Breakwater Bait & Tackle opens in Cape Henlopen State Park
There’s a new breakwater that has settled in on Delaware Bay.
Unlike the rocky structures of traditional coastal systems, Breakwater Bait & Tackle hopes to become a comfortable spot for anglers and other visitors to Cape Henlopen State Park. Matt Carter, the owner of Quest Adventures, partnered with Virginia Beach native and lifelong fisherman Ryan Rae for his newest business venture.
Carter is familiar with Breakwater Bait & Tackle's location next to the park’s fishing pier, formerly home to Lighthouse View Bait & Tackle, as Quest Adventures is right next door.
“How can we keep that good, old feel for the true local fishermen, but give an experience to all the new people or families?” Carter said.
To that extent, Breakwater Bait & Tackle is stocked with a variety of baits, reels, rods and other fishing equipment meant to attract and reel in the various species calling Delaware Bay home. Fishermen can check the daily whiteboard for climate temperatures, bait suggestions and what’s been biting recently. Families, who may not be as committed to fishing, will find a supply of essential outdoor and beach gear such as chairs, umbrellas, barbecue equipment and skin protectants. Refreshments, including iced teas and ice cream, will be available for anyone working up an appetite on the water.
Many of the fishing rigs available for sale are made in Delaware. Carter said he prefers working with Diamond State Custom Tackle because of the relationship he has built with owner David Okonewski and Delaware Surf Fishing’s Rich King. Communication with someone local is a bit smoother and he can have honest conversations about the correct quantity to purchase and what rigs are working at the moment.
Rae, who grew up on the water and has been involved with fishing his entire life, possesses the knowledge Carter needed to move forward with his bid submission.
“Ryan has the knowledge and skill set, but I had the customer base,” Carter said.
The two owners want to offer the same services that have always been provided at the pier, but are looking to expand on things. Carter is hoping to have family nights and invite children to stay in the park to learn how to fish at the pier and surrounding area. Rae, who has fished in the Bahamas and on the Blue Marlin circuit, said derbies – fishing tournaments – could be special events.
“All of our friends are fishermen and captains, so we’d have these big kid derbies and they loved it,” Rae said. “We’d have big posters for the kids, aged 3-16, and put their names on it ... We had sponsors and people got a shirt or a rod. Everybody got something.”
Rae said they would like to do about three events during the summer and, because they have the pavilion, there’s a possibility to host cookouts throughout the season.
Carter said customers of Quest Adventures and the Savannah Road location, Quest Kayak, can expect the same level of service at Breakwater Bait & Tackle.
“We take pride in our employees and customer service. I think with this new venture, my business partner, and the staff we’ve talked to and recruited so far, it’s going to be top-notch,” Carter said.
“You mean top knot,” Rae added.
Breakwater Bait & Tackle opened the first weekend in May. The shop will be open at either 7 or 8 a.m. during the week and at 6 a.m. on weekends. The shop will close up at 7 p.m. seven days per week. More information is available at breakwaterbaitandtackle.com or on the company’s Facebook page.
