Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

Favors Pete did for us "out of town" anglers were mind bothering sometimes. I didn't buy much from him but I brought over a few Johnny Walki@.

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

100+ years? Newark Sinker/Fairfield Sporting Goods has been around for a long, long time. That was the only store I know that might have come close but not 100+ years. The guys who were there when it moved from Newark were incredible. Frank, Adrian, and Clarence really knew their stuff. That was another place that would do rod and reel repairs. I know they would take a damaged reel in from a customer and if it was an emergency, they would take a reel out of a box and replace the damaged part with a part from a new reel without having the customer go through the warranty hassle. They did the same with rods too.

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

Pete always does us right. Always open early and has what you need. Not all tackle shops are like that. I refuse to get ripped off and will drive extra miles for that reason. Notice that the one on 35 is not open early? :rolleyes:

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

i can't tell you how many times in the past 20 years i had to call dave at the reel seat from offshore with an issue, spooled reels, broken reels, bitten off spreader bars, etc. in every instance he would drop whatever and fix my stuff so that i could leave the next morning. in most cases i didn't get in until 4pm.

many times he would leave the stuff outside in a secret hiding spot, which now with the new store, hmmmm.


the point, can you save a few bucks elsewhere, i suppose so.. due to the fact that for 40 years i was in a service business, i spend my money at small family owned shops, and always will.

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

I would like to have all the money I spent at Fishermans Supply in P.P. Also at Reel Life!

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

Pete at Atlantic Bait goes above and beyond. I've witnessed his generosity many times. I've seen him sell a cooler and fill it with ice, sell a reel and fill it with line, to name a few. It's all about the personal service and being there for your needs when you need. On the other hand I've also watched as he bought / brought in expensive flats of worms and numerous bags of clams by request and in reserve before weekends for professional and recreational boats. And many times having to choke on them after a charter didn't show up or trips were canceled which were out of his control and not his problem. Take care of the little guy so he can and will take care of you. Don't and the little guy goes away. That goes for more than just Pete! Alan Jackson wrote a song about it. Last thought, If your buying elsewhere regularly (and that's fine) and show up to get bailed out you can't expect to get rock bottom prices or treated like a regular. It's not rocket science. My Two Cents!

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

Pete has always done the right thing by me and is extremely helpful.
In addition his prices are competitive and you never have to worry about the cost of shipping :D

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

Last spring I go to Pete to tell him about a lure we used on my buddy's boat that he got out of state. Not only did he order me one but had a whole rack of them at the shop the next week... Last week I dropped off a custom rod we got from reel seat that had a broken reel seat go figure. Anyway it's going back to the builder to get fixed for free no questions asked... Top notch.

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

I know nothing of the rumors, but I know a little about Newark Sinker. Started in 1913 in Newark, changed names in 1959 to Fairfield Sporting Goods when they moved to Fairfield.

Now known as Fairfield Fishing Tackle located in Pine Brook, we are very much alive and well. Come and visit us to see all of our new inventory for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Fully stocked for trout season opening on April 4th.

Thanks, Cheryl
FFT

Re: Support you local tackle shops!
 

Just a note for those of us up north...these guys are great!