B&M Products (574-294-2476) is proud to still be considered Elkhart’s finest tackle store. They have a complete line of live bait and tackle and still buy and trade boats and equipment. Conveniently located on the main routes to some of the best fishing in the area, they are open seven days a week to supply your sports needs. Simonton Lake reports great panfish and walleye fishing. They report great catches of walleye, smallmouth, and catfish on the river as the water warms and are looking forward to supplying bait and tackle for the Northern Indiana lakes. Stop by and get the latest information and great deals on all of your fishing and boating supplies for your next outing.

Sigbee’s Countryside Market  (574848-4876) is the complete store for all of your needs. Conveniently located 1 mile north of CR 6 on CR 19N just outside of Bristol they have been selling bait since 1977 and they sell it all year round. Not only do they carry a complete selection of fishing bait and tackle, but they also carry groceries and they have their own homemade deli. They want to remind you that they have flowers, hanging baskets and bedding plants for the garden. You can get fresh produce, cold beverages, hardware supplies, Indiana fishing licenses and fishing advice all in the same store. All of the area lakes and channels have yielded great bluegill and crappie catches lately. Stop in or call for the latest fishing news.

Conestoga Covers (260-281-2294) are a brand new innovation that works on a tried and true concept. They have been working on this idea for about 3-4 years and received their patent in June of 2002. The concept is relatively simple in that the boat cover floats on water or sits on land. It is such a unique application that we all wonder why we didn’t think of it. The folks at Conestoga Covers like to think that their invention is environmentally friendly as well as sports friendly. They are hunters and anglers and have been happy with fishing and hunting in the area this past year. They also look forward to sports on the lakes in the future. They are happy to see the seasons change as their new product progresses and they get a chance to place some of them in the area. Conestoga Covers make all of your land and water sports more enjoyable because you do not have to cover and uncover your sports equipment. If you don’t have to mess with that tarp, it gives you more time to spend doing your favorite activity! Keep in mind that the Covers will protect almost any outdoor item, such as, jet skies, boats, pontoons, 4-wheelers, lawn mowers, and many other items. Give them a call and let them help you protect your investment and give you storage ideas.

Travel Tender (574-533-9622) is looking forward to a great fishing season this summer. Ernie has had good feedback on the Extra Edge Balance, his Rogue Rods and also reports good sales of his G. Loomis equipment. The popular items change from season to seasons so be sure to stop in at Travel Tender and talk to Ernie and check his prices and information. Anglers have been having great success on the St. Joseph River fishing 20-25 feet deep from about 5AM to 9AM in the morning. They have been successful using night crawlers but minnows seem to work best. Be sure to call for information on the Dale Ernest Team Bass Tournament to benefit the Elkhart Shrine Club on Saturday, August 16, 2003 sponsored by Travel Tender. Ernie has entry forms and says there will be a surprise ’last place’ prize to be announced the day of the tournament. He will keep you up to date and may even have a few new surprises as he plans to vacation at Oba Lake and return with many interesting stories.

Rion’s Tackle Box (574- 224 -3474) reports excellent crappie catches on Manitou Lake for summer. Stop and talk to Rion about some of his custom made jigs, as they seem to be very popular this season. Their Kids Tournament, June 7th, was a success with 35 kids in three age groups. Winners were:

3-5 yr. Damon Conley and Cassidy Cave

6-10 yr. Wade Cave and Tara Mollett

11-14 yr. Shane “Ti-ne” Webb and Buttercup Ogle

A congratulation to all of the kids for participating as Rion likes to promote the family atmosphere at his shop. Stop by and check his prices and exchange any information that is current. He is expecting all fishing to get back to normal for the summer.

Goss Grocery (260-691-3151) is located near Big Lake at the entrance to the Tri-Lakes area. They have a full line of groceries and supplies for your sports outing. They also have marine supplies and live bait to support the angler. Because of their location, they have the advantage of access to information form the lakes that is being exchanged. Call or stop by to get the latest information about fishing or hunting in the area. Adam’s area has been good for fishing and all of the area sportsmen and women are glad to see summer here. Also, congratulations once again, to Adam’s dad Tom Goss on his excellent salmon catch and for supporting the Shrine in such a worthy cause. Stop in for your licenses and be sure to ask for Adam when you call or inquire about any Shore Station needs. Watch the Goss Grocery ad or report for possible specials on boats in the upcoming seasons.

The folks at See’s Bait Shop (574-382-3843) have been taking their time to plan and make preparation for their bait shop. This work in progress has some of the best live baits around with the promise of even better things to come. They are situated between Tippecanoe River and Ell River for some very good fishing. Joe stocks some of the hottest bait for panfish and has some of the best prices around. He plans to expand his operation in the future but for now as you drive into Deedsville you’ll find his shop on Leeds Ave. or just roll down the window and ask someone about his shop. Joe will be glad to exchange stories, give directions, and share any information he has from the local lakes and rivers so stop by and check out his location and prices.