Ralph Cuellar, owner of The Fisherman’s Place, at his new storefront at 3911 Ayers Street in the Arcadia Shopping Center. Staff Photo
Fisherman’s Place in Corpus Christi has come a long way since its start at a flea market on Ayers Street about three years ago. Owner Ralph Cuellar recently opened up his own brick-and-mortar store to serve his growing clientele on more than the three days a week available at the market.
Now located at 3911 Ayers St. in the Arcadia Shopping Center, anglers of all ages and abilities have access to an expanding and extensive inventory of fishing gear six days a week.
The bustling flea market atmosphere proved a great place to hone his business skills, though. Cuellar said he learned his inventory, how to maintain equipment and how to interact and attract people to his shop.
“I learned the fishing business,” Cuellar said. “Starting at the flea market was a chance to get my feet wet, a chance to really balance out if it was feasible.”
While expanding the inventory available in Fisherman’s Place is certainly a feat, the customer experience is the most important aspect of Cuellar’s business. His goal is to satisfy each and every customer’s fishing needs.
Fisherman’s Place carries everything an angler needs for fishing, including equipment, sportswear and reconditioned rods at bargain prices. His business attracts everyone from beginners looking for tips to fishing enthusiasts on a weekend jaunt to professional fishing guides and competitors.
“My thing is trying to make them feel like home,” Cuellar said. “I learn their names, and I call them by it. If you come in here twice, you’re a regular, and I’ll remember you.”
Cuellar is completely devoted to his work. He cleans reels and reconditions rods daily while also offering on-the-spot repairs for customers.
“I’ll stop whatever I’m doing to fix a customer’s reel, if they want that,” he said. “The majority of my time is maintaining everybody’s equipment.”
His own fishing has suffered — he’s only been out three times in the past year — but he doesn’t seem to mind.
“I’m alright with that,” he said. “I knew what I was getting myself into. It’s more important to see people smiling and showing me pictures of their big catch.”
Fisherman’s Place is located at 3911 Ayers St. at the Arcadia Shopping Center. Call (361) 687-6754 or check out Facebook.com/fishermansplace.
