What constitutes fishing success? I bet the first answer that comes to mind is catching fish, and 99% of the time that is the answer I would agree with. However from time to time we overlook the pattern that got us there. My success trip stories start from a place to lay my head, to the bait shop for bait and tips, and then to the spot. If the location is close enough for a quick trip, I can exclude the lodging. If the trip is to somewhere I have never fished, hiring a local guide might be in order. But all of my successful trips start with knowing the resources available to give me the advantage. One of my best resources is Kabele’s in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
Kabele’s, as a bait shop, has been around for years, which many fishermen from the area can attest to. Stopping at Kabeles to get bait as well as hot fishing spots was always a must-do before any Spirit Lake or Okoboji fishing trip. Their helpful service keeps bringing you back every time!
In 2007, Kabele’s added lodging to their offerings. By adding lodging, they were able to help fishermen get a nice place to relax before and after their outings. No longer did you have to travel 30 minutes from your hotel to the bait shop before a trip, since their lodge is next door to the bait shop. Their recently renovated lodging offers alot of the necessities needed for week-long getaways, such as equipped kitchenettes (dishes, utensils, pots/pans, cooktop burners, full size refrig, coffee maker, toaster) to bbq grills, and even lounging areas, which is a bonus to have a relaxing area separate from your sleeping area. Kabeles really have made it a no-brainer on how to start your fishing trips out right!
In July of 2011, Kabele’s went to the next step by showing off their services on facebook, a social media outlet known worldwide. For those wanting to go fishing in the Spirit Lake / Okoboji area, a few simple clicks and you could find out what they have been catching, as well as the hot bait being used. Their bait shop specials, as well as lodging specials, are continuously updated on their page. Without their updated posts, I wouldn’t have found out that Kabele’s offers equipment rental during the winter on ice shacks, flashers (Vexilar and Humminbird), Strikemaster hand and electric augers. Examples of walleye, perch, northern, and many other fish species caught flourish their facebook page. And since they are one of the official weigh stations for The Great Walleye Weekend, they also have 2 tagged walleyes, and 1 tagged crappie from the 2012 tournament & 1 tagged walleye from the 2011 tournament.
Not only can you get hot spot information from Kabele’s, they also have fishing guide services available for open water & ice fishing. Paul’s Fishing Guide is one of those guide services. Kevan Paul is 1 of the 12 elite ICE TEAM CLAM Pro-staff fishing guides. He guides out of Clear Lake, IA as well as Big Spirit Lake & West Lake Okoboji. Cody Christians is a new guide to the area, but an experienced Iowa Great Lakes fisherman. Cody began working for Kabele’s & Paul’s Fishing Guide this summer. Cody fishes day & night & comes from a family of excellent fisherman. Kabele’s also utilizes Jay Pfaltzgraff, with Jay’s Fishing Guide during ice fishing season. All three guides are top notch when it comes to fishing IGL’s.
But let’s not forget what Kabele’s started on, having great artificial & live bait before you hit the lakes. Not only are they known for having the best leeches in the area, they also are on top of charts when it comes to getting the newest artificial baits in a hurry. When something hot hits the market, you can guarantee that you can pick it up at their store as well as any other accessory you might need. The employees there love to fish and try new lures just as much as their customers, so you can always stay current with new tactics. Cody Christians, one of their employees, designed a hand-tied crawler rig, named Cody’s Crawler Rig, and has been a summer favorite for walleye fishermen. This in-house hand-tied gem is exclusively sold at Kabele’s.
From great lodging, to offering everything you could possible need for bait to accessories, to even setting up customers with top notch fishing guides, Fishing Success can be had at one location, Kabele’s. Simple, hassle-free, and a friendly smile to boot. The only thing you have to worry about is cleaning your catch….. And they got that covered as well….
Keep your lines tight!
Kabele’s Trading Post & Lodge
www.facebook.com/pages/Kabeles-Trading-Post-Lodge/128204750600175
Paul’s Fishing Guide
www.facebook.com/pages/www.facebook.com/pages/Pauls-Fishing-Guide/195088651541
Jay’s Fishing Guide
www.facebook.com/pages/Jays-Fishing-Guide/211214778973706
