Outdoor lovers, please welcome the new outdoor tenant that replaced the longtime Bait & Hook Store in Waynedale last March. 
The content of the new Hook & Arrow shop, however, remains partially the same as that of its predecessor – it will carry fishing supplies and live bait. The other big draw of the store is archery and its spacious shooting range, complete with six indoor lanes at 20 yards. “The fee is $5 per hour with targets ranging from $1 to $5.95. An outdoor range will be coming soon,” said co-owner Scott Ruse, who with partner Kirk Heemsoth opened the business last March. Jon Eisberg is the shop’s Bow Shop Technician. 
The archery range also features a chronograph to measure the speed of the arrow (feet per second) as well as velocities for any projectile including bullets, pellets, etc. Fishing gear includes the latest in rods, reels, artificial baits and tackle. According to Ruse, his shop, which serves Allen and surrounding counties, has been successful for several reasons. “Our best feature would be the staff interaction,” said Ruse. “We can fit the equipment to each customer. In big stores you can probably buy some equipment, but I can guarantee that their employees would not know anything about archery or fishing like we do, especially when it comes to outfitting a beginner. “People should patronize a smaller store for service. For example, if you’re looking for a special item and we don’t have it, we can order it. Big stores use corporate ordering, not having a clue what people use in the specific region for hunting and fishing. They are not going to special-order one item for anyone. “We also teach people how to fish or shoot a bow. Once I had a customer who didn’t know how to clean fish. I told him to go catch a dozen and I would show him how. He did. I showed him how and now he fishes all the time and his family enjoys fish fries. Word got out that I showed him, so all his buddies come by now, too.” Come to the Fort to see this fun new shop that offers popular brand products like Hoyt Archery, Bass Pro, Bowtech, Strother, Parker, Octane and more. Ruse has an offer to VFW readers: mention this article and receive 10% off any item except licenses through October 31, 2012 only. For more information, call 260-739-6661, or visit Hook & Arrow at 7536 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46819. Business hours are Mon – Tue: 9 am - 6 pm, Wed – Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm, Sun: 9am-3pm. Website is www.hookandarrow.net and Email is info@hookandarrow.net Another Insider tip: Scott and Kelley Ruse also own Pike’s Pub, across the driveway from the shop, and the specialties there are pizza subs and sausage rolls, and “a LOT” of wings, which are cooked in a smoker seasoned with a dry rub.
