HARLINGEN — It’s not the space, it’s the content.
Reds Hunting and Fishing Shop, a new sporting goods outlet in downtown Harlingen at 103 W. Jackson, is in the business of selling gently used equipment at cut-rate prices.
Tucked into a tiny space which used to house an art gallery, Hector Rodriguez sees big things ahead after opening just three weeks ago.
“Actually, my parents wanted to try it so we definitely gave it a shot,” he said. “A lot of people want to fish but the price is kind of high right now with the economy the way it is. Our prices are pretty much fair for everyone.”
Reds has gear for freshwater and saltwater fishing, lures, line and rods and reels.
“We have all kind of rods and reels,” Rodriguez said.
So what’s it like going up against outdoor giants like Bass Pro Shops and Academy Sports?
“It is tough competition but our pricing is about less than half of what they charge,” Rodriguez said. “Of course there’s is new, all of our stuff is re-purposed. A lot of people don’t want to pay, and if they can get it for half the price, they’re going to go with that.”
Used reels run from around $5 to about $40, and rods from $5 to $60, he said, and there are good deals if parents have to outfit their kids.
“For less than $20 you can get four reels and rods and you cannot go wrong with that price,” he said. “You definitely can’t go wrong.”
Rodriquez said part of the business plan for Reds Hunt and Fish is to take advantage of the Downtown District’s Market Days, although those have been put on hold due to the pandemic.
“Downtown right now we mainly did it for Market Days when it comes up,” Rodriguez said. “Of course right now it’s not with the virus around, but eventually when it does come up it will be a hit. A lot of people do come in and we get quite a bit of business.”
