Port Stanley Villager July:Aug 2024

Big Riggs Charters & Tackle by Peri Hayes

Born and raised in Port Stanley, James Herr’s latest venture has been evolving his tackle business into Big Riggs Charters & Tackle, named after his beloved son, Riggs. As he introduces, “During COVID-19, I got into making spoons for the local fisherman.” Included in preparing fishing lures, James offers custom painting and sourced a Canadian supplier for his powder coating service. For the previous several years, James supplied surrounding tackle shops, Dixie Dairy Bar in St. Thomas and Lambeth Rod & Tackle in London. He assures that his tackle will continue to be available. James earned his Captain’s License last summer and is the proud owner of an ocean-worthy fishing boat with a brand-new motor from Advanced Motorsports LTD. James is immersed in merging his ongoing business with his sport fishing charter service, which entails welcoming four to six individuals on his Striper 2100 at a time -- depending on the number of children on deck. James highlights that he provides life jackets for his guests. “My dad ran charters in Port Stanley when I was really young,” James details. With captains in his family and experiencing fishing with his dad throughout his life, James is familiar with Lake Erie and proficient in which lure is most effective. He reveals, “The last four of five years have been absolutely amazing for world-class fishing out of Stanley: Pickerel and Rainbow trout. We do pick up the odd salmon too.”

With 10 years of development in processing fish, James aims to utilize his skills by including this feature in his package. While discussing what excites James about his business, he voices with determination, “That’s what I’m about -- getting people that fish they’ve never had before. Well, I’m going to.” James announces that there is potential for him to purchase another boat in the future. Passionate about facilitating a blissful adventure, James earnestly expresses, “I am super excited about Port Stanley, because of the amount of people here and the people who will be able to see the kind of fishing that is in Port Stanley -- as well, taking them out to catch their fish of a lifetime.” Big Riggs Charters & Tackle presents a flat-rate charge of $500.00 for an Evening Charter from 5:00 pm until dark, while a Regular Charter from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm is priced at $650.00 -- costing an additional $100.00 per hour beyond the scheduled time. Those with inquiries are encouraged to contact James by phone at 519-670-6596, as well as to visit Big Riggs Charters & Tackle on Facebook and bigriggsfishing on Instagram for more information about this growing business.

Locally Owned and Operated

519 631-5450 StThomasRentAll.com

To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com

Port Stanley Villager • July-August 2024 • Page 3

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