Barber and fishing tackle hobbyist Shorty Mueller shows off a few of his custom-made rod handles.

There’s a special kind of feeling when you buy local food, but what if I told you that buying local can be done in more ways than just groceries? A fishing enthusiast knows nothing beats that sweet aroma of rubber worm bait and tackle. So as you prepare for the summer fishing trips and you notice that the tackle box is a bit bare, make a trip to one of these local fishing shops to stock up on some handmade items: 

We’ve heard nothing but good things about Bill Pearson, reportedly a master builder of both graphite and bamboo fishing rods. We were unable to reach the Eau Clairian to verify that he’s still doing so, but he’s worth a shot! 836-9598

Buroker’s Taxidermy Bait is a taxidermist first, but if you’re looking to jig up your tackle box with some jigs, look no further. Handcrafted by local makers, these jigs will catch anything that eats minnows: walleyes, catfish, crappies, bass, etc. Located at 1721 Birch St, Buroker’s will even make special ordered jigs if asked in advanced. 835-0847

Crazy Ds Tackle is an area tackle shop that for a long time carried locally made spinners, and we have no reason to think they don’t still. 2904 20th St., Elk Mound. 874-6996

Luretech has been designing tackle out of Banbury Place for more than 20 years. They are known best for their Power Glow fishing lure, a paint that uses the UV rays that fish perceive as color to bait them in, but their expertise doesn’t stop there. They also have top-notch spinners and jigs. You can find them at Scheels.

Mouldy’s is world famous for their Wobbler musky lures, a surface lure with a wobbling joint that makes underwater sounds. They’ve mastered this over several decades now, and can be found at several bait shops, Mouldys.com, and their 2863 South Prairie View Rd location in Chippewa.

Rod-n-Bobb’s is a family owned business located in Fall Creek. They specialize in an innovative line of bobbers that are crafted to minimize fish sensitivity, attract fish with light, and much more. There complete line of Terminal Tackle can be bought at Gander Mountain, Wal-Mart, and Sportsman Connection or online at Bobbers.com.

Shorty Mueller custom makes wooden rod handles for any kind of fishing possible: muskie rods, bass rods, fly rods, carp rods, etc. Get your order in for his custom-made rods by calling Shorty at 834-6060. 

Sportsman Connection not only crafts their own spinners and buzz bait, they also carry a wide selection of lure made by local companies. The Flirty Girty is a nationally recognized company that makes fishing jigs and treble hooks. They also sell the Chippewa Fall Fish Tales plastic worms. The Slop Monster bait company has full line of grubs and plastic baits. Check out the selection at Altoonaoutdoors.com.