Page 11 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 133

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #133 February 2024 11

Continued from page 9 twenty-three years, as well as some gatherings that we sold a bunch of
As for his preferred fishing spots, opens. I enjoyed them thoroughly, tackle at. Food was always a big pace, with the freedom to fish as
Puddephatt remains unbiased, at least most of the time. Now I just part of these events as well. I had and when desired. However, fate
appreciating the abundance of fish for fun and like that just as much. an agreement with the local grocery had other plans as Robert Martin, a
Eastern Ontario’s water bodies. To start, try to go with someone who store where I would guarantee a set former customer, ventured into the
already fishes, it should make your number of pieces of fried chicken tackle shop business. Puddephatt’s
“Compared to many areas, our first few adventures much more but to be prepared for much more. decision to work part-time at Tight
lakes and rivers do not see the enjoyable.” Our record was 720 pieces of Lines, Robert’s tackle shop, was
amount of pressure that you might chicken during a four-day event,” met with an enthusiastic yes. The
find elsewhere. I’ll never be able to The next fishing adventure for said Puddephatt. “In the fall we had joy of reconnecting with customers
try them all, but I’m going to try,” Puddephatt is likely to lead to a customer appreciation day where and witnessing Tight Lines carve its
said Puddephatt. Champlain Lake in New York or the we deep fried turkeys. Nine turkeys own identity echoes the success that
St. Lawrence. His passion for bass
For those asking him about getting fishing is evident as he admits to being were pretty much the norm along Paddletales once enjoyed.
started in fishing, Puddephatt has a “bass snob.” However, his openness with the extras mentioned earlier. My Three years into retirement,
some wise advice. ego also got a lot of stroking during Puddephatt reflects on the bittersweet
to new experiences shines through,
my time at the store as well. My wife final day at Paddletales.
“It can be as expensive or even considering giving ice fishing a
inexpensive as they choose. One rod try despite initial reservations. always joked that we would have to “We are now coming up to our
and reel combo will do, or as many Reflecting on Paddletales, make the door wider for my head. It third anniversary of retirement. Do
as you want to have. Personally, I Puddephatt cherishes the memories has often been said if you make your I miss the store? Of course. What I
carry eighteen rod and reel combos created with customers turned friends. living doing something you love, you don’t miss are the ties, along with
in the boat, but it didn’t start that never have to work a day in your life. the money worries. My wife was the
way,” said Puddephatt. “Fishing can “Our instore “doos” became That was my case, and I think hers as worrier, I was the head-down and
also be as intense or relaxing as you somewhat legendary as well. They well.” full-speed ahead guy. Together we
like. I fished the Renegade circuit for weren’t as much sales as social Retirement brought a change of made a great team,” said Puddephatt.