In our town, there’s only ever been one real tackle shop — The Tackle Box.
I’ve shopped there for decades. Not so much for the selection — although it’s always been good — but more for the people behind the counter. They always make me feel at home when I walk through the door.
Especially Gary Simpson, the store’s longtime manager.
In a recent article in Fishing Tackle Retailer, Gary reflected on his many years of working as a small, independent tackle dealer in Gainesville, Fla. He also shared his perspective on big box outdoor stores and how they impact smaller independents — a red-hot topic here since Bass Pro Shops recently opened one of its megastores in town.
Gary didn’t whine or complain about the competition. He embraced it, claiming it could increase interest in fishing and the outdoors, perhaps generating growth for his shop as a result.
Considering the proliferation of these magnum-sized tackle stores nationwide and the dwindling number of smaller independents, Gary’s reaction came as a shock to many … though not to those of us who know him well.
Humble Beginnings
Throughout his 40-year career, Gary has known only one job — retail tackle sales.
When Gary started out, he was hired by Jerry Stinson — manager of the original store. Under Stinson’s tutelage, he learned about stock keeping units, purchase orders and buying trends — the nuts and bolts of retail tackle sales.
Gary was a quick study, too. Good with people. And he was an expert angler, both in fresh and saltwater. Customers came to him anytime they had questions on lure choices, rigging techniques, anything to do with catching fish.
With all of that going for him, Gary eventually became the manager of The Tackle Box.
The store had been around long before Gary got there. Charlie Clark opened the doors in 1953. When he reached retirement age, he turned it over to his children, John and Judy Clark. With Gary serving as manager, the three took the store into the new Millennium.
Through those many decades, The Tackle Box served as the meeting place for hardcore anglers in our area.
If you needed a bag of worms, parts for a reel or simply a tip on where to fish, The Tackle Box was the place to go. It’s always been our one-stop shop for fishermen — including many area pros like Shaw Grigsby, Terry Scroggins, Peter Thliveros, Glenn Browne and others.
Storefront to Storefront
Originally located on Gainesville’s east side, The Tackle Box moved to the south shore of Newnans Lake, along Highway 20, which leads to many of our area’s best fishing destinations. The location seemed logical at the time but, as Gainesville sprawled further to the west, it left the business outside the city’s main commerce area. Sales suffered.
Eventually, the Clarks decided it was time to close the doors and pursue other interests. That’s when Gary teamed with local businessman Wally Grant to keep the brand alive. Together, they moved the store across town where it became “Gary’s Tackle Box.”
And that’s what it is today, even as Bass Pro Shops comes to the area.
Many have been concerned for the welfare of Gary and his shop, me included. My oldest son, Daniel, is working there while finishing his degree in marketing. He’s learning from Gary so that he’ll be better prepared for a career in fishing. I can’t imagine a better mentor.
When Bass Pro Shops announced its grand opening several months ago, I was asked by a sponsor to attend on their behalf. As much as I wanted to help, I struggled with the request. It meant I’d be working against the store whose people have supported me throughout my career … even against my own flesh and blood.
Then Gary’s column appeared in FTR, putting a better perspective on things … easing everyone’s concerns.
Shortly after the Bass Pro Shops’ grand opening, Gary’s Tackle Box held its Annual Customer Appreciation Day. They had a record turnout! And if that wasn’t enough, Gary received a hand-written note from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, telling him how much he appreciated his comments.
At the end of the day, Gary’s article and Johnny’s follow-up letter were nothing more than an exchange among peers, not a sparring match between adversaries. And it proves that fishing is big enough for all of us, especially those with big hearts … like Gary Simpson.
