Thread: Academy Sports coming to Paducah

Paducah needs a decent OUTDOOR sports store. Gander has been a huge disappointment, same as Dicks.

Personally, I'm much more excited with Menards coming to that development.

Jackson,Tn is building one now. I can't wait !!

The one in Nashville is where I get my slider grubs. Usually better prices and selection than bps.

I worked for academy for 2 years, very grounded company. Their approach is founded on the blue collar customer, giving options and solid pricing. I can't wait for them to build this store!

Gander Mountain and dicks are absolute jokes. I have been trading with mostly local shops at the lakes area since Dunns went under.

I've been extremely impressed with selection and prices of the Academy stores I visited in Mobile, AL and Elizabethtown, KY. The Gander Mountain and Dick's in Paducah are an absolute joke so Academy should do very well. This proposed development is within walking distance of the house so I'm going to be in so much trouble with the wife...

It was the most fun when the local tackle shops family owned around the lake were prosperous. They stocked all the lake specific stuff and specialty technique stuff. You could look at the different lures and terminal tackle and ask questions and find out how to fish an area. Man they had the live bait too. And the snagging and catfishing stuff for the tailwater....my Lord what an industry for so many years.Some shop owners were tight lipped until you became a regular. Once they saw you were there for the long haul,polite,and ready to spend money they would help.Miss the local restaurants too. Some are still there but not the same.

I remember when the road to the boat ramp below Kentucky dam had a big sign that stated " world's greatest catfish hole" or something along those lines. And let me tell you at that time it probably was. There was a little drive inn restaurant there, and another restaurant that had been well cared for but not remodeled since the early 60's probably. Had a real nostalgic look I forgot the name of it... and man the food...little "fiddler" cats caught fresh there and fried whole with the tail on ...man I loved those.

Sorry boys....I get a little weepy eyed and nostalgic just thinking about it.

Originally Posted by doggone

I remember when the road to the boat ramp below Kentucky dam had a big sign that stated " world's greatest catfish hole" or something along those lines. And let me tell you at that time it probably was. There was a little drive inn restaurant there, and another restaurant that had been well cared for but not remodeled since the early 60's probably. Had a real nostalgic look I forgot the name of it... and man the food...little "fiddler" cats caught fresh there and fried whole with the tail on ...man I loved those.


Sorry boys....I get a little weepy eyed and nostalgic just thinking about it.

You were referring to Dog-n-suds drive in and The Veep restaurant at Old Gilbertsville. All the bait shops there carried canned and frozen shad sides, cut and guts. Some had mussel meat canned. Catfishing below the dam was big business.

I'm not sure if it's the one you are thinking of, but I sure miss mug and suds in that area. Joe made the root beer himself and had a good cheese burger.