Pocono News Section

Reeling in Big Business for Trout Season

Reeling in Big Business for Trout Season - Friday, April 16, 2010 at 04:06AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Friday April 16 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Starting Saturday you can do something statewide that was limited to just 18-counties for the last couple of weeks.

Trout season begins this weekend for the bulk of Pennsylvania and that means business is picking up at sporting goods stores.

"We're ready. We're ready to roll," said Stan Miezejewski who's owned "One Stop" on Luzerne Street in Scranton for 23-years. He opened for the season last month with everything from bait to boots. "We try to stock everything possible that the big stores won't stock."

The store carries everything from bobbers for as little as 35-cents to G. Loomis rods and reels that could run up to $400. Stan believes his variety and personal touch give him a competitive edge. "We carry all the major manufacturer rods and reels and we're small and give good service."

Scott Dutcher of Scranton was one of the customers at "One Stop" the day before trout season opened. "I like Stan. He's a good guy. I'd rather give the local guy the business than some of these bigger chains," said Dutcher who stopped in to buy chest waders.

He's willing to splurge a little at this small business. "I'll buy what I need to fish. It's my hobby so it doesn't matter to me. I'll buy fishing stuff," he said.

John Smolskis of Dunmore dropped in for about $15 worth of bait. He also has his $32.40 fishing license which he says is economical compared to costs associated with a limited hunting season. "So bang for the buck, I consider fishing," said Smolskis.

He's looking forward to a personal decades-old opening day trout season tradition. "First day, get in the water and have a little cookout and stuff like that," said Smolskis now that he's good to go.