Dan's Tackle Service stays afloat thanks to loyal customers

A group of loyal customers have rallied to help Dan Pieczonka. Dan is a custom fly rod builder who also owns a one of a kind fishing/tackle store on the second floor of his 2 flat in Chicago.

Dan on muskie lures and a frog harness.

Comments

[devoted reader]

Places like this are classic...I worked at a similar spot that existed in NYC in the 80's, it was called Manhattan Custom Tackle....out motto was " No Live Bait, keep screaming children outside.." It was a custom rod shop/flyshop/ bar room . The shop originated in the loft/home of the owner in China Town, then moved uptown across from ABC carpet on 21st ...........We made some killer rods, from fly to surf, and even fabricated our own titanium snake guides..... High rents eventually chased us out, and the business eventually went under........Good luck Dan, keep the faith!

[Moose]

I wish Dan all my Good Luck!!!!!! I miss a man named Joe @ Inner City Bait & Tackle. Joe was'nt a fly shop. But his little shop was packed to the hilt with stuff. He always had a Fly Rod or Two & Reels. He also had aliitle wall of fly tying stuff & always a vise or 2. We bail out corperate companies but not the little like Dan. That just sucks.

[danimal]

i have live and fished in chicago for the past 7 years and just heard of this place from a different blog like 2 months ago. i haven't made it there yet since i moved out of the citay but would like somewhere else to get my fly gear from other than the other fly shop around there. a small bit of advertising or pub would hopefully help what seems to be a one of kind fly shop in a city that needs it

[David Heyman]

Good to see Dan's Tackle Service on MC. I'll be stopping in shortly to pick up gear to build my first rod!

[Fuck shitcago]

And even douche bag asshole who calls a baby duck a "chick" They're too stupid to fish.

[Tumblebug]

I love places like this. You can talk to someone that knows WTF they are talking about.

[Seth]

I wish more places were like this and less like the Bass Pros, Cabelas, etc. Admittedly, these mass market places can maintain a lower price point, but they totally lack the charm and real customer service (i.e., knowledgeable staff). There's a place for all I suppose, but do I love the old, wide-board wooden floors and the doors you have to close behind you.

[Andy Magaldino]

I met Dan shortly after I moved to the Chicago area in 1983. He taught me a lot about rod building and fishing in general and we became good friends. We fished together but mostly I remember the lunches we had every Wednesday. Dan is very knowledgeable about fishing and rod building and he is also a good friend. If you live in the Chicago area and you are a fisherman then stop by Dan's shop because he has things you don't find at the large stores and if you live elsewhere then call Dan and he will ship to you what ever you need. Unfortunately I moved back to New York state and I don't get to see Dan but 3 years ago I visited Chicago and had the pleasure of going out to dinner with an old friend. Hopefully next year we will do it again, God willing and I am looking forward to it. Best of Luck Dan and I'll see you soon. Andy