Tailored specifically for South Florida, the unit will feature an expansive saltwater fishing section in décor that brings the outdoors in. There will be a 25,000-sf boat showroom for the company's approximately half-dozen fishing boat brands and indoor aquariums and water features stocked with native fish species. The décor will utilize local historic photos, artifacts and exhibits and include fish and wildlife carvings on logs and rafters. A gift and nature section will carry cabin-style furniture and accessories, including lamps, dishes and bird feeders.

The store will conduct weekly outdoor skills workshops, available for free. It also plans to host meetings and field trips for Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and other organizations. According to Jim Hagale, Bass Pro Shops' president, collectively, the company's retail stores draw more than 75 million people a year from all over the US and many foreign countries. He claims the units are "among the largest tourist attractions within the states they are located."

"Landing an outstanding destination retailer such as Bass Pro Shops is a real plus for the area," says Pete Marrero, general manager of Dolphin Mall. Among its other anchors are Cobb Dolphin 19 Cinemas, a 34-lane Strike Miami bowling venue that includes food and entertainment, a 60,000-sf Dave & Buster's, Sam Ash Music, Burlington Coat Factory, Linens 'n Things, Marshall's, Sports Authority and Old Navy. In all, it has more than 240 retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues along with an 850-seat food court.

The retailer declined to disclose an estimated construction cost of the Dolphin Mall unit. Bass Pro currently has 26 retail locations in 14 states and Canada. Taubman Centers owns and/or manages 22 regional and super regional shopping centers in 10 states. Its Northlake Mall in Charlotte, NC is scheduled to open on Sept. 15 and the Pier at Caesars in Atlantic City is due to open in early 2006.