ENID, OK - In the world of electronics, social media, the Internet, big box stores and lack of customer service, it's always nice to run across a business that is a throw back to the old customer oriented days.
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Enid has just such a business that most folks would never even know exists. There's usually only one reason you'd ever need this shop and it's if you ever want to go fishing.
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Big Al's Bait Shop was started in 1960. In 1957 Big Al broke his back and was unable to work, so being that he loved fishing, he started making lures in his shop out back. He was a big man so everyone called him "Big Al". What started out as something to keep him busy turned into a "mom and pop" fishing tackle business in their home.
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Big Al passed away in 1993 and his wife continued the business on her own until she passed in 2006.
Fifty percent of all the fishing tackle is made by hand. In 2009 Big Al's son made the move to continue the family business. He was named after his father and believes in the same values that his father did.
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Alvin C. Frye, Jr. (now known as Big Al) runs the business today. He continues to make custom, hand tied, hand painted fishing lures. From melting the lead, to dotting the eyes, to tying the wires, it's all done by hand.
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All of Big Al's lures have been tested at local lakes, ponds and rivers and have proven to be effective, not only in catching fish, but also in their durability. A lot of the lures he makes cannot be found anywhere else and have been tested to catching fish of all kinds and species.
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Big AL's is also the home of "make your own lure". You can make your own lure by selecting parts to be assembled into a color or style of your choice. This would be a great activity for a child or grandchild.
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They now also carry live bait and a selection of fishing accessories. Their inventory changes month-to-month whenever Big Al comes up with new ideas for a different lure or accessory.
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Big Al knows all the lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks and water way in Oklahoma. When you stop by he can help you with everything you need to know. You will get great live bait, tackle and custom products, but you'll also get the best customer service in Northwest Oklahoma.
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Big Al's is located at 2011 N. Independence, drive slow or you'll pass it. Call 580-478-3841 if you get lost or have any questions. Their convenient hours are from 8am-8pm every day, closed 1/2 a day on Mondays. Big Al opens on Mondays after 2pm to clean the bait tanks.
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(Due to temperatures and other variables, times the shop is open may vary some from posted hours. You may want to call ahead to be sure they are there.)
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You can find them online at Big Al's Sinker& Lure Shop. They take both debit and credit cards as well as cash.
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Big Al's Is A Business You Should Know
