Sadly, once again, this is not “much” of a report… The river does have some great open areas with plenty of fish in the system but be warned, while it may look open and floatable at both the put in and the takeout of some sections there are still large portions of the river that are completely frozen over in many places.

It’s a bit blurry as a zoomed in screenshot I got, but you are looking at a boat track down the center of the river, mid-river… 😲

I’ve already heard of one very recent rescue mission to retrieve some anglers that had to drag their boat a long way down the ice road they thought would be river! (See photo above.) 😳 It is looking like we’ve got some weather later this week that may cure a few more of these spots however but be sure to check with your car spotters before attempting a float. (Or at least be prepared for the worst if you don’t.)

Now, with that being said, I have seen some very nice fish that were caught on the PM in my social media feeds here recently. (Be sure to turn your sound up and click right here or anywhere on the picture below to check out a cool reel of catching it by David Elles, the angler that walked in and did!) I do plan to get out myself very soon, but more on that later when it’s actually done. 😎

Turn your sound up and click anywhere on this picture to view a sweet reel catching it by the angler David Elles!

The real reason for this post right now is two-fold and just a few short days ago I had hoped it would be just one. For those of you that do not follow us on Facebook, I am very sorry and very sad to announce the passing of our great friend and shop employee Joe Surman…

Rest in peace Joe…💔

I do not yet have a copy of Joe’s obituary, but I will be sure to post it or at least a link to it once I do. Suffice it to say #cancersucks and Joe lost his battle with it on Sunday, only two short months after being diagnosed.

Joe lit up a room or the river and made the world a brighter place!

Heaven gained an angel and we lost yet another great man. Our deepest condolences go out to all who had the pleasure and the privilege of knowing Joe and especially to his close friends and family. He is already missed and will be remembered by many.

It seems as though life has been reminding me far too often this past year of how short it truly can be and I’ve been saying goodbye to way too many of my friends way too often…
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.” — Unknown

(As to the second thing, I really wish it was the first and the only having just lost Joe to that terrible disease. Both hindsight and my heart are kicking me for not having posted this about a week ago when I fully intended to before getting distracted… 😢)

Here’s Joe with Stevie Nicks in the palms of his hands. (Thanks for the pic Kathy) I imagine him now with the whole world! (Annnnd that song is probably in your head, just as Joe would want it. 🤣)

Fact remains however, that I do need to get this out there, and much sooner rather than later unfortunately. Besides, I am positive that Joe would have laughed his ass off at me posting this right now and so soon. If he is somehow aware of it at this moment from heaven, he most certainly is! 😅

We need help!! Sadly, we did just lose Joe, but I really did mean to post this sometime back because we also lost Jad just a short while ago to an offer he couldn’t refuse (We still love Jad too! 😎) and the fact remains we were going to be looking for more help this spring in the shop even if Joe had managed to come back to us at 100%.

Our busy season is literally just around the corner! 😳😳 What’s changed now is that we are seeking a few people to fill full and/or part time positions rather than just one or maybe two so, in short, if you or someone you know may be interested in joining the BBT Family/Crew please let us know!!! The sooner we can get that person (or hopefully persons) dialed in the better…

BBT Fly & Tackle Shop is seeking full and/or Part Time Retail Sales Associates

Description:

We are seeking a passionate, knowledgeable individual to provide top-tier customer service, assist with rod, reel, fly, tackle and accessories selections, manage point-of-sale operations in an often fast-paced environment and take reservations for Guide Trips & Motel Rooms.

Requirements:

A solid foundation of knowledge in fly, spin and bait fishing as well as the equipment needed, experience with POS systems, and strong interpersonal skills. (Interpersonal skills is the only actual unconditional requirement as the right person could be trained on the rest.)

Responsibilities Include:

Assisting customers with gear, taking reservations, managing inventory, and maintaining a clean and inviting shop/work environment.

Experience Needed:

This varies a lot depending upon your work ethic, personality and ability to learn, but being “experienced in fly and/or spin fishing” is most certainly a major bonus as is some history in retail sales…

Benefits:

Employee discounts are nearly universal, alongside product discounts direct from many of our manufacturers and a very laid-back work environment despite the fact that it can and does get hectic at times. Pay raises will be quickly granted based on good performance as we are looking for long term employee(s). To “partially” quote my partner John from a text discussing this ad he said:

“It’s the shop environment, spending time with quality like-minded individuals, talking hunting and fishing all day…, quality of life, low pressure work environment… the list is long!!!”

So, please call the shop and talk with either Jake or Jimmy if you have any questions about the position. Applications can be picked up at the shop and résumés can be dropped off there or emailed to [email protected]
(231) 745-3529 9am – 5pm

If you’ve ever thought about the life or just living this lifestyle, I hope you’ll consider joining our team and I’ll look forward to working with you! 👊😎

-Steve-

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