Black Hall Outfitters opened in 1999 as a bait and tackle shop in Old Lyme, Connecticut, and built the business into a premier kayak fishing and outfitting shop. The company recently opened a second location in Westbrook, which will focus on all aspects of fishing, from porgies to tuna. Gene Chmiel, the owner, told us a little about the company and the kayak fishing community that has grown around it.
On The Water: Did BHO always specialize in kayak fishing?
Gene Chmiel: Although BHO has grown over the last five years to be the largest exclusive Old Town and Ocean Kayak dealer in New England, we actually started as a bait and tackle shop. Because of our location—directly on the Great Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Old Lyme—kayaking was a natural fit and an extension to our bait-and-tackle roots. The short paddle to the mouth of the Connecticut River, along with the spring striper run, inshore fluke, and bluefish and albie blitzes, have made our spot a destination for kayak anglers looking for skinny-water action.
OTW: When BHO first opened in 1999, kayak fishing was just catching on. What were the early years like, before kayak fishing became as big as it is today?
GC: Early on, the equipment was primitive and nowhere near as technical as it is now. With the innovation and technical capabilities of today’s sit-on-top kayaks, and the evolution to hands-free, pedal-drive boats, kayak fishing has become the fastest-growing segment in the entire fishing industry.
OTW: How have you seen kayak fishing and kayak-fishing culture change since BHO opened?
GC: For years, kayak fishing was kind of a cult thing, a small circle of pioneers no one really knew much about. Kayak fisherman were not really recognized as legitimate. Today, kayak fishermen have become highly specialized experts, leveraging their top-notch equipment and stealthy approaches to create a significant advantage over big-boat anglers in skinny waters and close to shore. Also, with so many new participants, tournament series, clubs, and social forums have exploded, further expanding the reach and awareness of the sport.
OTW: Which describes the first-time kayak fisherman you typically see—a surf guy looking to get beyond the shoreline or a boat guy looking for a simpler vessel to fish smaller waters?
GC: Both! Surf guys have adopted the sport in order to expand their reach, especially into areas that have no access form shore. Boat guys have all seen first-hand how difficult it can be to try to sneak into skinny water without spooking fish, which has driven many serious boat anglers toward the stealth aspect of kayak fishing. And, think about the economics of the sport. Anyone can be in a top-of-the-line kayak decked out with electronics and gear for under $5,000! For many boaters, that won’t even cover one season’s worth of maintenance and gas.
OTW: What is your best-selling kayak?
GC: The Old Town Predator PDL. It was introduced two seasons ago as the next generation of pedal-driven fishing kayaks. Its immediate forward and reverse capability, plus the propeller with a 10:1 gear ratio, make it easily maneuverable, even in tight spaces.
OTW: You’re one of the few shops we know of with a dedicated pro staff. How did you choose which anglers to represent BHO, and what do they do to support the shop?
GC: We see our on-water guys as brand ambassadors for the sport, our partner brands, and the shop. They are on the front line of getting exposure to the sport within our community, and as a result, growing the kayak fishing scene overall. We are continually looking for anglers who are passionate about the sport, active within the community and social media channels, to create awareness of what we’re doing and to engage others who might be considering the sport.
OTW: For someone just getting into kayak fishing, what species/fishery do you recommend they target to get a feel for things before jumping into something more advanced, like chasing big stripers at night?
GC: Freshwater fishing is probably the easier to acclimate to, considering the ease of accessibility, and the fact that tides, wind, and weather are much less of a factor. Getting out on a body of water and hooking up to largemouth, pickerel, and the local freshwater species can be done by anyone, at any skill level, and with minimal investment.
OTW: Both of your locations are beautifully situated right on the water. Do you have any good stories of memorable catches made right in sight of the shop, before/after or during work?
GC: We’re constantly amazed at what people catch right off our docks! My dad, who started all this, went out on the docks after the day was over with a live eel and a cold beverage, and consistently caught bass up to 30 pounds. My son, Nick, has followed in his footsteps, catching many beautiful fish off our docks, including his personal-best fluke of 6.8 pounds.
OTW: How is the new Westbrook location going to complement the original Old Lyme shop?
GC: Our Westbrook location is in the heart of the Westbrook Marine District, right on the Menunkatesuck River, with quick access to the Westbrook/ Clinton reef systems—as well as the 600-acre Stewart McKinney Wildlife Preserve upstream. That dual access serves both our inshore and offshore anglers as well as our paddlers. We continually look to add new, local, innovative tackle and gear from Northeast manufacturers. We are local and want to do all we can to feature the local brands that are turning heads and catching fish.
Black Hall Outfitters
Website: blackhalloutfitters.com
132 Shore Road, Old Lyme, Connecticut
362 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, Connecticut