Bait/tackle shop?

[Troutfisher]

Alright, Im a 16 yr old from michigan i want to start tying flies for fly fishing and possibly making my own bait/lures. For the most part i just want to start a small tackle shop from my home like in my shed or garage.. i was wondering if anyone has any ideas on what i need for this project and if theres anything specific i need to have in the shop any answers are appreciated

[Tilmiciolkick]

If there are any tackle dealers in your town or nearby, I suggest asking them for advice. They can tell you what licenses,permits, etc.that you might need, and will help you get started. I wish you the best of luck with your project.

[Flattyking]

Yes it can be done. I have been working from a small shop at my home for several years building custom fishing rods for individual customers and 2-3 local tackle stores in my area. I have been able to do this both full and part time. I would make sure that there are no problems with local city codes about this. Make samples and let people know about what you are doing, you will be amazed at the interest people will show. Make up some business cards, this can be done on your computer very cheaply. I will be showing my work at craft fairs and a local farmers market on Sundays and am offering classes on Rod Building and repair. Good luck, feel free to contact me if anymore questions.

[treidun]

First off check out all legal guidelines before you venture to far!I owned 2 bait and tackle shops in Indiana and had several ppl that made custom lures for my shop and I also made small lures myself.At your age I would spend time making many lures to use as samples and give some to local shops and if there is interest in them you can branch out later.Remember you need many lures to fill the needs of shops you may supply so start out small!Make sure you make high quality lures and not something that falls apart fast but ones that will bring back buisness over and over.There is much to this but I would be very glad to help you out as much as I can if you would like so email me or look me up on true outdoorsman site!

[TeddyMat]

First, make sure you're near a popular fishing spot. One of the Great Lakes, Walled Lake, Pickney, Grayling. I don't know where you live in MI, but that's where I'm from too.You need to advertise as well. I've been fishing some lakes for years and just recently found a bait store nearby. I've been getting bait from places farther away, because I just didn't know where to go.

[Tilmiciolkick]

Great idea! Try this site for supplies:: http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/ . They have most everything for lure making, rod building, fly tying et. I make my own spinners and spoons for salmon and steelhead, and tie my own crawler harnesses for walleyes and I get most everything from here or Cabela's. Cater your tackle line to what most people are fishing for in your area, in Michigan that could be just about anything, so you will probably need a substantial inventory. Among the most important things for a successful bait and tackle store are a friendly, reliable and knowledgeable employees, have what the fish and the fishermen want, a good location, and always open early in the morning. Best of luck, Michigan fishing ROCKS!!!

[slim357]

These guys have given you some good information. I would recommend starting small and sticking to one or two baits that you can make well, and that will catch fish in your area. Another thing you could do is go to local fishing areas talk with as many anglers as you can, and give out a few flys. Ask them for feedback on your product, and then see if u can improve it. Good Luck.