Hello everyone. I have been a member on here for some time. I kinda fell off the radar for a few years but I was recently giving the opportunity to run the retail operations for a Michigan Company. The company recently opened their 1st brick and mortar retail location(roughly 6200 square feet) next to the Clinton River Cutoff Boat Launch.
What I am hoping to do is get info from you guys on what type of tackle you would like to see in the store. We are working with a few GLB sponsors and carrying their products in the store. But we are wanting to know what you guys want to see.
Some of the people we are working already.
Economical Bass Bait
Garneau Baits
Case Plastics
and Nemesis to name a few.
The whole focus of this company is to work with the smaller high quality tackle markers out there and build their brands and take them National and help build there sales in the area and throughout North America.
So lets here what you guys feel a dream tackle shop should have for you guys.Thanks for any input you give me.I look forward to hearing from everyone.
Gene Larew baits, Net Baits, Extreme Baits(Wayne Carpenter), Mike's Rx baits, Spro baits. That is a great spot to have a Tackle Shop. I didn't really want to mention these baits but they are the best and by all means keep some Extreme Tackle on hand.
So lets here what you guys feel a dream tackle shop should have for you guys.
everything! [REMOVED - see No Links Policy List (http://www.greatlakesbass.com/forum/index.php?topic=11129.0)] in Michigan???
Honestly, with all the personal preferences with tournament anglers, I can't imagine trying to stock a brick and mortar store to compete with online stores. But sticking to providing the high volume basics tubes, jigheads, dropshot baits weights....etc right at the ramp could work.
I know it's been said but you must have Xtreme baits. Wayne's a sponsor here, but also he specializes on colors and patterns that work on Clair.
Also Poor Boys baits. The same people that will fish Clair very often fish Erie as well.
Also I don't know if Terry sells to stores or not, but Lunch Money Lures carries some colors and things that Wayne does not. Same with Poor Boys.
Quote from: huston on January 24, 2012, 11:04:25 AM
Gene Larew baits, Net Baits, Extreme Baits(Wayne Carpenter), Mike's Rx baits, Spro baits. That is a great spot to have a Tackle Shop. I didn't really want to mention these baits but they are the best and by all means keep some Extreme Tackle on hand.
I wanted to carry his product but he choose to not let us stock his product at this time. I would love to have his stuff in our shop.He is more then welcome to bring his product into our shop at anytime.
Who are you referring to by 'he?' Do you mean Wayne Carpenter?
Quote from: djkimmel on January 24, 2012, 04:09:44 PM
Who are you referring to by 'he?' Do you mean Wayne Carpenter?
Yes
Dan Did you get my phone message from today.
If anyone has a phone for Netbait can you PM me. I might have missed it on there website but I couldn't find it.
Quote from: raisinrat on January 24, 2012, 04:13:24 PM
Quote from: djkimmel on January 24, 2012, 04:09:44 PM
Who are you referring to by 'he?' Do you mean Wayne Carpenter?
Yes
Dan Did you get my phone message from today.
I'll ask him about it. I think I know why he is doing that for now. When did your new tackle shop open? What is it called?
I will send you a message about your voice mail. I was running slow on messages today so I'm just getting through the final ones now. Sorry about that.
Quote
I'll ask him about it. I think I know why he is doing that for now. When did your new tackle shop open? What is it called?
I will send you a message about your voice mail. I was running slow on messages today so I'm just getting through the final ones now. Sorry about that.
The store opened up just after x-mas. It's Sportsmen's Direct. (http://www.sportsmensdirect.com) We where a web only based business until this property fell into our laps and we couldn't pass it up.
He told me why and I understood where he was coming from and I have to respect that decision that he made. It is rare to see someone make that call in today's business world.
As far as tubes, personally I would like to see Mizmo tubes. Their quality and consistency is excellent.
Love Netbait.
Optimum Baits Baby Line thrus are great swimbaits for smallmouth!!!
I have gotten some very helpful PM and keeps the suggestion coming guys.
I like the local venders you have listed, especially Nemesis. Brian's gobies are KILLER on St. Clair.
I'd say Reaction Innovations but you will hate their replenishment process... back orders take forever to fill (if they ever get filled). Love the Beaver though!!
Then there are the perenial favorites... Strike King, Spro, Yum, Yamamoto, etc...
