BBT’s annual spring river cleanup is this coming Saturday, May 2nd! Please let the shop know if you plan to attend and how many will be in your party if you can, but last-minute additions are always more than welcome!! (231) 745-3529
BBT will cover the car spots for anyone floating, provide garbage bags and host an appreciation dinner at my pole barn next to the shop (South side.) afterwards. 9am meet at the shop to figure out beats and walk-in locations then dinner will be at 6pm for anyone who wants to stick around. We hope to see you there!
Unfortunately, we ran into some bigger issues than originally anticipated during our annual “ROW Trimming” (Right of way.) float yesterday so we only went as far as Gleason’s and even that was a bit later of a takeout than we had planned on. The good news is that we had a guide go thru between Gleason’s and Bowman’s just a few days ago who did cut safe passage in a couple of dangerous spots.
This is an annual float that was my original brain child many, many years ago while I was still a board member of the PMWC and it involves representatives from our government partners, (USFS & DNR) specialists in stream habitat and restoration, (CRA) conservation groups dedicated to protecting and preserving the Pere Marquette River, (PMWC & PMTU) the Pere Marquette Landowners Association, River Guides (MRGA) and some other frequent users.
Together, we assess each situation and come to a mutually acceptable plan of action during our float, but the real benefit to this cooperation is in getting everyone on the same page and understanding the how and why of each solution to a situation so that any further cutting is done with just as much thought and care for the residents of the river as well as its users.
We are well aware that every section of river has issues at the moment, especially after the recent high-water event, and only picked this one because not only does it receive the most pressure on a daily basis, but it also had a drift boat actually sink at one of the sites just a few days ago. (Luckily, no one was injured and all are ok.)
If you are aware of a dangerous obstruction in another section of river that you feel needs to be addressed ASAP please contact the USFS in Baldwin with those concerns and the location of it. (231) 745-4631 We can only do so much together in one day, but all involved are dedicated to providing everyone safe passage thru out the entire length of the navigable portions of River.
On a kinda cool side note, not only did we see lots and lots of Steelhead still in the system, but we also saw a pretty good-sized Sturgeon attempting to spawn. (We only saw the one and not another, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t have a partner in the area.)
I tried to snap a picture as we went by, but unfortunately that didn’t come out nearly as clearly as we could see and we moved along rather quickly to leave them be just as you should if you happen upon the site.
In other news, as many of you already know or may have surmised, our main man Jake will be leaving us here at BBT very soon after well over a decade of awesome service due to some exciting changes in his life that will be requiring his attention elsewhere. (Not my story to tell so I’ll let him tell it but suffice it to say we are very happy for him and wish them nothing but the best!! 😎👍🎣)
Jimmy, who has been with us for years and also does a fantastic job, will be stepping up and stepping in to Jake’s position. We are certain that the promotion will suit him well! 👍😎👊
We are continuing to seek further sales assistance at the shop, but are happy to announce the addition of Grant Snider, a man I first met and guided before BBT even existed 30+ years ago and consider a great friend as a part time (for now, poor guy still has a real job) employee! Grant and I both did our training with Jad on opening day! 🤣👍😅😎
Additionally, as of last night I am also excited to officially announce John Vandersloot to our full-time team! John is a 20+ year veteran in the fishing industry and brings a valuable load of knowledge along with him that will greatly assist us in our operations. He has also been great friends with all of us since the beginning and has been helping our mutual friend Johnny Matson out down at the M37 Meat Shack (Stop in there if you never have! 🤤😋) for a while now. (And will continue to do so for a little while longer in transition.)
We look forward to working with John and he looks forward to working with all of you!! There are details below if you or someone you know might be interested in joining us as well!
Shop hours continue to be 8am to 6pm daily, the river is in really good shape up higher and should be pretty nice thru at least the mid sections, fishing has been good, still some steelhead around, trout are starting to look up besides crushing streamers and we do have a guide or guides available on most days as well as motel rooms. Give us a call to get in on the fun! (231) 745-3529
My personal days are all spoken for now thru May 17th when John and I return from our group trip to Argentina and I plan to be tired from all those big fish on Streamers! 🙄😳🤣😅 May 18 is open, the 19th is booked and then it opens right back up again. Come spend a day catching trout with me this summer if you have the time and/or the inclination!
Anyway, that’s all for now; have fun, be safe and please play nice if you can!
-Steve-
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).
“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
