Couple revives bait shop in Okauchee
New Musky Mike's Bait & Tackle shop will also be cash and carry style business for fishermen
What do you get when you mix together an attractive county clerk, a ruggedly handsome process server, a willing seller and a definite need?
Answer: The new Musky Mike's Bait & Tackle shop in downtown Okauchee.
While the name and phone number remain the same, the store's location and owners are new, but not to the area. In fact, the new store location is still on the main drag, just a couple of blocks farther east and across the street. "You can't miss our bright signs," said Greg Nickolaus.
For Greg , the process server and his wife, Kathy, Waukesha County clerk, both seasoned anglers whose backyard is on tiny Florence Lake in Okauchee, having their own bait-and-tackle shop was always a dream.
After the death of Mike Kitchen, founder and owner of Musky Mike's Bait & Tackle, the Nickolauses tried to buy the business, but Ray Kitchen, Mike's father, said he wanted to "try it on his own for a while to see what it was like."
In the meantime, Greg and Kathy had their property rezoned because "we knew we would be doing this sometime. When the opportunity finally presented itself, we jumped on it," said Greg.
"Here in the lakes country, it's important to have a good, local bait shop, one that's able to serve the fishermen all day, every day. That's our goal, whether they're here on Florence Lake, Okauchee Lake or wherever. The fishermen come first!" he said.
With the name Musky Mike's synonymous with fishing throughout the area, it was important to purchase the name as well as the business, including the same phone number, Greg said.
In addition to the inventory they bought with the business, including the St. Croix rods line, the Nickolauses installed new eco-friendly bait tanks to help keep the minnows healthier while they are waiting to be sold.
In an effort to make things more convenient for the fisherman, in addition to selling live bait and fishing licenses, they also offer snacks, cigarettes, cold soft drinks and beer ... cash and carry. "Local support has been great," according to Kathy, who will help Greg tend the store.
Anglers who have participated in previous Tuesday night bass tournaments will be happy to hear the tradition will continue. A meeting scheduled for Feb. 18, at the Legion Post in Okauchee addressed the plans for next summer's competition.
To learn more about the meeting, call Greg or Kathy at (262) 560-1189 or stop in and say "Hello," They'll be more than happy to give you the time of day.
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