Quote from: Waterfoul on January 26, 2012, 01:46:48 PM
I like the local venders you have listed, especially Nemesis. Brian's gobies are KILLER on St. Clair.
I'd say Reaction Innovations but you will hate their replenishment process... back orders take forever to fill (if they ever get filled). Love the Beaver though!!
Then there are the perenial favorites... Strike King, Spro, Yum, Yamamoto, etc...
Mike,
Never tried Brian's goby's on LSC
But I've yet to find a inland Lake that they didn't work
And if you recieved back orders from Scott your doing better then most folks
You should get C-flash and bite-me jigheads in there, they would sell easy...
Sounds like it should be a great store, how far is that from the Metro Park?
Quote from: bigjc on January 26, 2012, 07:49:57 PM
Sounds like it should be a great store, how far is that from the Metro Park?
We are very close to it. Here is a link to a Google map of where we are.The park is north of us.
http://g.co/maps/3fhgw (http://g.co/maps/3fhgw)
Wow... you're within walking distance of the Crocker Ramp. Nice location. Put Zoom on you list too.
And I'd be remiss if I didn't say you HAVE to carry baits from Kustom Kicker Jigs, good friends of mine AND they are a GLB sponsor!!
I can guarantee I'll be in the first week of May. :)
to add or second the motion: Brians Gobies, Extreme, Nemesis, NetBait, Mangler, basic tubes, senkos, Northland products?, Zoom Baits. Keeping it local (Michigan made) and USA would be great. Thanks for asking. Keep pricing reasonable and to make yourself a good margin. Best of Luck and will definitely stop by the brick store and peruse the website.
How about spinner baits guys would you be ok with a good selection of brands like Strike King and Booyeah. I have been looking at some of the smaller makers and not finding the margins we need.
Also give me some feed back on crankbaits.
Lipless
Shallow divers
Deep
Stickbaits
Suspending
Right now I have a line of cranks and Frogs from Jack-It Products. I have thrown a few of his and he is based here in Michigan and they have all ran true and his frog looks just like the Spro frogs.
Venom, crooked creek and Poor boy.
Zipper Worm Company. Drop shot baits.... www.zipperwormcompany.com
Quote from: 1morecast on January 28, 2012, 04:26:15 PM
Zipper Worm Company. Drop shot baits.... www.zipperwormcompany.com
Talk to me
Hi, I just sent you an email. :)
Looking for thoughts on Crankbaits guys .
Right now we are looking at Strike King,X-CALIBUR, Spro, Lucky Craft, Rapala and some loca guys.
Would like to hear your guys thoughts on these lines and any others you might have in mind.
The Jack-it cranks are local and looked really nice at the Novi show. Cheetam's custom crankbaits are awesome!
C-Flash and RAM Custom Baits (local the GR area)
Quote from: raisinrat on January 30, 2012, 08:25:02 AM
Looking for thoughts on Crankbaits guys .
Right now we are looking at Strike King,X-CALIBUR, Spro, Lucky Craft, Rapala and some loca guys.
Would like to hear your guys thoughts on these lines and any others you might have in mind.
Sent you a PM........
C-Flash for sure. Made in Fremont Indiana.
Also PoorBoys baits, definitely the darter.
Darters and C-flash crankbaits don't work
Quote from: LGMOUTH on January 31, 2012, 03:26:30 PM
C-Flash for sure. Made in Fremont Indiana.
Also PoorBoys baits, definitely the darter.
Nope. Not worth having in the boat, especially that silly darter. ::)
;D
Quote from: customfishn on January 31, 2012, 06:45:48 PM
Darters and C-flash crankbaits don't work
I actually like to hear that. Just helps me out more. ;)
What brand of rods are you carrying. I recently picked up a Dodyns Savvy and found it to a great rod. They may be worth checking out since locals like Scott Dobson and Gerry Gostenik are using them. Gerry does well over 200 guide trips a year on St. Clair and exposes a lot of different people to the product and Dobson has been ruling on the LSC tournament scene for the last few seasons. I don't think any other local retailers are selling them either.
"The Jack-it cranks are local and looked really nice at the Novi show. Cheetam's custom crank baits are awesome!"
Ditto on both counts.
The Jack it lures are: "Japanese technology at half the price".
At least that's what the guy told me when I bought 2 and won 3 in the raffle. Have yet to try them in water, but they come with VMC hooks and the paint and finish look really great.
