Reel Life closure?

[Foul Hook]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Another unfortunate casualty of our government mis managed fisheries

I just said the same thing to a buddy a few minutes ago. When Rich opened there was always someone in the store. Go get bait and go fish the canal and usually bring something home! I for one believe the online retailers have a hand in the demise of the local B&T stores as well.

[Joey Dah Fish]

Does anyone know for sure the reason they closed? I don't and the face book page did not say. i would prefer to not speculate. So if you truly know the reason please share. If not then just say I will miss them.

[catsmeow]

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.

[fin_s_guy]

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.

[1captainron]

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.

[joec]

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!

[captmark]

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!!

[blkbear]

Originally Posted by catsmeow

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.

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

[bassnblues]

Let's not forget that a place like Dick's or Cabela's employs a lot of working class people and contributes to local economies. It's not all evil CEO's in corner offices.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Lets also not forget that none of those big box stores are sponsors on this site. More importantly, none of them are open at 5AM to pick up bait when you need it.

If you want them to stay in business so they are there for you, then you have to be there for them.