Just had a teenage customer just refer to crankbaits as "hard plastics." I suppose that's technically what many crankbaits are. It's just telling that he doesn't remember a time when lots of crankbaits were made of balsa wood. [facepalm] #baitshoptales
Just sold a book about invasive species in the Great Lakes, to a 20-something angler, the very demographic that supposedly has no interest in books anymore. Don't underestimate young folks; they buck the stereotypes every day. #baitshoptales
Ah, yes, I just love it when my customers play matchmaker and try hooking me up with their fishing buddies. #baitshoptales
It blows my mind how many people assume that a "bait shop" must sell chemical baits to kill bugs, moles, and rodents or that, because a bait shop sells minnows, it must be a pet/aquarium supply store. I guess the old-fashioned term "bait shop" needs to die for the sake of clarity. #baitshoptales
Poor Optimus is not enjoying the sounds of Nature's fury outside. #baitshoptales #lifewithcats #catsofbluesky
The Boss is in ultra-chill mode, blissfully unaware of next Wednesday's appointment with the vet. #baitshoptales #lifewithcats #catsofbluesky
A customer just bought a bunch of fly-tying materials for his grandkids who got fly-tying kits for X-mas this year. They'd never tied before, but spent X-mas Day at the kitchen table tying flies and proudly showing them off. Kids don't require a screen to be entertained after all. #baitshoptales
I wish that the "can't wait for Summer" folks could understand how badly INEED IT TO BE COLD RIGHT NOW! No matter HOW many times I remind these folks about how much my business depends on ice fishing, they can NOT get it through their heads!! #baitshoptales
This routine always takes up the first 1-2 hours of my workday. :) <3 #baitshoptales #lifewithcats #catsofbluesky
Optimus has been either on top of me or beside me ever since I returned from my trip! #lifewithcats #baitshoptales #catsofbluesky
Optimus is absolutely FIXATED on . . . something. What is it? I haven't a clue. #baitshoptales #lifewithcats #catsofbluesky
A large black cat lies in "loaf" position, front paws neatly folded, on a carpeted floor under a chair, looking away from the camera.
Optimus is mad at me right now; he had to get his flea treatment earlier today. He won't look at me or let me touch him. However, he still seems to want to be near me, so I guess he still loves me. :D <3 #lifewithcats #baitshoptales #catsofbluesky
I swear, this cat is snoring. I guess I'm not allowed to work this morning. #lifewithcats #baitshoptales #catsofbluesky
Cleaning out old tackle boxes is risky business. Rusty and still-sharp hooks embedded in snarled wads of line and melted soft plastics, razor blades, sewing needles, ancient glass jars of mystery stuff, little tubes and containers full of old, smelly chemical compounds. YUCK! #baitshoptales
Optimus has established ownership of my Detroit Tigers throw, my professor's old chair, and this corner of my store. :D #baitshoptales #lifewithcats #catsofbluesky
King Optimus does not tolerate being touched while on his throne. :D #baitshoptales #lifewithcats #catsofbluesky
Optimus has commandeered what is supposed to be merchandise. [sigh] #baitshoptales #lifewithcats #catsofbluesky
Sitting here trying to price stuff, freaking out about the super-high-pitched noise I keep hearing, thinking it's something electrical. Finally found the source of the noise. It's not an electrical problem. It's Optimus. Teeny weeny kitty snores. #baitshoptales #lifewithcats #catsofbluesky
I don't have to spend money on cat toys. I have a fishing tackle shop, which equals short fishing rods, line, small bobbers, and fly-tying stuff. DIY cat toys! :) #baitshoptales #lifewithcats
Oh, the irony of a MAGA, Second Amendment, spank-them-kids, big tough biker boomer letting his toddler grandson run amock in a retail store and letting his 10-year-old grandson (sporting a cap with a M16 rifle on it) talk disrespectful shit. #baitshoptales