Quote from: MBFT on February 03, 2012, 01:38:06 PM
What brand of rods are you carrying. I recently picked up a Dodyns Savvy and found it to a great rod. They may be worth checking out since locals like Scott Dobson and Gerry Gostenik are using them. Gerry does well over 200 guide trips a year on St. Clair and exposes a lot of different people to the product and Dobson has been ruling on the LSC tournament scene for the last few seasons. I don't think any other local retailers are selling them either.
As of right now we are able to special order any St. Croix rod for you guys. If there is any other rod brand your looking for just shot me a message and I can see what I can do. We are setup with some very good companies and are able to special order many other brands of rods. Same goes for reels if your looking for something let me know and I can see what I can do for you.
I am checking into ordering some Abu reels for a guy on Monday.
We will be stocking site sponsor Garneau baits in our store and on our website.We are hoping to have these in stock soon. Along with many other soft plastics brands. The openwater products are going to be coming in pretty steadily for the few weeks
So you have the baits down pat, but you need the fish catchers. Make sure you have a top 10 or top 20 "fish catcher" board for each species. Every store carries these lures,, but to get the regular tournament guys to stop in, you need something that keeps em coming in to check on the latest "thing". Not just bass, but musky, pike, walleye boards with the baits that can be loaded and more important- unloaded n purchased.
Ohhh and have a section just for the shore fisherman with their own top 20. Thatll be your biggest seller believe it or not.
All the best and good luck brother ....... And you can thank ol mojo later.
Quote from: Mojo on March 13, 2012, 10:18:33 PM
So you have the baits down pat, but you need the fish catchers. Make sure you have a top 20 "fish catcher" board for each species. Every store carries these lures,, but to get the regular tournament guys to stop in, you need something that keeps em coming in to check on the latest "thing".
Ohhh and have a section just for the shore fisherman with their own top 20. Thatll be your biggest seller believe it or not.
All the best and good luck brother .......
Great advice Mojo !!!!
So to update you guys, we have started to get a lot of your guys tackle in stock. We have Poor Boys coming very soon I worked with Kim over there to pick some of the best selling colors they have to start with and we will grow that as we get request for certain colors. We should be getting in a few more crankbaits here really along with a few more spinnerbaits, like more Red Dirt Spinner Baits to name just one.
The one bait I can't way to fish though we got in today and have already started to sell a bunch and I had to already order more of them is Joe Balog's Goby Replica.
I posted a quick blog on his bait for those that haven't heard or seen this bait the link is below.
It has been great to meet the few of you guys that have already stopped by and checked us out. Many of the companies we are working with are super excited to be working with and having their full support behind us. With out their help and your guys support this store would not be possible. So keep the feed back coming.We are doing our best to get what you guys want in the store and meet your needs when your in the area.
The Goby has Landed!-Joe Balog’s Goby Replica (http://www.outdoorblog.net/outinmichigan/2012/04/16/the-goby-has-landed/)
(http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/cvpcv.bfaqt/v/vspfiles/photos/GR1-1.jpg?1318320189)
I thought I would show some sweet cranks from a local company.They are based right here on Lake St. Clair. These baits are high quality right up there with the big boys.
The Company is Jack-It Products.Click on the Pictures to see all the colors available.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394932_10150559565410189_503120188_11233246_1119002174_n.jpg) (https://www.sportsmensdirect.com/store/index.php?cPath=23_107_111&osCsid=8bb0be8034fae0cf21fc2c8b678b5dda)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/406886_10150559566745189_503120188_11233251_565625465_n.jpg) (https://www.sportsmensdirect.com/store/index.php?cPath=23_107_109&osCsid=8bb0be8034fae0cf21fc2c8b678b5dda)
These Frogs match up great to the Spro frogs in quality and looks.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/379900_10150559567775189_503120188_11233256_1813208655_n.jpg) (https://www.sportsmensdirect.com/store/index.php?cPath=23_107_110&osCsid=8bb0be8034fae0cf21fc2c8b678b5dda)
I see you got your Michigan fishing license machine in too. Good for you.
Quote from: djkimmel on May 09, 2012, 02:54:24 PM
I see you got your Michigan fishing license machine in too. Good for you.
