Shopping local is a great way to support your community and your neighbors. Small business is not the easiest road to travel these days, so I would like to give a shout out to some Ohio based companies that work hard to keep bringing you quality lures. Please support them now and throughout the season when you are stocking your tackle box.
Ohio Based Tackle Companies
Bass and walleye fishing is well represented with many Ohio custom lure makers. These guys specialize in the lure colors, sizes, and shapes that work best on Lake Erie and Ohio’s inland lakes. For instance, both Ohio Pro Lure and Venom Lures carry a large selection of soft plastics, along with jigs, hooks and more perfect for bass fishing on Ohio lakes. Ohio based Reef Runner Lures specializes in blades and cranks that Lake Erie walleye can’t resist. Cleveland based Cisco Fishing Systems crafts quality rod holder systems widely used by Lake Erie and other charter captains & anglers.
There are also many smaller, specialty custom creators in Ohio. My favorite shallow crank bait last year was a custom painted cutie from Furball Baits. These smaller tackle crafters create custom colors that are as unique as you need them to be. I highly recommend them if you are looking for made to order batches specifically poured or painted for you. You truly have the opportunity to cast unique baits that no fish has seen.
Ohio Based Tackle Stores and Vendors
Becoming a successful online tackle store isn’t easy. Well known names like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s and Tackle Warehouse have such clout, many smaller stores fold under the pressure. Not Fisherman’s Central! Starting with a storefront in Akron Ohio only about a decade ago, this online giant has expanded to a massive warehouse of every imaginable tackle and accessory you would need with a second location in Catawba. Their online store thrives among its competitors. Yes, they DO carry the local brands mentioned above, so shop at one of their stores to support local in more ways than one.
There so many small tackle creators and custom lure crafters in Ohio! Just head to your local fishing show or club tournament and you’ll soon befriend someone who either knows someone or in his spare time pours baits as a side hustle. Thank you for supporting their businesses with your purchases.
