Rutt’n Rod Outfitters LLC is owned by Eric and Amy Heimerl and Jon and Michelle Smith. Following a fairly extensive remodel, the business opened in April 2015. The sporting goods store offers a large variety of products, from live bait and tackle to archery and apparel. The store is managed by Eric Heimerl with assistant manager Tim Anderson.
A wide variety of tackle, camo, blaze, boots, and apparel are available. Featured brands include bows by Hoyt and Expedition; crossbows by TenPoint, Killer Instinct and Wicked Ridge; arrows by Victory; tackle by Pflueger, Fenwick, St. Croix, Abu Garcia and Mitchell; clothing by Fishouflage and Trail Crest; and boots by La Crosse and Danner.
Remember that outdoor enthusiast this holiday season with great high-quality products at reasonable prices. Looking for a unique gift? There is even local artists’ works available. The store offers a little something for everyone. Special orders can be placed for items not in stock.
“After a successful fishing and hunting season, we are ready for ice fishing and have the supplies you need. We look forward to the lakes freezing over,” said Jon Smith. “At this time, the only ice we can offer comes in a bag. Mother Nature will have to help out a bit.”
Rutt‘n Rod offers top quality live bait, along with ice augers by Ion and Jffy, Beaver Dam tipups and a selection of portable ice shalcks.
A large selection of archery equipment is in stock, including compound and crossbows and accessories. There are great end of season deals on items ranging from 20 to 50% off.
Anderson said the store has expanded its offerings based on customer requests. They have also placed numerous special orders for customers.
“If they want it, we can get it,” he said.
The store has an indoor archery range to hone skills and will host an indoor archery league starting Jan. 11, 2016. This will be a paper animal target league with regular meeting times of Monday and Thursday Nights at 5 p.m. Teams will consist of two shooters and cost only $100 per team for the season. On league night, Tim and Eric will have hot sandwiches ready. Teams can make up their scores throughout the week during business hours if they are unable to come on Monday or Thursday. The friendly league should be a fun way to meet other archery enthusiasts on those dark winter nights.
Rutt’n Rod got the equipment in October to be an official sales outlet for hunting and fishing licenses through the Wisconsin DNR.
The store is located at N2460 Cty. K in Merrill. Hours of operation are: 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. You can reach us by calling 715-536-FISH or follow us on FaceBook.