Meet the Owner of a Local Bait and Tackle Shop

Carol Ann Grealish is the owner of , a bait and tackle shop in Winder. She has been in business for almost 36 years.

Patch: How did you get into your line of work?

Carol Ann Grealish: Started out as a joke (laughs). As a joke. We had a boat and when we got ready to go to the lake every time we went we had to stop 15 different places to get everything. We talked about opening a place where you could get everything at once. We have just about everything except gas.

Patch: What’s the best aspect of your job?

CAG: Meeting all the new people that come through.

Patch: What’s the worst aspect of your job?

CAG: The hours. I’m here sometimes 12, 14 hours a day, depending. (Especially) during the summer time.

Patch: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

CAG: Well, when I have time I like to cook, (I enjoy) woodworking, playing in the dirt. And of course, fishing.

Patch: What is your personal business philosophy?

CAG: Work hard and be honest.

Patch: What is your favorite place to fish?

CAG: I prefer going to a friend’s house (and fishing) in their farm pond.

Patch: What do you like to fish for most?

CAG: Anything that happens to get on the hook. I like catfish and crappy, brim. Don’t care too much for bass fishing.

Patch: Do you have a particular brand of rod and reel you like to use?

CAG: Not really. One of my favorites is a little, oh, I’d say, about a two-and-a-half-foot rod with a 33 on it made way back in the ’70s.

Patch: What’s one piece of advice you would give fishing beginners?

CAG: Take your time to learn what you’re doing before you do it. Learn what size … hook that you would (use) for what kind of fish and bait. Too many times they’ll either use to small of a hook for what they’re trying to fish for or too large a hook.