By Louie Stout
ClearH20 Tackle has new ownership.
Don’t worry, Darrin Schaap isn’t going anywhere but he’s turning the reins over to protégé Steven Szymczak and his father-in-law Mike Savage.
The Edwardsburg, Mich. tackle shop has been one of Southwest Michigan’s most popular stores for bass, walleye, trout and salmon tackle since Schaap started it nearly 15 years ago.
Szymczak began working there in his teens until a few years ago when he moved to Arizona. He came back and was ready to dive back into the tackle business.
“I felt it was time to give it new life and free me up to do other things while giving Steven an opportunity to run with it,” said Schaap. “I plan to stick around and work sales and be an advisor/consultant for a while.”
Schaap will also oversee boat repairs and boat storage that the shop also offers.
Brian Hensley will continue as a full-time employee and offer his vast knowledge and experience as one of the top bass anglers in the area.
Szymczak, from Oscela, Ind., says he plans to make some changes “down the road” but will continue to specialize in bass, walleye and trout and salmon tackle.
“We’re expanding our bass tackle to include more Japanese lures that anglers are requesting,” he said. “We will continue to offer a variety of tackle to anyone, regardless of the kind of freshwater fish they wish to pursue.
Savage, who lives in Mishawaka and retired from the U.S. Air Force, will be the office manager, handle shipping and receiving and work sales. During his time in the military, he ran an air base maintenance shop and supervised more than 200 other airmen.
Most people don’t know that ClearH20 not only sells tackle locally, but also on the internet and ships product worldwide. Szymczak has given the website a face-lift to make it more user friendly. It enables Sportsmen to have the option of buying online and having it shipped to them or they can place an order on the website and pick it up later at the shop.
“If you want something and we don’t have it, we’ll get it for you within a couple of days,” said Szymczak. “Quality customer service has always been ClearH20’s expertise, and we plan to build on that further.”
The store will host its annual Winter Open House Dec. 12-13 with special promotions on all tackle and a special emphasis on ice fishing gear.