[FISHNCRAZY]

As I get closer to open my first Tackle shop. I want to reach out to all fellow fishers. I Have many ideas to take long Island Tackle shops to the next level of service. Many shops that I stop into are great so dont take this the wrong way.

One of the things I have in store will be a LCD tv that will run nothing but fishing shows and even your catch. So if you film it we will show it. So dont just run in and out Stay awhile watch other long Islanders show off there Trophy.

What I need from you . I want the Fisherman/fisherwomen to get all there needs in one shop. What is your shop missing when you go into it? NO NAME OF SHOPS PLEASE.

Would you like to see a drive up window for early morning Bait pick-up?

Hope you will provide feedback.

Fishncrazy

 

[Maybe_Tonight]

It would be a tough order due to the fact that alot of shops are staffed primarily by the owners themselves and they need time off as well but I'd love to see a shop open to 9-10pm in-season and have some of those beautiful 15-18inch snakes!!!!

 

[Vector]

whats missing ?

FISHNCRAZY wrote:
As I get closer to open my first Tackle shop. I want to reach out to all fellow fishers. I Have many ideas to take long Island Tackle shops to the next level of service. Many shops that I stop into are great so dont take this the wrong way.

One of the things I have in store will be a LCD tv that will run nothing but fishing shows and even your catch. So if you film it we will show it. So dont just run in and out Stay awhile watch other long Islanders show off there Trophy.

What I need from you . I want the Fisherman/fisherwomen to get all there needs in one shop. What is your shop missing when you go into it? NO NAME OF SHOPS PLEASE.

Would you like to see a drive up window for early morning Bait pick-up?

Hope you will provide feedback.

Fishncrazy

Bait and tackle stores often have alot of cheap rods for sale. I'd like to see real fishing rods that real fishermen use. You go into a store and they have one heavy stick after another with no action. I'd be nice to shop in a store that has one rack after another filled with custom rods. Ugly stik rods are very nice rods too. Good rod for the money.
And sell skimmers in the shell. I hate being told we don't have fresh skimmers.

 

[BOBBYWALDBAUMBS]

FRESH BAIT OF ALL KINDS. HAVE THE SHOP OPENED EARLY LIKE 5AM.

 

[FISHNCRAZY]

So far I'm on the money with all that said. Early Late and Custom... So True So Yes!!!!!!
Fishncrazy

 

[lowtide]

Since we can't mention names, a certain tackle shop near me has a 24 hr bait machine outside. I myself has used it many times in an emergency as well as many other anglers I know.

 

[offracing]

i second

i second what low said.
carl
offracing

 

[Captneilf]

Vector

Hi,

If I may. What is your definition of a custom rod?

Many tackle shops are limited by space and rods take up a lot of floor space. It also takes a lot of $$$ to stock all those rods, just like reels. Many shops would like to have custom rods in racks but they want them on consignment. I have been involved with items in a store on consignment many years ago. As the manufacturer it did not work for me. Like everyone else I like to be paid up front.

Would several racks of St Croix, Seeker, Calstar and Lamiglas models that fit LI fishing suit? These are well designed/assembled rods. As custom rod builders we use the same blank that the factory uses for a given model. It usually costs us almost as much for the components as the factory charges for their finished rod.

I like this new owners idea of coming to the anglers and asking what they need. I wish him much success.

A good B&T shop is just that due to excellent personalized service, hours open, knowledgeable counter folks who have the latest fishing info, fresh bait, supplies needed and used locally, reel and rod repair services, a friendly atmosphere with room to chit chat with other fishermen without interrupting store business and maybe holding seminars.

I hope this new store is located in an area where the clinetele support the store in all their needs not just what they can't get anyplace else. Support the locals when they support you.

Neil

 

[likeitreallyis]

Have some spiderwire in stock and stop trying to force suffix and PP onto people who want spiderwire...

More butterfish.. most stores don't sell them in smaller quantities.

Fresh clams, fresh bunker.

Let me know when you open I'll be there

 

[fish4me]

Take the time to acknowledge the customers presence in your store. A quick hello and the offer of "can I help" you goes a long way. The customer can and will find better pricing elsewhere, so making them feel comfortable when they come into your store and offering great customer service may keep them coming back.

Too many owners out there with a piss poor attitude that should pack it up and do something else. My opinion.

