Fisherman's Marine & Outdoor — Local services in Oregon City

My boyfriend and I have long been Fisherman's customers. We went to this store a few times because it was close to the West Linn fishing dock where we decided to fish for sturgeon. On a Saturday in January we went in to buy some heavier gear and talked with a worker at the reel counter for some time before I dropped a few hundred dollars on a full sturgeon set-up.

After spending Sunday fishing with my new gear, I went back to the store to return the $90 Ugly Stick rod I'd bought. Although I understood why it was recommended it was far too big and heavy for me to use effectively. I didn't think there'd be any problem since I'd bought it barely 24 hours before and planned to immediately get a different rod.

The store manager was up front and upon my handing him the rod (and tags) he wrinkled his nose and complained it smelled. (We used herring bait, so the smell transferred to the spongy handle during fishing.) He handed it back to me and said he couldn't accept the return like that and told me to go clean it. I was taken aback by his attitude and embarrassed when other customers around started looking at me. Still, I went back outside, wiped it down best I could with wet wipes (which if you've ever fished before you know it did nothing) before going back in.

The manager looked at me like I was trying to rip him off as he continued to sniff the rod and complain he couldn't resell it like this. I repeatedly told him why I was returning it and that I'd only just bought it yesterday. He looked at me again, told me all about how great the rod was, and finally said, "So you basically just wanted to borrow the rod for the weekend..." I seriously couldn't believe this.

After this went on for about 15 minutes he finally accepted my return when I told him (AGAIN) I'd be buying a different rod.

This was absolutely the worst return experience I've ever had at a store. I was appalled that I was on trial for wanting to exchange something especially after spending so much money there to begin with.

It should be noted that I ended up returning the second rod (a Berkley Air) a week later due to the reel seat being so shallow that the reel kept falling out and nearly pulled into the river by a hooked sturgeon. This time, however, I went to the Fisherman's near my house (the Hayden Meadows one). The manager there took the return without ANY hesitation or issue and was super polite. The rod I bought to replace THAT one (Okuma SST) was a winner and I've since caught several fish and been very pleased with it. In fact, my boyfriend turned around and bought the exact same kind.

TL;DR: The customer service at this Oregon City Fisherman's is disgusting and I will NEVER shop...

I have gone in here on several occasions and had very Different experiences. The down stairs camping staff has always been great the few times I've needed them.

BUT!!!!

The Ammo / Gun counter, Are the rudest most impolite guys I've experienced while shopping for a Hand Gun, as well as ammo. I was not treated with respect or any sense of welcoming until I was talking prices ($600 S&W) and then suddenly the guy behind the counter seem interested for his commissions sake.

This form of customer service continues every time I come into this store, I got better customer service at Fred Meyer which is eventually where I bought my gun!

I agree with a Fellow Review in that they have hired a few cute chicks as you walk in the door as a distraction but the store's customer service level defiantly needs improving!

Final Verdict: Safe if you need camping gear AVOID guns and ammo unless you like being made to feel insignificant., plus you can find it...

The best fishing tackle and outdoor sporting goods store in Oregon by far! LA local Oregon company that really knows the local fishing scene. Their workers know their ish no matter what fish you're there to gear up and go after. They've got every pole, reel, lure and bait toy could want and need and they'll tell you exactly how to rig it up. They'll even tell you where guys are catching the most fish currently!!! I mean where else would you get that kind of service. I've been shopping at Fisherman's since I was a kid and the place hasn't changed a bit. They've also got hunting gear and firearms abs ammo add well. Their ammo is pretty cheap if you're just looking for plinking ammo like .22LR or 9mm. They have a nice selection of pistols, rifles, and shotguns as well so if you're looking for a new hunting rifle/ shotgun or a home defense pistol they've got you covered! It's a great store definitely...