S FL Back in the Day Story

FlatsNBay · June 22, 2023, 07:44:59 PM

Growing up in Broward, I became obsessed with bass fishing (still am). As kids we used to ride our bikes to the Hollywood Mall for our fishing tackle. We spent hours looking at each and every lure at Woolworths, Sears, and Gray Drugs. I bought my first baitcaster at Woolworths, a Daiwa Procaster. I was the man.

When we got older, we would feel adventurous and take the bus to the Hollywood Fashion Center (mall). It was a whole new lure selection at JC Penney and a short walk next door to K Mart.

When I was old enough to drive, we headed west to Bob Ek Sporting Goods which was 90% hunting and 10% fishing. Although it was a small selection, it was a good one. I still have a couple of lures that I bought there when I was a kid.

As I got older I discovered Anglers Bait and Tackle on Taft Street and Everglades Pro Bass Center on Griffin Rd. I was a kid in the Candy store!

Thanks for taking a walk down memory lane with me. How about you, any favorite South Florida tackle shops of yours from back in the day?

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big g · June 22, 2023, 08:35:03 PM

My personal fav was Everglades Pro Bass center on Griffin. The Fitzpatrick family were great people and always interesting to talk too. A group of guides always hung out there, and a good selection of baits especially when Pat was still alive.

Also Hinkleys in the old Hassyenda Village on SR 84. Another old tackle store.

FlatsNBay · June 23, 2023, 07:43:22 AM

I spent many of afternoons and many of dollars at Everglades Pro Bass Center.

There was also BJs Bait and Tackle. Remember their old location on SR 84?

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topdsm0138 · June 23, 2023, 09:45:04 AM

I'm only 43, and grew up in Lake Worth, FL. But I do remember a few of the smaller, local shops we used to frequent. We never had much money to shop at Sears growing up, so we had K-mart. For specific hunting and fishing, we had a place called Outdoor Sports World in West Palm Beach (Long gone as they got bought out and demolished). We also had Tuppen's Bait & Tackle right by my house in Lake Worth (She still stands to this day). Last but not least, we had Corner Store Bait & Tackle in West Palm Beach (another place long closed down). Lots of good memories at all three growing up.

Canesfan · June 23, 2023, 12:45:52 PM

Hinkles Bait and Tackle on Griffin, West of Turnpike on S. Side of Road. BJ's Bait and Tackle off SR 84 I think on NW 125 Ave.

big g · June 23, 2023, 06:35:42 PM

Hinkles moved to that location when the state overtook his property for the I595 interchange. It was for many years up at 84 and the big speed trap.

FlatsNBay · June 23, 2023, 07:37:12 PM

I remember Hinkle's now! I had to look it up on a Google search. We used to buy shiners and live worms there.

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hondo2doc · June 23, 2023, 08:00:07 PM

Quote from: FlatsNBay on June 22, 2023, 07:44:59 PMGrowing up in Broward, I became obsessed with bass fishing (still am). As kids we used to ride our bikes to the Hollywood Mall for our fishing tackle. We spent hours looking at each and every lure at Woolworths, Sears, and Gray Drugs. I bought my first baitcaster at Woolworths, a Daiwa Procaster. I was the man.

When we got older, we would feel adventurous and take the bus to the Hollywood Fashion Center (mall). It was a whole new lure selection at JC Penney and a short walk next door to K Mart.

When I was old enough to drive, we headed west to Bob Ek Sporting Goods which was 90% hunting and 10% fishing. Although it was a small selection, it was a good one. I still have a couple of lures that I bought there when I was a kid.

As I got older I discovered Anglers Bait and Tackle on Taft Street and Everglades Pro Bass Center on Griffin Rd. I was a kid in the Candy store!

Thanks for taking a walk down memory lane with me. How about you, any favorite South Florida tackle shops of yours from back in the day?

Sent from my moto e5 play using Tapatalk

What a great topic.

Like has been mentioned I loved Everglades Pro Bass. Pat was one of the nicest people I ever met. He use to always give me the newest hot spot and lure to fish. They also did rodemand reel repair too.

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FlatsNBay · June 23, 2023, 08:10:32 PM

You're right Hondo! I believe I had a few reels repaired there if I remember correctly. I had my first custom made rod made from that shop too!

Anyone remember a tackle shop in the shopping center on the SE corner of Griffin Rd. and SR 7? I used to be a member of the Bassin Fools bass club for a short time and they held their monthly meetings there. That was a great shop too although I think that they were short lived. There was also a tackle shop across the street in the shopping center but they weren't as good.

Canesfan · June 24, 2023, 10:26:09 AM

When I worked in Hollywood many years ago, used to stop at Hinkles and BS with the owner John and my friend Danny. Danny is the one who had the Allison thAt we were clocked at 93 mph on Lake O. Going to his memorial service in about 10 minutes. Was a great guy and awesome fisherman. RIP friend.