 

[Captneilf]

Hi,

There are many rod builders on Long Island, some commercial and some recreational. The builders with legal businesses can order wholesale but there are many builders who need a local source of blanks, components and supplies. Yes, there are 2 such shops in Freeport but Long Island is a big place.

Gee, it would be great if the shop was next door to a Dunkin Donuts!

Neil

 

[DarthBaiter]

lowtide wrote:
Since we can't mention names, a certain tackle shop near me has a 24 hr bait machine outside. I myself has used it many times in an emergency as well as many other anglers I know.
Wow, waht a great idea. I would hit one 4am(2hr before the shop opens) everyday.

Good prices, I don't want super prices so that you have to close shop in a year, but good prices that I have to think about, when I log on to the net..."Hey, I can it for the near same amount at Fishncrazy's"...

Oh and fresh bait.

 

[Savvy18]

First, I'd like to say I wish you all the luck in the world with your new business. It sounds like you wanna do this thing right and I for one applaud you. I am a self described "Tackle Freak" and I am constantly looking for the ultimate bait and tackle shop here on the Island. While I do plenty of tackle hunting during the season (April-January for me), I get really serious in my search at this time of year when I'm done fishing. I hope some of my suggestions are helpful (even if I might repeat what someone else has said already)...

1. I love the big screen TV idea with LOCAL fishing and bring your own video idea.
2. LOCATION. Not too far east and not too far west. Location is KEY.
3. Live killies are getting harder and harder to find. If you could figure out a way to keep adult bunker alive-you would be a king! Quality bait is an ABSOLUTE MUST for a good shop.
4. Extended store hours for those of us that work all the time. Stay open 'til 8 or 9 if possible. Be open early in the morning when hardcore guys leave the dock.
5. Stock quality products. Especially with rods and reels. Calstar, Lami, St. Croix, Seeker, Ugly Stik, Tsunami, Shimano, Avet, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Penn, Newell, Gamakatsu, Spro, etc. Maybe have some rods strung up with line and a reel so customers could tug on them to see their true action.
6. Carry all different types of lines. Ande, Trilene, Spiderwire, Suffix, Power Pro, Tuff Line, MoiMoi from 6lb. test to 100lb. test.
7. Quality hooks (small packs and bulk). Gamakatsu, Owner, Mustad, Eagle Claw, etc.
8. Fishing apparel. Many shops lack in this area. Foul weather gear from the big three. Grundens, CoFish, Guy Cotten. Different colors. Sund 763 pullovers. Quality tops. Viking boots. Quality fishing shorts from Pelagic, OHO & Aftco.
9. Friendly & knowledgeable staff.
10. A soda & snack machine...maybe some fresh coffee.
11. Buoy markers (for saltwater-not lake crap).
12. Rod building parts. Reliable reel repairs. Reel parts.
13. Good selection of quality tackle storage boxes and bags.
14. ICE
15. Being on the water would be HUGE!
16. Crabs (all kinds) for the tog guys.
17. Run some rod & reel combo sales on the weekends. Good stuff not junk.

If I think of anything else, I'll jump back in.

This post edited by Savvy18 09:16 PM 01/31/2008

 

[crabman1130]

Savvy18 wrote:
First, I'd like to say I wish you all the luck in the world with your new business. It sounds like you wanna do this thing right and I for one applaud you. I am a self described "Tackle Freak" and I am constantly looking for the ultimate bait and tackle shop here on the Island. While I do plenty of tackle hunting during the season (April-January for me), I get really serious in my search at this time of year when I'm done fishing. I hope some of my suggestions are helpful (even if I might repeat what someone else has said already)...

