Being close to the water is an obvious benefit for a tackle shop, but during the 2004 hurricane season, location was a liability. Many shops took a beating from storm surge and strong winds. Even shops that fared well structurally were hit hard by the subsequent slow-down in local fishing action.

This week, a roving Florida Sportsman reporter touched base with several shops to gauge how they’re doing. We are happy to report that for many affected shops, it’s now back to business as usual. Some shops that we confirmed are again open: Fishin’ Franks and Ted’s Tackle in Port Charlotte; Tackle Box on Sanibel Island; Snook Nook in Jensen Beach; Harry Goode’s Outdoor Shop, Surfside Bait and Tackle, and Pineda Bait and Tackle in Melbourne; Gray’s Tackle in Perdido Key; Gulf Breeze Bait and Tackle in Gulf Breeze; Outcast Bait and Tackle in Pensacola; and Half Hitch Tackle with shops in Destin and Panama City Beach.

FS