There is a real nice fly shop located in Battle Creek, Michigan that I’ve personally visited. This place is a real gem and has an interesting history. The fly shop has many fly tying materials and flies and other supplies. Because it is housed inside an even older business known as Smitty’s Sports Shop, normal fishing tackle is also available. Uncle Jake’s is owned by Paul “Jake” Jakubiak and his wife Cat. Jake has many years of fly fishing experience in teaching fly fishing and fly tying. The shop holds classes for both rob building and fly tying. If you ever wanted a fly shop that you could go and hang out in, buy what you need, and just relish in fly fishing splendor, this place fits the bill. If I were closer, I would be there all of the time!
Jake recently filled me in on the fascinating history behind Smitty’s and Uncle Jake’s.
“Smitty’s and Uncle Jake’s are two separate businesses and both still exist inside Smittys Sport Shop.
Smitty’s has been a neighborhood sporting goods store for many years. I believe close to 75 years.
Murray “Smitty” Smith passed away many years ago. His wife Kate passed away back in 2006.
Seven to eight years ago Smitty’s was a mess and was up for sale and Uncle Jake’s was looking to grow. The sale never worked out but I was asked to move Uncle Jake’s into Smitty’s anyway and to grow both. That’s what Cat and I try to do. We keep Smitty’s running and with it our fly shop.
I have been Uncle Jake’s since the early eighties. I’ve tied for 50 years and taught fly tying and rod building for 45. Our business revolves mostly around that and fly fishing. But to say I’ve taught hundreds would not be an exaggeration.”
So as you know mom and pop shops like this one are getting to be a thing of the past and I would hate to lose another one. It is up to us to keep them going. If you are in the area or passing through, stop by and check out Uncle Jake’s. If you live in the area you should definitely be going in and getting what you need at Uncle Jake’s. The address is 1408 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037.
Uncle Jake’s has a Facebook page here.
Cat inside the shop.
Outside the shop at night.
Fly tying materials.
Murray “Smitty” Smith
Murray and his wife Kate Smith.
Paul “Jake” Jakubiak
Old photo of inside Smitty’s.
