Local fishing tackle shop

Local anglers, families heading to the lake, cottage owners, ice fishers in winter and visiting tourists.

Mark-up on products, plus extras like live bait, rod repairs, line spooling and seasonal items such as ice fishing gear.

• Knowing fishing gear and local species
• Buying and stock control
• Friendly customer service

• Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail premises
• Live bait handling and storage rules differ by province, and some provinces restrict bait movement, so check with your provincial natural resources ministry
• Ask whether you may sell provincial fishing licences, since that usually needs authorization from the province
• Sales are seasonal, so plan cash for the quiet winter months, or lean into ice fishing
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus GST/HST or PST registration once you pass the thresholds

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $100,000, depending on premises, stock range and fit-out. Stock is usually the largest cost, so plan your opening range carefully and keep some cash back for slower months.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on location, season and range. Sales are seasonal, so plan cash for quiet winter months, or consider leaning into ice fishing. Treat these as estimates only.

Check municipal business licence and zoning rules for retail premises. Live bait handling and storage rules differ by province, and you should ask whether you may sell provincial fishing licences. Also check insurance and GST/HST or PST registration.