Ozarks Profile: Rick Smith

Partner, Fin & Feather Sport Shop

Tell us about your company.

Fin & Feather opened in 1984. It was started by me and my partner, John Mooney. We are still partners today and both are active in the everyday running of the business. We are in the fishing equipment retail business and are considered one of the premier fishing tackle stores in the Midwest. We also started up our online store in 2002 zTackle.com. It has become an integral part of our business and has grown tremendously every year.

How important do you think fishing is to the local economy?

Fishing is a very large contributor to the area economy. We live in one of the most popular fishing areas of the country. There are eight lakes within a couple hours of Springfield. Many thousands of people travel to here from all over the world to fish our great lakes. And from our experience, they like to spend money on their favorite sport. Some of the nation's premier fishing boat builders are located in the Ozarks with millions of dollars in boat sales. We have Branson drawing millions of visitors a year, with many of those coming to fish while they are here. And, of course, we have Bass Pro Shop, one of Missouri's top visitor attractions.

What inspired your interest in fishing?

I cannot remember a time when I was not a sportsman. My father, Bill Smith, had me on a riverbank fishing or out in the woods hunting, since I was a small child. I remember getting on my bike as a child and going down to the creek with my stick and string and hooks. We would go out in our yard at night with a flashlight and pick up nightcrawler worms to fish with or give to our friends.

What's the biggest demographic among your customers?

Fishing is one of those sports that have no age or gender boundaries. It is enjoyed by many their whole lives. I guess our biggest age group for business purposes is those 40- to 60-year-old males, though, we have seen a large number of women get into the sport over the last couple of years.

Do you think interest in fishing is increasing among young people?

Being in this business for so long, you see lots of ups and downs as far as participation. I believe over the last 10 years or so the younger people have had so many other things they could do, more than ever before. The Internet has kept them occupied, there are more sports available for both girls and boys to play. Their parents also are so busy they don't have as much time to take them fishing. But, with that said, we are seeing those children turn into young adults, and they are really coming into the sport. Their enthusiasm for fishing is refreshing. I believe the sport is strong and will be part of the legacy we leave others

Tell us about your family and spare-time interests.

I have been married for 26 years to a wonderful lady named Debbie. We have a son Shaun, who we are very proud of. I like to fish and hunt, of course, but we also like to travel. Debbie is from England, so we try to take her home as often as possible.