Eagle Rock has a new shop that provides local anglers with various resources to better their journeys along the James River and beyond.
James River Outfitter (not to be confused with “James River Outfitters” in Buchanan) is a shop that specializes in the sale of Musky and Smallmouth fishing tackle, rods, reels, bait, lines, leaders, hooks, split rings, and other items. The shop also has expert knowledge about boat ramps, shuttle services, and information about targeting Musky or Smallmouth.
Sam Scott, the owner of Blue Ridge Musky—a guide outfit that runs services along the James and the New River—grew up fishing in Virginia. In October, he opened James River Outfitter to provide locals with the state’s first and only Musky shop. Scott grew up in Lynchburg but spent a lot of time fishing the James River in Botetourt County.
“We have a lot of stock of custom-made Musky baits that you can’t find anywhere else,” Scott mentioned in a recent interview. “That’s what we’re specializing in—the custom bait scene. Instead of a ‘big box’ store where you’re buying the same Musky lures everyone else has, these are more custom to us. You can’t get them anywhere else.”
The store offers lures crafted by individuals in-state and custom lures from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Scott mentioned the store specializes in providing these custom, Musky baits that aren’t available at any other shop in the state.
James River Outfitter is located at 126 Railroad Avenue in Eagle Rock and is open from 2-6 P.M. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, please visit jrotackle.com.
