Chris Loizeaux took to rivers with a fly rod almost a decade ago, after drawing on the wisdom of those who'd long done the same with deft hand and passion for their sport.
"I learned from hanging out at a fly shop and talking to people, getting firsthand knowledge from talented guys, experienced anglers sharing information," Loizeaux said.
His early shop of choice was Feather & Fly in Chattanooga. Choo Choo Fly & Tackle was another local store that the fishing collective frequented. But both closed several years ago, Feather & Fly noting that cheaper prices from vendors on the Internet had cut away at its brick-and-mortar sales.
If you go
What: Trekka Outfitters and Anvil Crash Pad Rentals Where: 3882 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., weekdays, though hours are subject to change Grand opening: Sept. 5
Chris Loizeaux, left, and Brian Tannler stand in Trekka Outfitters on Dayton Blvd., Wednesday, July 15, 2015.That left a stinging void for people like Loizeaux, who says he's been fly-fishing "consistently and religiously" for the past eight or nine years. He thought about opening a store himself. This month he did: Trekka Outfitters, in Red Bank, "a tiny, little, cubby-hole of a shop that covers the essentials for fly-fishing," as Loizeaux put it.
Yes, it's small, the size of a modern-day his-hers closet. But Loizeaux coins himself a minimalist.
"A small, curated shop means I can use only what I deem is essential; I can custom order things," the 33-year-old Chattanooga native said.
Trekka sells flies, fly rods and kits. It also rents rods and kits. Loizeaux said he expects to double or triple his inventory in the next few months.
The shop has a fly-tying desk made of reclaimed barn wood and sells similar ones on consignment. Loizeaux plans to host fly-tie nights -- "we'll have fun" -- and free meet-ups the third Saturday morning of each month, for groups to head out and fish together at various locations. The point of Trekka, after all, is to carry on a spirit of learning the art of fly-fishing among one's own; the Walmarts and Cabelas of the area offer gear, of course, but lack intimate appeal.
"You don't really go to Dick's Sporting Goods to sit around and talk," Loizeaux said. "We want to create a culture of fly-fishing and have a place where people feel confident whether beginner or experienced."
The back end of the space that Trekka occupies at 3882 Dayton Blvd. serves as the new headquarters for Luwazo, the outdoor-goods company that Loizeaux and his brother, Matt, own. Up front, Anvil Crash Pad Rentals relocated from its space next door at The Meeting House. Founder and owner Brian Tannler, a rock climber who also works at Chattanooga's High Point Climbing & Fitness, launched the online rental company early this year.
Rock climbers who practice their sport on boulders use crash pads to cushion falls. The pads are large even when folded, sometimes three feet wide and four feet long, making them cumbersome to travel with on planes or even in cars. Anvil also carries chalk bags, chalk, guide books "the basic things you forget on trips," Tannler, 30, said.
In mid-July Anvil secured another rental location in Las Vegas at Nevada Climbing Centers. It also recently expanded to Unique Outfitters in Atlanta, which is located in Stone Summit Climbing & Fitness. Tannler is working to secure a third location in Kennesaw, Ga., and plans to continue in other cities across the country.
These days, Tannler and Loizeaux man the store. The two had worked together before the location opened: Loizeaux designed Anvil's logo, and Luwazo was sponsoring Tannler when he founded his company.
Trekka and Anvil's official grand opening is Sept. 5, but the shop has been open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. since its July 1 soft opening.
Contact Mitra Malek at mmalek@timesfreepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @MitraMalek.