Anything But Ordinary: Riverview Bait & Tackle

Filed Under: Featured Stories, More News

We chat this month with Lee Boisvert, owner of Riverview Bait & Tackle in South Yarmouth.

What is the background of your business?

We’re celebrating our 50th year this summer! In 1972 it was a family decision to purchase Merry Mill Marina, a tackle shop/boat rental at what is now Town Park in West Dennis.  We were a family that fished and boated and at that time my father was retiring so we were looking to start a family business. We moved to our current location in 1992. Seasonally, we employ eight and off season four.  Summertime there are lots of tourists with young families who want to learn to fish.

What is unique about your business?

We are a complete year-round tackle shop with hunting and archery, servicing both recreational and commercial fisherman. 

What are some of the business’s greatest challenges?

Inventory and knowledge to compete with the internet, keeping abreast of local knowledge and the ongoing changes that occur.  My day starts between 4 to 5 a.m. and ends between 6 and 7 p.m.  

What do you like best about your job?

When children come in the store and see the eel tank, shiner tank and worms and get very excited about fishing.

Where do you fish when you have a day off?  

I like to fish saltwater in Nantucket Sound. I fish mostly for sea bass, fluke and striper. There’s never enough time to go out, I only take one day off a week, sometimes none at all, and then one needs to factor in the weather and winds, so definitely not enough time. 

What’s your favorite fishing spot? 

A fisherman never reveals his exact fishing spot. 

More information: Riverview Bait & Tackle, 273 Route 28, South Yarmouth, 508-394-1036.

Do you have an out-of-the-ordinary job or business located in the Cape or Plymouth area? Email carol@capeplymouthbusiness.com to be considered for this monthly feature.