STORIED TACKLE SHOP REOPENS IN ISLAMORADA

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked Abel’s Tackle Box and General Goods reopening at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina on March 1. CONTRIBUTED

Local community members and Islamorada Chamber representatives gathered on March 1 to celebrate the grand re-opening of local iconic general store Abel’s Tackle Box and General Goods.

The shop reopened at its new location at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina after it sustained damage from Hurricane Ian at its former location, which used to be closer to Overseas Highway near Pelican Cove Resort. 

Tiffany Holmes, area general manager, said it was important to maintain the authenticity and local atmosphere which has made Abel’s Tackle Box special since its establishment in 1961. 

“Fish Like a Local” classes, emphasizing sustainable fishing, will continue under the tutelage of local fishing legend Patrick Frampton.  

Attendees enjoyed light appetizers and beer, while Craig McBay, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce board president, cut the ribbon to much fanfare.

Abel’s Tackle Box opened in 1961 as a tackle shop and marina next to what was then known as Holiday Isle and has served Islamorada for more than 60 years. The Islamorada Resort Collection team recognizes the importance of the Abel’s family name to the local community and is dedicated to keeping it alive. 

The new Abel’s Tackle Box and General Goods is located at Postcard Inn Marina & Beach Resort, 84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036.

In addition to offering frozen bait, snacks, apparel and other items boaters and fishermen need for a day on the water, the new location will include fuel and a marina & boat charter reservation office providing more connection and accessibility to the fleet of captains. 

The Islamorada Resort Collection has four premier oceanfront resorts (Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, Pelican Cove Resort & Marina, Amara Cay Resort, and La Siesta Resort & Villas) offering a combination of suites, villas, cottages, restaurants, bars, retail shops, meeting and event space, five pools, four private beaches, four marinas, watersports, and the Islamorada Dive Center.

Carolyn DePaula
Originally hailing from the tropical island paradise of Aruba, Carolyn, now a longtime resident of the Upper Keys, knows the islands and its people quite well. With three kids and a husband who was raised here, she also continues to enjoy the many events the Keys have to offer. Carolyn has always had a passion for language, reading, history and writing, her mom having been an editor and her father a translator. An FIU graduate, Carolyn believes in learning something new each day — preferably while enjoying a large cup of coffee with her dog on her lap.