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Best Outfitter: Battleford Bait & Tackle

Nov 21, 2018 | 9:56 AM

Since 1988, Battleford Bait & Tackle has offered not just the region, but much of Western Canada, a premium outlet for all their fishing, archery and ammunition needs.

What started as a modest effort to dabble in the realm of fishing tackle and fill the void of availability during the winter, has grown into a well-respected outlet known for their expertise in archery, which attracts clients from the upper echelon of the sport.

Allan Mitchell and his son Brent have solidified their brand as trustworthy and affordable experts, with Brent setting bows for a number of professional Canadian and international shooters who have achieved high success, as nothing is more important than having confidence in your equipment when taking aim.

“They come to us because they want it done right,” Mitchell said. “Brent understands bows more than most.”

While big box stores may seem appealing and often offer lower prices, when it comes to Battleford Bait & Tackle, that is not the case. The store is able to remain competitively priced thanks to a modest approach to business and low overhead.

“A big name does not mean the price is right,” Mitchell said, noting the five-minute drive from Battleford and ten-minute commute from North Battleford is well worth the savings upon arrival.

Alongside this, the depth of knowledge available at Battleford Bait & Tackle is something money cannot buy. Be it a customer picking up a bow for the first time or a world-class archer, Brent takes his time, sometimes spending a couple hours explaining the intricacies of the bow to ensure you walk away with a working, accurate piece of equipment. This is something the big box stores just don’t do.

“The big box stores will just hand it to you as it. If they are set right, they will shoot. If not, they won’t. And if you don’t shoot right you can get discouraged,” Mitchell said. “So we make sure to set the bow right and show them some pointers on how to shoot.”

This is apparent in the ever-expanding customer base, with Mitchell selling and exporting product to hunters and fishers in not only Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia but as far as Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

“They phone us up and we have it and we ship it,” Mitchell said. “And if we don’t have it, we will order it.”

Both Allan and Brent continuously attend exhibitions to shake hands, connect with sellers and clients across the country, and keep abreast to the latest products in an ever-changing and advancing archery world.

Battleford Bait & Tackle also carries a wide selection of tackle to meet the need of weekend fishers and seasoned anglers passionate about the sport who require specific lures for the next big catch.

“Many are already placing orders for next spring to get the colour and product they want,” said Mitchell. “For the recreational fisherman, we sell them what we think will catch fish.”

The store also carries an array of general and speciality ammunition.

Battleford Bait & Tackle is located at RR1 Leo Mitchell Road off Highway 29 west of Battleford and is open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They can be reached by phone at (306) 937-2275.

Phone: 306-937-2275

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8am-6pm

Address:
RR1 Leo Mitchelle Road
Battleford, SK S0M 0E0