By Chaney Ferguson
In 1994, David Rabalais and Tim Woods started Lake Charles Tackle (LCT). The business venture began with two avid fishermen who had to order their bait.
“Every time we had to fish at a tournament we had to go look at the magazine, and order baits because nobody was carrying the ones we were using at the time,” said Woods.
Neither one remembers which one said the line that sparked the business, but the idea came from a desire to have a tackle shop like one at Toledo Bend.
Rabalais and Woods began their business on Common Street in a building with only 900 square feet.
“We put up a shingle, ordered some things we thought we could sell, and hired a good manager named Bill Brown,” said Woods.
Brown had a background in merchandising and he taught the two new owners how to listen to what the customer wanted before ordering products.
“We always thought we knew what the people wanted because we fished. We learned quickly that it was not always what we wanted but what the customer wanted,” said Rabalais.
Business started out slow until Rabalais and Woods started sponsoring a fishing
show, hosted by Terry Shaughnessy.“The show really helped get our name out there,” said Rabalais.
After two years in the business the men decided to expand. They moved to their current location at 310 W. McNeese Street, where they enjoy approximately 4,000 square feet.
“We are actually looking to expand again,” said Woods.
Since 1994 the business has not only increased in size but also in workers.
“We began with one employee, and now we have between eight and ten depending on the season,” said Woods.
The current general manager, Gregg Vidrine, says that LCT is not like Academy or Wal-Mart.
“We are the individual serving the individual’s needs,” said Vidrine. “There is always someone here to greet the customer at the door, and see if there is anything we can do to help.”
LCT finds unique niche items that help them separate themselves from their competition. Items such as the Yeti ice chest. LCT is made more unique with the Yeti LSU ice chest for the die-hard fans. They offer many services chain stores do not have.
“We provide a service on rod and reel repair, spool reels, sell and service Charlie motors, and we sell electronics like depth finders and GPS’s,” said Rabalais.
Recently the store started carrying marine accessories, whether it is something to fix a trailer or boat, wiring or electrical.
“We don’t do the repairs, but we sell the parts,” said Woods.
They will special order any type of equipment, bait, boating accessory, or fishing accessory.
“Special orders don’t upset us,” said Vidrine.
Rabalais says that LCT will switch gears around late August or early September when they start carrying hunting equipment.
“We deal with mainly waterfowl and deer hunting accessories,” said Rabalais.
Vidrine says that the name of the business should be changed to Lake Charles Tackle and More because the store offers products for the sportsman, not just the fisherman.
Products for those who like to go rafting, kayaking, or fly fishing are offered too.
“We order the newest and most innovative supplies for fishing or hunting,” said Rabalais.
The market for the area has completely changed since the business opened fifteen years ago. Rabalais and Woods started their business with an interest in bass fishing.
“We started with freshwater fishing, but customers came in and started asking for other things so we moved into what is called inshore saltwater,” said Rabalais.
In the last six or seven years LCT has moved into blue water (offshore) fishing.
The shift in merchandise is caused by what the customers are asking for.
“If you can think it, we can get it,” said Vidrine.
Over the past five or six years LCT has won the award for #1 Independent Dealer.
When new products become available LCT has the ability to get them quicker than the chains.
“We can react quicker than the chains,” said Vidrine. “We don’t order for next year in mind. We order for next week in mind.”
The men learn of new products from their contacts with sales representatives and product shows. They also order new items when customers come in talking about them.
“The other day a guy brought in something he ordered, and he suggested we start carrying it. So we will,” said Vidrine.
All three men believe in the importance of customer service.
“Our customers are our best salesmen,” said Vidrine. “They keep coming back because of the service we provide.”
LCT participates in community events such as the annual boat show, and they donate to various charities hosting fishing events.
“We are not just a place for men to shop. We also offer rod and reels for women, and our Costa Del Mar sunglasses are a big seller with women,” said Rabalais.
Whether you want to sign up for a tournament, learn the fishing and hunting regulations, or get a fishing or hunting license, Lake Charles Tackle is the place to go.
For more information call 337-479-2999, visit the website at www.lakecharlestackle.com or stop by 310 W. McNeese St.
