Bass Pro Shops celebrates outdoors

SW/ALL View--Damon Young looks at fishing poles at the Bass Pro Shops and Outdoor World, Friday, Jan. 14, 2005.--View Photo Christine H. Wetzel SW/ALL View--Damon Young looks at fishing poles at the Bass Pro Shops and Outdoor World, Friday, Jan. 14, 2005.--View Photo Christine H. Wetzel SW/ALL View--Damon Young looks at fishing poles at the Bass Pro Shops and Outdoor World, Friday, Jan. 14, 2005.--View Photo Christine H. Wetzel SW/ALL View--Damon Young looks at fishing poles at the Bass Pro Shops and Outdoor World, Friday, Jan. 14, 2005.--View Photo Christine H. Wetzel

Cast a line. Have a shoot-out. Learn about the animals of the West.

The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World opened inside the Silverton, Interstate 15 and Blue Diamond Road, last fall and patrons --- locals and tourists alike --- are learning what it means to want to fish, hike, camp, bike and climb in the desert.

The 165,000-square-foot store isn't the largest in the Bass Pro Shops chain, but it's the only store this side of Houston. Like the other stores, the Silverton location is geared to fill the niche of outdoor lovers in Las Vegas, one that is varied and surprising, said Ron Rupert, general manager.

Special prairie ghost camouflage was developed for this region, and Rupert found a demand for ice fishing, which is popular in Northern Nevada.

"If you think building a fishing store in the desert is a stretch, try a snow pattern (camouflage). The thought we wouldn't sell rain wear was blown out of the water," Rupert said. "You see all these different demands. Everyday is a laboratory here."

The reason for the demand for an array of supplies comes from the accessibility for hunters, fisherman, campers and climbers to travel to destinations and lug their equipment along with them, Rupert said.

"In six hours from here, you can be in a whole other environment, another landscape," he added. "There's plenty to see and plenty to do, and it's more than riding around in the desert."

The store has 500 animal mounts, from the California condor to the lions of the African safari, and six water features, which will eventually all be filled with Nevada's indigenous fish, including catfish, blue gill and trout. Casting demonstrations take place at some of the features on the weekends.

The store has an 18,000-square-foot fishing shop, where flies can be tied and everyone from beginners to the most advanced can get started.

"There's so much involved and you're constantly learning something. You're busy all the time," said Kenny Karchmer, a sales associate and fly fishing aficionado. "It's not just about catching the fish. It's being in the right picturesque destination. That's what makes it fun.

"We're all looking for what the fish really want. That's an ongoing battle."

John Padilla knows about Las Vegas' most picturesque destination, Red Rock Canyon. The former guide was brought to Bass Pro Shops to design the rock climbing wall, modeled after the red and orange rocks, and work on site as a manager.

With overhangs and three color-coded routes, anyone larger than 45 pounds can have a shot at beginning to more advanced climbs on the wall (the cost is $3 for three attempts).

"This was the first time I was able to use my own creative input," said Padilla, who designed natural cracks in the structure for his own climbing challenge. "I did it out of the love of what I do. I would've come on board for the love of what I do. It's been a good marriage of what I love to do and the skill it entails."

A Western shoot-out arcade game gets hunters in the mood, while golfers can hit a different kind of birdie during a game simulation with six courses.

Aside from sports, the Bass Prop Shops also supports local and national conservation groups, as well as the Boy Scouts of America.

"We respect the outdoors, and we respect anyone else who does as well," Rupert said. "People are getting more interested (in the outdoors). It's a healthy way of life."

Classes in most departments will begin in the spring, with field trips, of sorts, planned for later in the year.

The next event for the Bass Pro Shops includes a Spring Fishing Classic, Feb. 25 to March 6. Demonstrations and seminars will be conducted, including a presentation on the rules and regulations at Lake Mead by the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Casting contests and other activities are planned.

The Camping and Boating Classic, similar to the Spring Fishing Classic, is scheduled for April.

The store also is the home to the Las Vegas Fly Fishing Club, which meets on the third Tuesday of the month.