By Mary Beth Roach
One of the smallest shops of its kind in the country, Oswego business is thriving, just steps away from Oswego River
At 135 square feet, the RTB Bait and Tackle Shop is one of the smallest shops of its kind in the country, according to Ritch Batchelor who owns the Oswego-based shop with his wife, Tiffany.
Despite its size, the shop is well-stocked with plenty of gear — from rods and reels, from spools of fishing line to custom floats, handmade by Ritch and floater beads by Tiffany.
And the well-known real estate phrase, “location, location, location,” certainly applies to the Batchelors’ shop. Situated at 1830 Bridie Square, in the lower level of Bridie Manor, the store’s front door is literally steps from the Oswego River.
But luring anglers to the shop is more than inventory and location. There’s experience too.
Ritch spent about 10 years working part-time at the former Larry’s Oswego Salmon Shop on West First Street in Oswego and has been an avid fisherman on the river for 47 years; Tiffany has been fishing for three years. Ritch had also worked as a machinist for 35 years.
Imparting his expertise and working with customers are the best aspects of their work, Ritch said.
“Our favorite part is sharing my knowledge with others and seeing customers happy that we are here. It’s all very rewarding and humbling at the same time,” he said.
Although they opened the store four summers ago, coordinating schedules forced a delay of the grand opening ceremony until last July.
RTB is also well-stocked during the salmon season and while the Salmon River in the Pulaski area is a popular spot for fishing destination, Ritch said that the Oswego River should not be discounted, that salmon are there as well.
And it’s less chaotic than further north so fishermen don’t need to angle for a spot.
The store is on Facebook and Instagram and while it does not have a website, customers can call in orders and the Batchelors will ship them out.
For hours, phone number and more info on the shop, find them at Facebook.com/RTBbaitandtackle/
