Satisfying one-stop shopping experiences for all things fishing, archery and hunting accessories are happily found at Honey Creek Tackle & Marine Center. Owner Jason Roberts assures that the store's atmosphere is geared toward supporting beginning outdoor enthusiasts as well as catering to serious industry tournament competitors.
"We're told we're one of the best outdoor sporting goods stores in the Midwest. Customers enjoy the camaraderie obvious in the store's atmosphere, and we enjoy treating everyone like one big family," explains Jason. "Because our store team all enjoy outdoor recreation ourselves, we have a vast amount of knowledge among us, including a retired Army colonel. We understand how important these aspects are in people's lifestyles."
Jason says customers can rest assured that they will be treated as part of a supportive, built-in community.
Located at 2380 N. State Road 135 in Bargersville, the store provides both new and used inventory. Jason opened the store during January 2010 after purchasing the property with his brother, Eddie Roberts, who established a NAPA Auto Parts store and repair shop on-site as well.
Jason appears to have been destined to pursue this type of retail career, given that he actually started as a tournament fisher himself and launched a tackle shop out of his personal garage during 2005. "Then I started selling items online, and the interest and business grew from there," he shares.
After increasing the store's footprint three times since opening and now with 17 employees, Jason has set his sights on another expansion. He says boat sales continue to increase, so he plans to add a new service center and remake the current one into a boat showroom. He adds that during the beginning of peak boating season, it's not unusual for them to receive 15 boats a weekend to service and tune-up.
"We all find working here very rewarding and the goal is to keep expanding to meet customers' needs," he adds.
Jason says he's a big proponent of B.A.S.S. Nation Series, which is a global network of locally organized fishing clubs whose members participate in and support a range of activities, including tournaments, conservation initiatives and youth programs. B.A.S.S. was formed in 1968 to promote and encourage fishing.
Locally, Jason sponsors the activities of members of the area's junior and high school chapter clubs. "In our region, these clubs have about six fishing tournaments a year with 100 boats. It's two anglers per boat, plus their observer. In addition to being their largest sponsor, we help out as observers when needed," he says.
"I really enjoy helping youth in this sport, and to witness their enthusiasm. Some kids that I've assisted at their junior levels have gone on to buy boats from me as adults. It's so nice to develop long-term relationships," he adds.
Jason typically hosts two large Expos annually, attracting national experts, such as Mark Menedez, Davy Hite, Ish Monroe and Josh Jones, to provide question-and-answer sessions and seminars. For example, during the 2024 HCT Winter Fishing Expo held Jan. 19-21, at least seven seminars were held. Guest speakers outline techniques, products and the benefits of being patient, observant, determined, educated, eco-friendly and adventurous when fishing.
"It was a super great turnout in January, as usual, due to our super loyal customers," says Jason.
HTC Expo attendees indicate they pick up unprecedented tips, and the caliber of these speakers is exceptional. Mark Menedez has been a full-time pro angler for 30 years. He's completed 271 tournaments to date, garnering $1.4 million. He has won three B.A.S.S. events, including an Elite tournament, Bassmaster Southern Open and Top 100 tournament. Mark has a degree in fisheries biology and frequently briefs legislative and conservation groups on invasive species issues. Davy Hite has been in 253 fishing tournaments to date, with career winnings of nearly $2 million. Elite angler Ish Monroe has 32 Top 10 finishes in his B.A.S.S. career. He's been in 254 tournaments and amassed $1.6 million. Josh Jones is referred to as the king of catching giant bass and is known for being excellent with the technology.
The HTC Fall Expo will be held during September, and Jason says specific dates will be announced later in the year.
HTC team members also organize swap meets, and the store also carries shelf-stable, survivor starter kits for food emergencies, along with bows, crossbows, firearms, accessories and boats (including brand names Phoenix, iKon, Blazer, Mercury, Skeeter and Ranger).
HTC Store Hours: Mondays through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
317.422.0102
HoneyCreekTackle.com
"All the pros at our Expos tell us: 'You have the best clientele and one of best shows we have ever been a part of.'"
CUSTOMER REVIEWS: "The knowledgeable and extremely helpful staff find the right product to best fit your needs. Always excellent repair service. They have tons of inventory and if they don’t have what you're looking for, they'll try to get it."