Yup it was a battle but we got it finally. ;D
One more bait suggestion. I believe that an up and coming lure here is going to be the Big Hammer swimbait. It is a bass-killing mama-jama!
http://www.swimbait.com/home.htm
Good luck!
Quote from: raisinrat on May 09, 2012, 03:08:44 PM
Quote from: djkimmel on May 09, 2012, 02:54:24 PM
I see you got your Michigan fishing license machine in too. Good for you.
Yup it was a battle but we got it finally. ;D
Everything is a battle with this state. They need revenue badly but then when there are opportunities, they scrutinize every thing. It gets old quickly. They want to tell you what is good for you and your children. Well I got news for them...........I know what is good for me and my children. The reality is they really don't care. I am tired of all the bureaucratic balderdash........................ :o
BD ;D
We have gotten some more tackle in for you guys. We just got X-zone swimbaits and dropshot baits in yesterday.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/179604_10150984992000189_1082004349_n.jpg)
We also have a bunch of Poor Boys in the shop Erie Darter and the Goby.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/550684_10150984992215189_503120188_12421951_1564728555_n.jpg)
We have a few other brands of hand pours in also.
We should have Kustom Kicker Jigs in soon as well.
Those Erie Darters are something else! Are you going to be carrying the KustomKicker goby tube jig heads?
Quote from: djkimmel on May 31, 2012, 01:53:29 PM
Those Erie Darters are something else! Are you going to be carrying the KustomKicker goby tube jig heads?
I order a bunch of stuff from him I can't remember off the top of my head right now.
Well I finally got a chance to come on here and post up. We have War Eagle Spinner Baits and Kustom Kicker Jigs in stock. I am working on getting the war eagle up on the website. I was able to put the Kustom Kicker up this morning.
I really like War Eagle spinnerbaits! Been my favorite brand for a quite a few years. I hope to try some KustomKicker Jigs this year. They've got some really good looking stuff. I like the goby tubehead look. I was using my own football heads for a while but they can be hard to get in the tube straight. Looks like the Kustom Kicker jig will work a lot easier and hook better!
Are you going to stock those too?
We stopped by in early may in need of some tube heads and selection was very weak. Located in the tube chucking capital of the world I suggest you start carrying Bite me tube jigs including the big dudes and all sizes with rattles.
Quote from: TCook on June 24, 2012, 06:53:40 PM
We stopped by in early may in need of some tube heads and selection was very weak. Located in the tube chucking capital of the world I suggest you start carrying Bite me tube jigs including the big dudes and all sizes with rattles.
He's kinda right on that ..... If you cannot get Wayne's tube I suggest you contact Kenny from KD in Waterford or Terry from Lunch money lures. They can get you the best tubes for LSC.
Lastly. the Kustom Kicker jigs, are simply the highest quality stuff out there. The bristles stay inplace, hooks razor sharp and color / head selection is right for LSC. Make sure you get their spinnerbaits though. ..... the copper hand tied USA made product is better that a BPS or any other for the price. The yellow / white 1/2 oz with a chrome large willow and a brass smaller willow got slaughtered on Anchor bay and metro wreck area last weeekend ......
Love the r.c stx jerk baits from lucky strike out on that body of water. As well as a company with quality spinnerbaits
Quote from: TCook on June 24, 2012, 06:53:40 PM
We stopped by in early may in need of some tube heads and selection was very weak. Located in the tube chucking capital of the world I suggest you start carrying Bite me tube jigs including the big dudes and all sizes with rattles.
Since your last visit our tube selection as increased, we are even expecting some tube jigs in 3/4oz and even 1 oz in the store this week.We have been working with a local jig maker. We have jigs in stock right now up to 5/8 oz in 90 degree, 60 degree, and even a goby slider head.
We are listening to what you guys have to say and what you would like to see in our store. We are here for you guys. We work closely with our suppliers locally, regionally and nationally to try to get you guys everything you need and at a fair price. Stay tuned has we have added new product every week, its not always bass tackle we add but we are building a really nice portfolio of products for you guys.
Quote from: djkimmel on May 31, 2012, 01:53:29 PM
Those Erie Darters are something else! Are you going to be carrying the KustomKicker goby tube jig heads?
We are now going to be stocking the 25 pack bags of our top 5 best selling colors so far this year. Also for any of you guys that are coming to fish the BFL or BASS north, if you are in need of anything from poor boys let me know. I have been doing custom orders for guys all this week.
