Re: Reel Life closure?
 

Long time friend of Rich going back to the sixtes when we met as co-workers at Ethicon Inc. in Somerville NJ. Traveled on many fishing trips with Rich to Crotch Lake Ont. initially when his brother John owned Pine Cove Cottages. John later sold the lodge to Ed and Shirley and it became Tumblehome Cottages. Rich always arranged the annual trips with up to twelve of us traveling in a convoy to the Crotch. Rich took care of all the details as no one else could. Many great memories. Had the the please of being invited the last couple of years to join Rich for a stay on his cabin on Blueberry Island, Crotch Lake, Ont. As always all details done by Rich and had a great time joining him and catching up on all the stories for the last 40 some years. Wishing Rich, Bob, Marie, Jen and Bob's children in all there future endeavors. You could not have a better friend than Rich P. Best wished..... Walt K.

Re: Reel Life closure?
 

All the more reason to use your local shops for ALL your fishing needs. The online stores may be 5% cheaper, but can you shake the hand of the owner? Can you buy your fresh bait online? Ask about "where they gettin em?"

These guys have bills to pay and families to feed. They by no means are "raking in the dough" running a tackle shop.

Buy local and walk away knowing you've supported your industry.

Re: Reel Life closure?
 

Another piece of the puzzle, that was once the Jersey Shore....gone.

We all know the reasons most go out of business, especially, if you've lived this life, you understand more than others, you need no explanation to anyone.

Very sad.

Re: Reel Life closure?
 

It's a shame how many people are being hurt by today's regulations and economy. My only hope is that this was a family decision and one not forced by the sad reality of how hard it is to maintain a small business, yet alone one in the fishing industry! That being said, support your local guys!! You may save a few bucks online or at the big box stores, but you won't get an experience, you won't build a rapport with anyone... Stopped into Atlantic Bait and Tackle yesterday to look at a few things and kill some time. Greeted with the usual kindness and enthusiasm and got to watch some awesome video of sailfish in Mexico. Thanks Pete, and thanks for the military discount... You don't get that kinda service from the big box guys!

Re: Reel Life closure?
 

I have done business with Rich and Bob for years, we first started when he had his first shop on Bridge & River Ave. We always bought as much bait as possible from him and when it was tourny time (any tournament) he would sell everything for close to cost. As many said being in that business is worst than running a charter boat. More mornings I would go in and Rich would have a long face on, we would bs about the regs, weather poor fishing conditions, then tell some good jokes and both have a smile.
Its sad to see him close his doors, but I think he will venture into something else. I guess this means he will more time to fish!!

Re: Reel Life closure?
 

It's a shame but Bobby I have to disagree with baitshops charging 5% more than these online tackle shops.

I can go online and buy a package of Gulp for $5.00-$6.00 and sometimes less when they run deals, in most neighborhood tackle shops they hit you for $ 9.99...that's a huge hit when you're buying more than a few packs. Same goes for Spros, reels, rods...etc.

Honestly I will only shop in a tackleshop if I need something that day. I can say I've probably saved over a grand shopping online in the last 5-8 years.
Yeah it sucks and I feel bad for the shops but there is no reason they have to over charge like they do.

Re: Reel Life closure? MORE TO FOLLOW
 

Funny. The blame game... government's fault. Tackle shops are long hours and very seasonal.

But REALLY....... Aside from a smaller winter flounder population, who here has cut back staples fisheries like: fluke, blues or stripers because of keeper numbers or sizes changing. Who here stopped fishing totally because weakfish and whiting are extinct here in north NJ? I would say VERY few if any fisherman. We are ignoring the obvious for reasons of nastalgia, while we kill it ourselves.

Aside from bait..... HOW MANY PEOPLE HERE HAVE BOUGHT TACKLE OR ELECTRONCS ONLINE BECAUSE ITS A LOT CHEAPER & OFTEN FASTER? I know I have and likely 100% of this site. Well maybe 98%... perhaps some old codger doesn't trust computers may stiill be around.

Tackle shops are no different. Is Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas kicking their asses with very low prices? Yes! Just like Amazon.com does it in general retail. Fisherman magazine vs. NJFishing.com - who wins for fishing reports? The internet has given us a cheaper and better means to get everything but fresh bait.

On line store have almost no overheads. With the shorter fishing season we have here in NJ owners must pay for boats, docking ,rents, etc. thru the dead of winter. So July and August hey days must pay for January and February doldrums. Online does not have that.

So of course brick and mortar shops will close whether we can keep six x 18" fluke or 18 x six inch fluke.

Thats the way things are today in the internet age. It may be sad, but that's what we are doing. Can't blame the government much on this stuff.

It's a demise of our own making with tackle shops.

Re: Reel Life closure?
 

This coupled with online retailers and big box stores like Wal-Mart are making dinosaurs out of the Mom and Pop shops. I went to school with Bob and he and his family have done nothing but support me through my entire career.

The fishing community has suffered a few losses like this so far this year. Sad. :(

Re: Reel Life closure?
 

I've never bought any fishing gear at Walmarts or Dicks or that ilk. Walmart is where you buy that Snoopy rod for a 5 year old. It's either online Cabela is my first choice or non-sponsore in Hazlet. ( he gives me a price break on flats of bunker for crabbing that sponsor Pete does not)

I do sea tow about 10-15 days a year and stop at TB nearly every time. Even if it's just to restock lost sinkers when the wind is blowing 30 knot and I know Im not going to fish and I also hope no one calls me out to tow them. So I spend money hoping NOT to leave the dock.

I know the little stuff helps keep them alive and no one is getting rich. Like I said... they pay the same rent in January and February with no customers per week.

Re: Reel Life closure?
 

Love crotch lake, always stay at Land o lakes lodge next store