Many in the tackle industry have been doing it tough in recent weeks.
And with local tackle store often being at the beating heart of a local recfishing community, we’re putting some of the unsung heroes who run them in the spotlight over the next few weeks.
This week we hear from Jim Allan, from Albany Rods and Tackle.
RFW: How and when did you get involved with your tackle store?
JA: More than 40 years ago, I started working here under the previous owner and bought it in 1991.
RFW: What do you enjoy about working in the business?
JA: Meeting fishers and passing on information to visitors and the younger fishers.
RFW: What makes your customers keep coming back for more?
JA: My knowledge of the area and repair work on reels and rods.
RFW: How have you adapted the business to life under COVID?
JA: I did not have to alter much, once people knew I was open they supported me.
RFW: What’s a hot tackle item in your store at the moment?
JA: Salmon lures, squid lures, 3-3.6m rods and combos.
RFW: If you were Fisheries Minister for a day and you could change one thing, what would it be?
JA: Increase the size limit on some of the fish.
RFW: What’s your favourite fishing destination in WA and why?
JA: Albany, I do like the south coast, with Coral Bay as my second choice.
