Capitol Fishing Tackle sports quite a rich history. It began its life in 1845 in Germany, sharpening tailors' tools and surgical instruments. This avocation eventually gave way to sharpening fish hooks, the specialty when the store moved to New York in 1897. Eric, the current owner, told me that his dad bought the business in the 1970s, and that they remain the only conventional fishing store in the city. Of course, as the sport has changed, the inventory continues to be updated. Today, this institution sells state of the art rods, reels, clothing – virtually anything related to both fresh and salt-water fishing. People come and outfit an entire boat. Customers who are involved in tournament fishing, including the "blue marlin" where the grand prize is ten million dollars, seek the staff's advice. With so much time establishing a foothold, Capitol has achieved an international reputation, drawing customers from across the globe. Eric confidently stated, "Anyone who knows about fishing knows about us." "At this point," he continued, "we have people coming in telling stories of having shopped here as a child and now they are bringing in their GREAT grandchildren."