I am posting this pic up so you guys can see what colors we have stock on the war eagles, we are carrying 1/2oz and 3/4oz.
(https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/599285_10151073510090189_2069037372_n.jpg)
Today has been X-mas in July,
we just got a large load of tube jigs in. In it was also plenty of 3/4oz and even 1oz tube jigs they have a 60 degree eye. We also got in our culling system and balance beams. We also just put up 4 new colors of X-Zone slammers. We should have some new Poor Boy's in along with the 25 packs tomorrow.
We got a few other things in the works also right now so stay tuned. ;D
Sounds like you're doing really great, especially for being a new shop!
I was in that store back in March. Glad to hear the inventory is increasing. I'll be stopping there in the very near future.
BD. ;D
The Goby Scent has come in.
My friends at Juiced Up teamed up with some folks that really know their chemistry. What they came up with is Goby Juice, but we like to refer to it as Go-J for short. All you guys that love to fish those plastics can now make that bait smell and taste like the real thing.
Like all of the Juiced Up Gel products, it stays where you put it for a very slow, natural dispersal rate. A little shot of Go-J up inside your Cruncher Tube or slathered into the grooves on your Erie Darter or Xzone Slammer and you have as close to the real deal as you can get, without breaking the law. As a matter of fact Juiced up also packages this stuff with a special applicator that allows you to paint the scent on crank baits, spoons or just about anything else without any mess. It stays on so well, you can even spread it on those Jack It cranks and Goby Replica baits for long lasting fish enticement.
We just recently tested the new Goby formula in the BASS Master Northern Open and the results were fantastic. Unfortunately, we can't disclose who used the product due to potential sponsorship conflicts, but I can say that several bottles made it into the top 15 and ended up in the final 12.
Yes, I guess you could say that SDI has become the House of Goby.
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/599677_10151121250370189_1670482400_n.jpg)
Has anyone suggested Nichols spinnerbaits? I get them whenever I'm out and KD (or whatever it's called by Pontiac Lake) but they never seem to have what I want in stock over here at Lakeside, no matter how many times I request they order them. I would love to see a good selection of Chartreuse and White Nichols spinnerbaits in 1/2, 3/4, and 1oz. Especially with double willow blades.
QuoteHas anyone suggested Nichols spinnerbaits? I get them whenever I'm out and KD (or whatever it's called by Pontiac Lake) but they never seem to have what I want in stock over here at Lakeside, no matter how many times I request they order them. I would love to see a good selection of Chartreuse and White Nichols spinnerbaits in 1/2, 3/4, and 1oz. Especially with double willow blades.
I agree. Nichols are great. On LSC, I'd stock 1/2, 3/4. and 1oz. in all white, white/chartreuse, and solid chartreuse, all with painted blades as well as white/chartreuse with nichol/gold blades, and all with double willow leafs. These are a staple in many hardcore St. Clair smallie hunters tackle box.
How bout the standard fr smallies 10-40 fow:
Erie darter - smile purple - 4 inch.
Anyone try Strike King dream shot? What color is smokin the smallies?
How about, All of the baits and lures that are made right here in good old Michigan. Or companies based in Michigan. There are a lot of good baits that are fish catchers. Tested in our waters around the state. Besides most of the tackle I use in Lake St Clair, is made in Michigan.
I was in the store last weekend and loaded up. It looks good.
I'd get that yellow/ white skirted Kustom Kicker spinnerbait in 1/2 oz, and size in the white/white with touch of blue and green or touch of red/orange. WOW bait after a rain storm, when the fish come up shallow in the weeds 4-6 fow. That happens all summer not just in the spring. Early morning on the south shore or Mouth of the south channel.
Black and yellow buzz bait or the white and red depending on time of day too. Just my input on what's working outside the soft plastics.
Anyone know what color / size / depth crank bait is getting it done out there ? Bite seems to be off this year ?
We are working on growing the Crank Section in the store so plan on seeing lots of new baits come next spring. But for right now the Jack-It Hydros are selling like hot cakes. The Crankin Craw, beer batter and other shad and perch patterns are what most guys are buying. We are sold out of it right now but this bait has also been working very well for guys. We are looking at maybe getting some other colors in this brand also.
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/431468_10151169222855189_2087646602_n.jpg)
I got that bait!! Good bait. 8)
BD. ;D