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NORCO – Hunting and fishing fanatic Blake Phillips has made more than a few trips to Metairie to gather supplies for upcoming trips. He and his wife, Tiffani Phillips, realized the need for a one-stop shop to serve outdoor enthusiasts in the River Parishes.

Their new store, Norco Tackle, was slated to open April 11 at 15711 E. Airline Highway, Ste. A in Norco. While COVID-19 has kept the doors closed to the public, Blake and Tiffani are meeting the needs of the community through online and store pick-up orders.

Blake Phillips grew up in LaPlace. Nine years ago, he and his wife moved to Norco, where they are now raising their three children.

“I really saw a need for this store. I got tired of having to run all over the place to get stuff,” Blake said. “My wife and I got to thinking that if I’m doing this, we’re sure there are a lot of other people out there with the same mindset.”

Norco Tackle carries an eclectic supply of freshwater and saltwater fishing products, including but not limited to rods, hooks, accessories, nightcrawlers, crickets, redworms and bait suitable for crawfish and crabs. The store carries more than 80 popular brands both in-person and online.

Shrimp boots and snap back hats are also offered. The inventory will shift when hunting season opens later this year, according to Blake.

“I think we are unique in having the option to ship items or pick it up. The inventory online shows exactly what is in stock,” Blake said. “We try to keep what people are actually using around here. We listen to our customers and opinions of others to keep those products in stock. If we don’t have it, we’ll do what we can to be able to stock it.”

Before making an early morning fishing trip, Blake suggests placing an order at norcotackle.com and picking it up on the way out. Customers can call the store or tap on the door to have their order brought out to their vehicle.

A grand opening celebration will be scheduled for a later date.

Blake’s mother, Rachel, said her son seems very determined to make Norco Tackle a successful local business with competitive prices. She added that Tiffani, though modest about her craftsmanship, has done a lot of carpentry work herself to prepare for the store’s opening.

“First she built the cricket cage, the aisles and recently the fishing rod holder,” Rachel said. ” I am also proud to see how much the grandkids have gotten involved. Especially Matti, the 11-year-old, who has learned a lot about the sales and inventory.”

Blake and Tiffani plan to open the store from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

For more information, call 985-603-4241, visit norcotackle.com or find Norco Tackle on Facebook.