1. I love the big screen TV idea with LOCAL fishing and bring your own video idea.
2. LOCATION. Not too far east and not too far west. Location is KEY.
3. Live killies are getting harder and harder to find. If you could figure out a way to keep adult bunker alive-you would be a king! Quality bait is an ABSOLUTE MUST for a good shop.
4. Extended store hours for those of us that work all the time. Stay open 'til 8 or 9 if possible. Be open early in the morning when hardcore guys leave the dock.
5. Stock quality products. Especially with rods and reels. Calstar, Lami, St. Croix, Seeker, Ugly Stik, Tsunami, Shimano, Avet, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Penn, Newell, Gamakatsu, Spro, etc. Maybe have some rods strung up with line and a reel so customers could tug on them to see their true action.
6. Carry all different types of lines. Ande, Trilene, Spiderwire, Suffix, Power Pro, Tuff Line, MoiMoi from 6lb. test to 100lb. test.
7. Quality hooks (small packs and bulk). Gamakatsu, Owner, Mustad, Eagle Claw, etc.
8. Fishing apparel. Many shops lack in this area. Foul weather gear from the big three. Grundens, CoFish, Guy Cotten. Different colors. Sund 763 pullovers. Quality tops. Viking boots. Quality fishing shorts from Pelagic, OHO & Aftco.
9. Friendly & knowledgeable staff.
10. A soda & snack machine...maybe some fresh coffee.
11. Buoy markers (for saltwater-not lake crap).
12. Rod building parts. Reliable reel repairs. Reel parts.
13. Good selection of quality tackle storage boxes and bags.
14. ICE
15. Being on the water would be HUGE!
16. Crabs (all kinds) for the tog guys.
17. Run some rod & reel combo sales on the weekends. Good stuff not junk.

If I think of anything else, I'll jump back in.
Gee that's not asking too much. Shouldn't take too much money to stock all that.

How about the right sales person

 

[RichTrox]

Sort your eels by size, regular and large. I don't care how much extra a dozen I have to pay, I just want 12 big eels.

 

[cowkiller]

Fishin, i was in the bait and tackle business for ten years. You have to be there alot.Its a great idea what you are trying to do but you also have to look into the future regulations.They are killing alot of the shops around the island.Fluke getting cut, Blackfish, Porgies, No more flounder. Its a tough call, all these ideas of flat screen t.v sound great but who is buying that , you are.Its mostly a 6 month buisness if you think its worth it go for it, let me know where you are and i will try to support you, being i know what it is all about. Good luck in your quest.I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Maybe_Tonight]

RichTrox wrote:
Sort your eels by size, regular and large. I don't care how much extra a dozen I have to pay, I just want 12 big eels.

<SIGH!!!> Frank we miss you here on the Island!!!!!!!

<SIGH AGAIN!!!!>

 

[stpaul7]

I think your New Fishing store would be great. Personal Video's and Pictures I'm not sure I could help you there

.

24 Hour Bait Machine like Mr.B's in Patchogue

Still can't believe he's the only one using such a great Idea

Maybe 1 a month seminars but not just in the winter. Ones on the fish that are in season...

How about a big Tank with real Bass swimming around so we can try out the latest Lurs

But with Salt water fish

 

[629706]

It's a TOUGH BUSINESS...

FISHNCRAZY;

I wish you the best of luck, but be prepared for LONG hours, especially in the first year or so. Everyone will have an idea of what they percive as the best things your business needs, to flurish. But it just isn't that easy. Wish it were. One guy wants just Big EELS, and other may want just small. They want you to have them sorted out by size, so they can come in and grab them then run back out. But sorting takes time, and that takes money in business terms. Others want you to Open Earlier the better, and some Later the better, or even 24 hrs. Nice BUT that takes money. They want nice Rods and Reels for sale. Clothing, and whatever. But like everyone one else, in the end, they'll buy where it's the cheapest. That's your problem from the get go. Competing with Catalogs, and Super Stores that sell outdoor Sporting gear. Someone even mentioned having a room for seminars, Ganda Mountain does that already. It would be nice to have a Tackle Shop with a lounge, and deli, with Live Bait Tanks in back. BUT it's so hard to do these days. The days of Mom an Pop shops are fading. sad to say. The cost to do business is high, and you need volume trade to keep up. How many people would pay the prices to run such a place? It's a really nice thought though. Good Luck, and THINK things out before you get into this.

 

[MisterX]

The best shop I ever went to was Skippys (RIP Skip) in East Rockaway. The thing that made the store special was he always had fresh bait, would snell hooks for you if you were in a rush, put line on your reel while you waited, give you good info if you havent been on the water in a while, fix a reel on the spot (if he had time) but most important of all, he was a good guy. Maybe too good.

Many a morning I would see him asleep on the freezer because he was out catching bait in the early AM.

Every B&T pretty much sells the same stuff. Its the service that will seperate you from the rest.