Big Ray's — Local services in Fairbanks

Went to Big Rays downtown Fairbanks to get an out of state fishing license, get an update on grayling fishing conditions, and buy some flies. Always try to patronage local businesses instead of chains, but won’t be going back to Big Rays.

Started out well, with one of the clerks in the fly fishing section asking me if I wanted help and getting the license form ready. But it went downhill fast from there. I asked him about conditions for grayling on the Chena. He said he didn’t know anything about grayling. When I asked him if anyone in the store did know anything about grayling, namely was it worth driving down the 100 miles to the Clearwater River at Delta Junction, he said no one in the shop could help me but the owner.

Unfortunately, the owner was out fishing. Maybe the owner should recruit some employees who know something about fishing before he heads out on his next trip.

I didn’t bother to ask for advise on which flies were working. Nor did I buy any flies. Will try...

Going to Big Ray’s was THE BEST decision. My group landed in Fairbanks with most of our layers, but two of us were missing snow pants that didn’t arrive in time. We walked in expecting a standard outdoors store, but were lucky enough to be greeted by Eli.

Eli talked us through everything — pros and cons of snow bib vs. snow pants, the ins and outs of different brands, and what to expect at Fairbanks. We talked about what we brought with us to get a second opinion, and he was super helpful and honest. He even showed us the best way to put on toe warmers and hunted in the back for a missing size! Really went above and beyond for us.

Every night we’d go aurora chasing, the happy customers in our group would comment something like: “Dude these pants are life changing. I can’t believe I feel pretty good in -10F weather. Shout out to our guy Eli!” It became a running joke, but in all seriousness — thanks Eli! Will be returning to Big Ray’s for our next...

Big Ray's had everything we needed and more. The prices were competitive, and fair. The products are high quality name brand. I point that out because while we were there someone was complaining Walmart was cheaper for the same "type" of clothes. That doesn't speak to the quality of the Walmart clothes to hold up or keep you dry and warm. "You get what you pay for" as the old saying goes. There was another female customer upset by the much smaller womans department. It's not that the store is sexist as she complained. As a retailer myself I understand that means only that much of a percentage of the stores customers were female so the only dedicate just a little larger than that to the woman. But they will special order for the woman. Also woman if you want them to carry more, shop there more. Beyond clothes they had a nice hunting/fishing/camping section. I will be a regular customer when we...