Bass Pro Shops — Local services in San Carlos Park

This is my second one star review since purchasing our boat from Bass Pro two years ago this past May. The whole purchase was terrible, our brand new boat had numerous problems as soon as it was put into the water which included it not having reverse! Our boat has been in and out of Bass Pro for months at a time for warranty work, most of the time things that were supposed to be corrected were not. Our boat was backed into May of 2023, we made a claim with our insurance company and contacted Bass Pro for a pontoon to be replaced. Again, May of 2023. We kept calling and were told appointments were being scheduled months in advance and they’d contact us when they had one available. We never heard back, after many calls we were able to get a drop off date of 04/27/24. We dropped the boat off, we were told that the pontoon would take months to arrive but the boat yet again had many issues that needed to be corrected as it is still under warranty. The boat sat in their storage lot uncovered in the Florida heat and rain for three months before the “warranty “ work was completed. Still no new Pontoon. Upon picking it up on 07/27/24 we noticed a gouge in the other pontoon, the flooring discolored, the tacks on the dash have condensation inside, holes on the trim, random screws under the seats, the captains console area and surround is bubbling and cracking , the foot pad appears to have shrunk and other pieces damaged from the elements. The ratchet is bowed out. When we purchased our boat we also purchased a very expensive cover which is on our boat at all times. The service manager took note of the gouge and scraped areas he also took photos. He assured us that they would be in contact with a resolution. We have yet to receive any communication. We then made a complaint with the BBB which has since been closed due to Trish Wolfe the customer service supervisor stated that we would be contacted. We have yet to be contacted by either Bass Pro corporate or the local store. Just wanted to note that we purchased our boat May of 2022 and it has spent more time at Bass Pro then it has in the water. Total hours on our boat as of this recent service was 60 hours! We have to pay monthly for something that we cannot use! This has been the worst experience ever! We purchased this boat to relax and spend time with our family. We have had to rent boats when family members visit due to ours not being available. The follow through that we have not received has been almost devastating. The point of purchasing a BRAND NEW BOAT was so we didn’t have to worry about anything for years and since day one this has been an absolute nightmare! It’s like they are waiting for our warranty to run out (3 years) so we are stuck. Also, there is no other shop that will work on a Sun Tracker except Bass Pro and the next closest one is almost two hours from us. In my opinion this company doesn’t care about it’s customers, their personal property or following through with absolutely anything. Here are just some of the photos we have plenty more along with work orders of everything that has not worked correctly since...

Called ahead before driving over one hour plus per way. Wow. How do you rate bad service and lack of passion or education from more a employee or management? Counted 10 plus sales guys in gun area. This was the most embarrassing service I've experienced. I've been to this store many of times before. Had a great experience with a manager on duty before. Asked him if he was still a manager, while there. However on 8/13, I figured I got a newer young employee simply not knowing the product or being trained properly. Explained Hey I'm that guy that has a lot of questions and would like to pick your brain on this product even though we have a few units. Can you help me? Also I've drove here to buy one if possible. Can you please bring out the other copies of this unit. By the way, Sorry. My name is Adam what is your name? So he goes and gets the other units and another guy in a black shirt takes over assuming he is the manager based on black shirt unlike everyone's else green shirt and that he was asking others to take back what I did not need. Explained and asked him after picking one out. Hey, do you matching prices as other stores will do? He stated brick and mortal, yes. I pulled the store up on line and showed him the price. He, simply stated let me check with my manager. Then stated he had never heard of one of the larger stores in the US. I was perplexed by how lack of knowledge he presented. However no big deal move on. So this just happen with two different individuals because the young man hand it off to him to help me. So after a few minutes he comes back. I stated I would like a out the door number to be ($19.00 difference). Then simply stated hey I'll just let you match this other stores number and I'm good ($9.90) difference. So the guy comes back and says: "We can only match smaller stores numbers not a big box store number." I repeated what he said, out loud. I then stated sorry, you really just said that? Do you hear what you are saying? Your identity to a small store can only be meet with their numbers. Are you kidding me? Your identity is all the same. A store selling and servicing. He simply looked at me. I stated to my wife hey lets leave. Drove over one hour and the principal is not worth. Honey I'm sorry my fault, I'll never come here again based on lack of service knowledge and commonsense. Also you should never need to lie to a client or bs one. The department either needs a manager that cares or training. Happy to go to a couple local shops near me and spend my money in my county. Will not spend my money in this big box store again. I recommend you thinking out how and why these big box stores are in business. You are treated as another number and you need to educate yourself over counting on there titles as a company or name tag. Bass Pro ??? I, believe now they have spelled the name of the...

When I visited Bass Pro Shops at Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers, Florida, I was expecting a typical outdoor store, but what I found was more like an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It’s huge—over 100,000 square feet—designed like a rustic lodge, and from the moment you walk in, you’re transported into an immersive environment that makes shopping feel like part of the adventure. Whether you’re into fishing, hunting, boating, or just love the outdoors, this place has something for everyone.

One of the first things that caught my attention was the fishing section. As someone who loves the Gulf Coast’s waters, I was impressed with their selection of rods, reels, bait, and tackle—everything you could possibly need for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. They even sell boats, kayaks, and all the accessories to go with them. For anyone who spends time on the water, it’s a one-stop shop. The boating section really stood out, not just because of the variety but because of how knowledgeable the staff is about the local fishing scene and boating regulations.

If hunting is more your thing, you won’t be disappointed either. The hunting department is stocked with everything from firearms and ammo to archery gear. There’s also a massive selection of camo clothing and other essentials like tree stands and game cameras. Even if you’re new to hunting, the staff is more than willing to help you find exactly what you need.

For the campers, Bass Pro has a great selection of tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor cooking gear. I was surprised to find everything from portable stoves to coolers that can keep ice for days—perfect for extended trips. And, of course, the outdoor clothing selection is impressive, with options that are not only functional but look good, too.

What really sets this store apart is how much of an experience it is. They have a giant indoor aquarium filled with native fish species, which is especially fun for the kids. It’s one of those things that make this more than just a shopping trip—it’s a destination. The wildlife mounts and detailed decor throughout the store add to the atmosphere, making you feel like you’ve stepped into the wilderness.

Bass Pro Shops frequently host workshops and events, ranging from fishing and hunting clinics to kids’ activities. I’ve attended one of their fishing demos before, and it was both informative and fun. They make learning about outdoor activities accessible to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started.

Another bonus is the convenience. The Gulf Coast Town Center has plenty of dining and shopping options nearby, so it’s easy to spend a whole day in the area. While this particular Bass Pro location doesn’t have an in-store restaurant like some others, there are plenty of places to grab a...