My good friends have opened a new fly shop on Main Street in Rexburg. It will be nice to find quality flies and supplies without having to go too far away. Right now they carry loop and Redington rods and reels. They have Kast and Redington clothes. Their inventory is growing every day.
They are talking about having an ice fishing corner that would be very specific to what we use locally. If you were stalking a new store on a limited budget what would you include in the ice fishing section? Rods,Reels,jigs...etc?
My list: Jigs-paddle bugs in white, pink, chartreuse paired with high quality steelhead jig heads. Swedish pimples in white, pink, and silver for perch and Kokanee. Small pink rat finkies for Kokanee.
Reels: small Okuma spinning reels
Rods: HT, Eagle Claw, ugly sticks, unless you want to get into St. Croix, Brian Mitchell or even more expensive.
Auger: hand auger strike master lazer or Nils. Gas Auger strike master lazer .
What would you say are essential ice fishing equipment for local waters?
Windriver
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Popup shelters and sleds .
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they need to sell mid grade stuff if they plan on making it in rexburg IMO. College kids cannot afford $600 loop reels. carrying redington is good move but they need their mid priced stuff.
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I haven't looked closely but I think they have the full range of Redington rods.
Windriver
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I saw a vapen red and a tempt currently. the tempt was original price. it is discontinued now from redington. every shop around has it big time marked down. I am sure the plan is to get more of a selection, but if you do not carry it right off the bat, I dont see how someone that walks in for the first time will ever want to come back.
I am not trying to trash talk a new shop, I am all for a shop in rexburg! Just giving my opinion on the matter. I wish your friends lots of luck.
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I am one of the guys you'll see in the shop working 3-4 days a week. I'm helping some friends run it and trying to make it a hit. Please post any suggestions or feedback about the shop. It will only help us be successful!
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i do have to agree. if it is going to make it in rexburg they are gonna have to carry midgrade gear. I for one cant afford $600 dollar reels. Im sure loop is great gear but to me that just seems over kill. it is nice to have a shop so close now. I did buy a redington reel the week they opened and I freakin love it.
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I would like to see typical fly fishing setups (actual rigs from fly line to leader to tippet to flies) that are successful on southfork...Henry's...even still waters like Henry's lake. Use rigs with current fly hatch....nymph..streamers...or dries....
If I go into a fly shop with a rig demo...I will likely buy the tackle to match the setup.
For ice fishing demos too....fish finders...
My 2 cents....
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Looks like you've got a good start for the ice fishing section, but I'd sure add a few things to your list.
Jigger-totters
Jaw Jackers (although I'm not hooked, I know these are popular)
Jigging Raps
Frostee Jigs
Thomas brand Bouyant Spoons
Slush spoon/ice skimmer
Buckets and seats
Hand warmers (to keep your bait from freezing)
Lindy's Slick jig
And some 2-tone football jigs (not sure where to find these) see 3rd row down, last picture.
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Just like Sage and Winston, Loop does have budget gear. Reels start at $60. to $1000., but all with close attention to detail.
I think it's killer they are carrying it
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Madison is the wealthiest (per capita) county in Idaho. You might find it hard to believe but not everything in Rexburg revolves around college students. Wind river tell your friends good luck on the store. Glad to see someone taking a chance.
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I drive through or past Rexburg 2 or 3 times a year, but the only stop I ever make is for a Dairy Queen Blizzard.[laugh] Now I'll have another place to look for! 49.5 E. Main is in the GPS.
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Kast gear is great stuff! Good friends of mine that own that company-they've done their homework/paid their dues. Give some of their gear a try (start with their gloves!)
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Madison Co and Rexberg are have extremely low per capita income even for Idaho, the poorest state north of the Mason Dixie line. Yes a big part of that is all the students living there. But even without students it wouldn't compare to Ketchum and Sun Valley area (if you count that as Idaho[
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So if anyone was planning an Orvis shop or Mercedes dealership for Rexburg forget about it.
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Yep you're right. Looked it up and yes very low income. Do you live here?
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glad you checked Loufly. Almost everything does revolve around college students and always will. There is a BYU-I sign or discount everywhere you go! (wonder why?) All I am saying is there needs to be mid priced stuff in stock, and a good selection of it for a fly shop to thrive. I hope they make it, I would love somewhere close to my home to grab something if needed. They did have a decent amount of flies in the $.99 bins. If it is the same as all the other fly shops and only carry high end stuff I just think it will be hard to do well from a financial standpoint.
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