By David Stenklyft for Wausau Pilot & Review
Longtime Wausau residents have long nicknamed the area south of Third Avenue in Wausau “the hollow.”
That’s why Alex Nowak decided it made perfect sense to name his new business at 322 Cottage St. Hollow Bait and Tackle.
After a Grand Avenue bait shop closed, Nowak identified a need to supply fishing enthusiasts with lures, bait and other supplies, and opening the bait shop near Lake Wausau just made sense.
Nowak began by purchasing some of the inventory from the former Riverside Bait and Tackle. The owners of the shop also helped Nowak by sharing some business knowledge and key tips on how to operate a specialty store like theirs.
It took about a month, but Nowak said the store quickly gained momentum.
“I think it’s a great location, near the water, and as a matter of fact, we ice fish right off the shore here.” Nowak said.
Along with all the essential live bait options, Nowak also carries specialty products from local companies.
Hollow carries night crawlers, panfish worms, leeches, crappie minnows and walleye flatheads. Some people have been asking for suckers, but those probably won’t arrive until later in the summer, Nowak said.
“We also carry B&B spinners and Doug’s Lures, both who have custom options,” Nowak said. “If you want preferred colors and blades we can help you with that. Doug’s is a local company and has so many types of jigs with different molds and colors we can find what you want.”
The store also carries, sodas, chips and gourmet sunflower seeds shipped in from Salt Lake City with flavorings you won‘t find anywhere else.
Hollow Bait and Tackle is open Monday through Friday 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekend hours are 5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Find Hollow Bait and Tackle on Facebook for more information.
