When you hear an Elite Series angler mention the phrase “offseason,” don’t be fooled. There’s really no such thing. Even when we’re not on tour, we’re prepping and planning for the tournaments ahead … that is, if we’re not fulfilling an obligation to a sponsor or making public appearances.
During the holiday season, many pros are asked to attend in-store promotions for various retail tackle and marine dealers. If you’ve ever attended one of these promotions, you probably met a touring pro there. Maybe I was there and was lucky enough to meet you.
Some of these promotions are grand openings. Others are annual events. And while both can be fun, it’s the perennials that I like best. They provide an opportunity to reconnect with people you’ve already met and perhaps developed relationships with — particularly at those events that have been held for many years.
This offseason, I attended two such events in my home state of Florida, and both were rewarding for different reasons.
Gary’s Tackle Box
Every year on Black Friday, my hometown tackle shop hosts its “Annual Customer Appreciation Day.” Although the event is intended to recognize and reward customer loyalty, it’s actually much more than that. It’s a homecoming.
Anglers from across North Florida gather at this event to share their stories and reconnect with old friends. Included are some of the sport’s biggest names. Guys like former Elite Series pros, Peter Thliveros, Terry Scroggins, Preston Clark and Shaw Grigsby, as well as up-and-coming pros Tim Frederick, Tony Davis and Jeff Fitts. Saltwater redfish pros Bryan and Greg Watts also attend. It’s a who’s who of Florida fishing personalities.
Gary’s is a small shop, but one with a very big heart. Store owner Wally Grant and manager Gary Simpson, pull out all the stops to ensure everyone has a good time. Customers not only benefit from product giveaways and special discounts, they’re treated to a gourmet spread by Blue Water Bay — one of our area’s best restaurants.
To further benefit the event, numerous manufacturers’ reps are there to answer questions and demonstrate product features. There’s a DJ playing country/rock tunes throughout the day and a fun casting competition awarding prizes to the winners.
In all, it’s a great promotion that the store’s many patrons look forward to.
Fishin’ Frank’s
Shortly after Gary’s, I was asked to speak at Fishin’ Frank’s — a shop in Port Charlotte, on Florida’s southwest coast.
Called “Rapala Days,” the shop hosted two days of seminars on proper technique and lure selection for a variety of gamefish. My topic was surface and near-surface lures for bass, trout, redfish, snook and tarpon. And for an event held in the middle of the week, turnout was strong.
Fishin’ Frank’s is a throwback to the days of widespread, independent tackle dealers. The store is a maze of aisles and add-on rooms, each full of tackle. It’s the best-stocked shop I’ve been to in years.
Although a large percentage of the inventory is dedicated to saltwater, there’s also a strong compliment of fresh water tackle. Everything from soft plastics to hard baits, rods and reels, and every accessory imaginable — Frank’s has it all. And the staffing is equally thorough. There’s an expert for nearly every category of sportfishing. From bass to bluegill, redfish to grouper, Frank’s has knowledgeable, seasoned employees working the counter, ready to help.
Frank’s business plan is simple: “If we don’t have it, we can’t sell it.” And it’s that mantra that has enabled this small, independent dealer to compete head-to-head with the big box stores.
Pro-motion
Appearing at in-store promotions like these takes time out of my “offseason” schedule, but I enjoy them. They offer the unique opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones, all while immersing myself in sea of tackle.
There’s something special about small tackle shops. They possess a unique vibe that’s hard to match in large franchise stores. At least that’s been my experience.
Until next time, happy shopping!
Follow Bernie Schultz on Facebook or through his website.
