My hubby , is thinking of starting a portable tackle shop. We live close to two large lakes and would probably make a nice profit. BUT we cant locate any wholesalers in our area. Does anyone know of any in or close to Indiana. Thank you for your help in advance.

-- Kristean Thompson > fishing in Indiana (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), February 17, 2002

Answers

Wow, Rough business,Been there done that. You can do what I did when I started and go to your library and ask for a business phone book/yellow pages and then look under the heading "Fishing tackle wholesalers"

What part of Indiana you live?

-- TomK(mich) (tjk@cac.net), February 17, 2002.

www.cabelas.com is oneplace to start.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), February 18, 2002.

Kristean, I have thought of doing the same thing around here. In the spring spawning season you can go down to the big dams and people are standing elbow to elbow fishing. They are always making trips to the nearest store or tackle shop to buy what other people are catching fish on or to buy snacks. So I believe if you offer both tackle and snacks/pop you will have a good little part time business.

-- r.h. in okla. (rhays@sstelco.com), February 18, 2002.

Kristean,

Try Jerry's Sport Center, 800-234-2612. They have warehouses in PA, OH, KS, CT. They sell wholesale guns, and also fishing tackle.

-- Eric in ID (umm@nope.com), February 18, 2002.

Walmart has a good selection

-- Wally Walton (Wally@walmart.com), February 19, 2002.

Just noticed your question in the archives about wholesale tackle.

Go to merricktackle.com

or call 845-688-2216 (I know they have an 800 number but I do not remember it) They will send you a free tackle catalog. They are bigger and less expensive then Jerry's. They are located in the town of Shandaken in upstate NY. Free shipping if you order enough. Good Luck.

-- diane (greenwitch@catskillnativenursery.com), April 17, 2002.

Also just noticed the Walmart reply before my notice. I hope it's a joke but just in case...

Walmart has put out more Mom & Pop tackle business' then anyone. I know because I saw it happen on the east coast. Never carry anything Walmart has, you cannot compete with the price. Instead specialize in items that are special to your area (know any good fly tyers, lure makers etc.?) and unlike Walmart, look for quality instead of an inventory that is destined to end up in a landfill within the next 10 years. Regards...

-- diane (greenwitch@catskillnativenursery.com), April 17, 2002.