference between Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's?

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's are both large outdoor retailers, but they are separate companies. Bass Pro Shops focuses more on fishing and boating, while Cabela's emphasizes hunting and firearms. Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela's in 2017, but they still operate as distinct brands with different store locations and websites.

Can I order something online and pick it up the same day?

Same-day pickup depends on whether the item is in stock at your nearest store and how close you are to that location. Check the website when you order — it will tell you if same-day pickup is available. If it is not, standard pickup usually takes one to three business days.

Does Bass Pro Shops sell used or refurbished gear?

Most Bass Pro Shops locations sell only new merchandise. However, some stores have clearance sections with returned or display items at reduced prices. These items are still new, just marked down. Refurbished or used gear is not typically sold through Bass Pro Shops directly, though you may find it through third-party sellers on their website.