It's all about the passion

There is no disputing that the Northwoods area is the go-to destination for enjoying great outdoor sports. Those who are passionate about outdoor recreation flock here, not only to enjoy their sport of choice but also to offer services that enhance everyone’s enjoyment.

“We have been fishing our entire lives, getting more and more into hunting as well. We have been wanting to create excitement around both of those industries and getting people outside and out of the house,” said Tom Zidek, the co-owner, along with his wife, Sarah, of Eagle River’s newest retail shop, Hooked and Tagged.

Such is the inspiration behind Hooked and Tagged, the new sports clothing store offering high-quality fishing and hunting clothing.

Hooked and Tagged opened this past Saturday, May 23 in downtown Eagle River, but this is far from a new business.

Tom’s passion for hunting and fishing manifested itself when he was only 19 when he created Hooked and Tagged, an online sports apparel store. At that time he was a sophomore at Olivet Nazarene College in Bourbonnais, Illinois.

“I never dreamed that it would be this big!” he reflected.

He worked for a graphics company after college until this past March when he and his new wife, Sarah, decided to follow their dream to open a Hooked and Tagged shop in Eagle River.

November 2019 was a huge month for them. Not only did they get married, but they also landed a storefront for their dream retail business. 

Tom left his job at the end of March 2020 to work full time at Hooked and Tagged. The young couple spent months remodeling the store and stocking it with the ever-popular signature merchandise.

Like a few other new businesses in Eagle River, they had to delay the opening of the store due to the pandemic. Their soft opening was Saturday, May 23. 

“We probably will have our grand opening Fourth of July weekend,” said Tom. Watch their Facebook page for specifics on the Grand Opening.

The Hooked and Tagged men and women’s clothing line features sweatshirts, T-shirts, hoodies, flannel shirts, rain jackets, headwear, plus more, with all clothing made in the USA. There are also fish mounts for sale, taxidermy, mugs, and home decor items.

One of their signature items is the vast collection of emblazoned leather patches on hats. The huge collection of leather patched hats feature types of game, sports, fish species and so much more. 

In addition to selling items that were found on the web site, they have partnered with two other vendors, Rick Lax Reproductions and his grandfather, Ronald’s, company, Wild Life Creations for taxidermy.

Tom says of Hooked and Tagged, “The most important thing is the high-quality fishing and hunting apparel. We stay very true to the outdoors and hunting and fishing. That is what we are passionate about. We want to spread excitement about the hunting and fishing industry.”

To keep current on what is happening at Hooked and Tagged, visit either their webpage or their Facebook page. 

They are located at 107 E Wall St and their hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

If you love hunting and fishing, here is what Mandy Meyer says about Hooked and Tagged on their Facebook page. “Such an awesome store! Go check it out!”