Small Town Rumor Mill

[walleyedan]

I figured this would be a good place to set some things straight regaurding my guide service, the Nisswa guides, Koeps and Nisswa Marine. It's pretty funny how things get whistling around this area as far as who is doing what, where and with who. As most know, Koeps sport shop is no longer operating under the previous owner. When the business went up for sale, Nisswa Marine expressed interest and thought about keeping the business going. But, after a long period of time went by without getting a straight answer from the bank that was involved, they elected to say forget it. I was also contacted by the owner of the building to see if I was interested, at which time I told him I would take a look. I took a look/listen the next morning and let him know immediately that I had no interest in the name/website/phone number. And then yesterday I was confronted by a Nisswa guides league guide wondering if I was trying to buy their phone number. What a joke!! There are a few of them (Nisswa guides league guides) that don't like us already, do you think I'm going to give them more ammo and try to buy their phone number? Nope!! Never wanted it, never will. We are busy as it is with our own phone number, we don't need their number. They are now moving into Reeds and they had to buy their phone number from the bank. I think Reeds will be a perfect fit for the Nisswa guides league. Anyway, I just wanted to clear up some of the rumors that have been sailing around. I know it's not the last of them, but there we are. Walleyedan's Guide Service is still operating out of S&W and proud of it.

Walleyedan

[jerk bait]

It's funny how rumors spin around. I heard that new Sno Bear has optional wings that can be added for fly in fishing trips. Is that true?

[walleyedan]

I'll have to ask the company about that. They might have that in the works, I'll keep you posted.

Dan

[Sportland_Bait]

Hi Dan, it has been an interesting and entertaining couple of months to say the least. I had heard about that phone number thing, kind of funny. I also had sat down with the bank and as I looked at the numbers it just didn't make sense. It's like we talked about a couple of weeks ago Dan. There are a number of the old guard in this area that don't want to see any changes. As each of us has worked hard and put forth a good effort our customers have been very pleased, and both your business and ours have flourished and will continue to grow. The rumors in this town will just keep flying. I just take it for what it's worth, "entertainment". We've been here for 30 years so I think we have seen our share, they just come and go. I'm starting to look forward to spring and getting back into the boat. I think we can both look forward to a banner season in the summer of 2006. We wish you and your crew the best of luck.

Jason Erlandson

[The Crumpler]

I, for one, appreciate the hard work both Dan and Jason put into their businesses as well as this forum. It is nice to see local folks working hard to satisfy their customers and still take the time to offer reliable information to the masses. God knows we need it.

Keep up the good work guys, you are appreciated.

[Sportland_Bait]

Thanks Crumpler, Its you guys that keep us going. All the great, sometimes very interesting customers we meet over the years that make it worth it. It takes a little work sometimes but it is a fun business. We appreciate the opportunity to help everyone out and the kind words.

Jason Erlandson

[walleyedan]

Hi Crumpler,

Thank you. Jason, I know you and your Dad have seen a lot of this over the years but it's still pretty lame. I guess as long as there's competition, there will be issues. We will work with guides that we know will be good with customers and also are good people and yes, good fishermen/women.

Have a good day,

Dan

[slimy_eelpout]

Group Hug?

[burl]

Its unfortunate that they could not keep keops going.Growing up and spending summers on north long in the seventies i was always excited about the trips to the bait shop to see all the big fish caught and also the pictures of the stringers of fish caugth by the nisswa guides in the brainerd paper.Seeing the guide boats in front of our cabin and catching huge bass was probably the spark that got me interested in fishing.Its kind of sad to see some of the small bait shops going out of buisness.Burl.

[therancher]

I don't like to see them go either. You cannot go to Gander or Walmart and just lean on the counter and talk smart. It is sad to see Koeps go. I was a loyal customer for Bill and the Koeps store. Now it looks like I will be buying my bait and tackle at S&W and Sportland.

[ccarlson]

What is Bill going to do now? Is he planning on staying in the area? Hopefully he can find something for work. Things like that certainly aren't the kind of sidestep we like to take in life.

ccarlson

[therancher]

I do not know. I know that in the past he has been a manager for different stores, and he has ties to people in International Falls. Bill is a great guy and I wish him and his family nothing but the best.

[Hopper]

Dan "The Walleye Man", you are a solid guy and run a first class operation. I always find it interesting when someone openly bashes another person or their business in this community. I have heard rumors and stories about the "leagues", your business, Reeds, Koeps, Gander, etc....

I know from first hand knowledge that Sportland Bait and Walleye Dan's Guide service are both quality business's in the area. I truly believe that people who have an "AXE" to grind are completly jealous of what you have accomplished in this area. I hear it all the time at local establishments, and get into arguments over it. People are so territorial with what they feel they are entitled too.

Keep up the good work Walleye Dan and Sportland Bait. You truly represent what the Brainerd Lakes Area is about.

GREAT PEOPLE!!!!!

Hopper