Bait & Tackle Shop to Celebrate Grand Opening

April 20 is not just any ordinary day for business owners Tom and Char Verdock. Not only is it opening day for fishing along the Housatonic River, it is also the grand opening of T C Marine Bait & Tackle at their new location on 445 River Rd. in .

Previously located in Derby and in their ninth year of providing area anglers and fisherman enthusiasts with bait and tackle, the tackle shop will help make it more convenient than ever to stock up before you head out to the marina.

The store officially opened on April 1, but the weekend of April 20-22 will begin the season with a 36 hour open house celebration packed with deals, raffles, goodies and aahhhh, yes...a "biggest catch" contest! (Don't worry, you can pick up your fishing license in the store on opening weekend).

All entries must be submitted by Saturday April 21 at 6 p.m. Tom will measure and weigh your catch on his certified scale. You'll also be able to pick up your new books on weight and measurement requirements for this season.

The shop's inventory includes fresh and saltwater gear by such brands as Gibbs, Eagle Claw and T-Man. The store also sells plenty of plastics and lifejackets, even for your water-loving pooches!

"We are very excited for the spring run. It runs about four weeks and we are hoping the water temperatures are just right." Tom said. The herring swim up river to spawn and the stripers follow to feed. 

T C Marine is conveniently located right across the street from Sunnyside Boat Launch which sports over 1,000 feet of shoreline for fishing. The Housatonic River in Shelton boasts a seven mile stretch of brakish water and offers anglers a wide variety of species that include fluke, blackfish, blues, atlantic salmon, carp, trout, catfish, waleye, perch and striped sass. This section of river has gained recognition as a world class, year round Striped Bass Fishery!

The state stocks the Naugatuck River with various fish which make way down to the Shelton/Derby dam creating a great spot for anglers who will fare well casting into the incoming and falling sides of the dam. The shoreline is also easily accessible after you park your vehicle in the designated parking lot on Canal Street in Shelton right off of Route 34 in Derby.

T C Marine is open daily Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. You are welcome to call Tom or Char for info on tides, bait and runs. (Their phone contact information will be available by end of day Tuesday, as they are still in the process of moving the business).

Tom Verdock is also a certified Johnson Evinrude mechanic. Please call store for details.