After testing waters, couple opens Tackle Testers
RATHDRUM – Bring in a box of fishing tackle or a used fishing pole to James and Alice Smith, and they’re happy as children.
“We are like kids in a candy store,” said Alice Smith, co-owner and operator of Tackle Testers Fish and Go, about sifting through customers’ sporting goods.
The locally owned and operated business opened in early June, offering North Idahoans a place to buy and sell new and used sporting equipment, fix broken fly-fishing and spin-casting rods and to pick up Idaho Fish and Game hunting and fishing licenses. The owners hope to add firearms to their inventory and have recently applied for a license to sell the merchandise.
“Here we are, surrounded by all these lakes and mountains and rivers; it’s very sports-oriented around here,” Alice said. “We wanted to be a fun business and something that the community could feed off.”
Although the couple have considered North Idaho home for 25 years, they’d made a living over the past few years moving around the country as James helped set up power plants. His father formed the family fishing business in Minnesota as a bait tester for the now-defunct tackle company Grassl’s, where he even had a lure, “The Gordy G,” named in his honor.
However, it wasn’t until the Smiths sought out a place to have their own gear fixed that they realized the need for the service locally and decided to open their own business. James said that offering the new and used trade-in service provides a cheaper alternative to the more expensive fishing tackle that puts a financial strain on an otherwise pleasant outdoor activity.
After operating the repair service from their Post Falls home and gaining a few loyal customers, the Smiths were looking to move into the retail arena. Once the Smith family, including daughter Amber, spotted the more customer-friendly space in Rathdrum, they opened Tackle Testers’ doors a short time later. The extra space of the showroom floor will eventually be stocked with hunting gear and other seasonal supplies. “We just want to get everything we can get into here,” Alice said.
In addition to the full line of fishing tackle and other sporting gear, Tackle Testers will serve as a drop-off and pick-up point for an outboard motor repair shop.
“It’s something we need,” said Nate Hager, owner and operator of Fisherman’s Friend Marine Service, who happened by the new business and asked if the Smiths would be interested in offering the dual service. Since then, Hager said, he’s become one of Tackle Testers’ best customers. “Absolutely it’s a great idea. And they seem to be doing it the right way. It’ll be a good relationship.”
Since they opened for business, the Smiths said they’re learning some new aspect of the trade every day, while getting to know all kinds of people. Though running a small business has many advantages, James said there is one drawback: “I just wish I had more time to fish.”