By Larry Oskin
The Florida Angler recently opened at 786 West Montrose Street in Downtown Clermont. The co-owners, Ashley “Ash” D. Condon and Jonathan Acosta wanted to bring a unique new specialty shop to the charming little downtown area. They were also inspired by the local chain of lakes and their passion for fishing.
Hooked On Fishing! Condon is a native Floridian. He had worked in the technical industries focused on broadcast television and video production, with TV stations/networks, content providers, college athletics sports production facilities and houses of worship as clients. He decided to make the jump into entrepreneurship with The Florida Angler. He has two grandfathers, his mom, dad, a daughter with a slurry of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who have contributed towards his love of fishing. Condon is expert on coastal and inshore salt type fishing. He credits Brandi Collison and Bryson Bodiford for sharing their expertise with a love for big bass and freshwater fishing.
Acosta, the co-owner is also the owner of Pioneer Construction. The two have known each other through a father-child camping and outdoor activities group. This partnership started when these two dads loved spending quality time with their kids in the great outdoors.
The Florida Angler Name: Acosta thought of this very simple name as the two of them believe Florida really is undeniably the sport fishing capital of the world. With almost 1400 miles of Florida coastline with spring-fed lakes and rivers by the thousands; recreational fishing is a huge business here in Central Florida. Condon notes, “You can theoretically catch a trophy bass, a bull redfish, and even a shark on the same day, without even stepping on a boat. Then you can head offshore and hunt for big game and billfish. Anglers in Florida are a special breed, and we want to make them proud.”
Fishing Gear & More! The Florida Angler is a full-service outfitter that is primarily focused on coastal and inward-surf, jetty and inlet fishing, inshore salt and fresh water. They stock premium and more practical fishing gear as well as a wide variety of specialty items and gifts such as knives, tools, sunglasses, optics, watches /timepieces, and customized rods. They carry a wide assortment of artificial baits/lures, frozen bait, chum and will soon have live bait. They searched for suppliers who have epic reputations and innovative products. They became honored as the first brick-and-mortar store in the USA to carry the Visser Watches. They professionally spool and service rods and reels
Downtown Clermont: Acosta had the opportunity to acquire the building at 786 West Montrose Street. Their building was built in 1909 and served as the original Clermont General Store. Pioneer Construction handled the restoration process as detailed preservation was important to them. The tin ceiling and brick walls were all kept as the originals. The Florida Angler operates in timeless charm within the 1000 Square foot storefront, while Pioneer Construction operates in the office space in the back. They have integrated into the community by joining the Clermont Downtown Partnership, participating in numerous CDP events.
Jonathan Acosta describes the restoration of the building to THE SOUTH LAKE TABLET.
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Luring The Best Anglers! If you want to explore or refine your love of fishing and have a healthy and fun hobby for life, visit The Florida Angler. Condon adds, “I’ve never seen a frown on anyone’s face who is fighting a fish. Even when the big one gets away, it’s still an unforgettable experience.” An interesting note from the American Sport Fishing Association is that the fastest demographic to join this sport is now women ages 17 to 54. They intend to reward loyal customers with special events, guest speakers, educational events and great deals.
Stop Wishing & Go Fishing! They have a very affordable rod and reel combos for $25 all the way up to $1000 rod/reel pairings. Their target clients are the “bookends” of those who really take their fishing very seriously as well as those who just do it for fun and sport. They also target all of the others who really want to learn or reignite their interest in fishing. They are open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 am to 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 8 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm during the Clermont Farmer’s Market.
Special Catches! They will host online fishing tournaments. You can even take lessons while fighting a fish in their store with a special fishing simulator. You will want to celebrate here on June 18 for ‘National Go Fishing Day!’ Father’s Day and year-end holidays. They are planning some event sponsorships to help create more engagement from local youth and active seniors. Starting in January, they will offer 10% off all day, every day for active and retired military, first responders and educators.
Fight Like A Tarpon! Condon shares, “You will win some and lose some with fishing … yet you should always fight! Fight fair, but definitely fight like a tarpon! Just keep it fun!”
Fishermen Have More Fun! They want to bring fun, excitement, and energy to Downtown Clermont. Their primary goal is to create a unique experience for retail and provide great service. They also want to help people on the water and to enjoy a healthy hobby while enjoying Florida and our amazing resources. They will encourage best practices for conservation and preservation.
Catch The Hook, Line & Sinker! The Florida Angler is located at 786 West Montrose Street in Clermont, FL 34711. Call 352-255-2335, email: GoFish@TheFloridaAngler.com, visit: www.TheFloridaAngler.com or like and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/thefloridaanglerclermont/.
Larry Oskin is a writer for the South Lake Tablet. He is the owner of Marketing Solutions / Art Beautique, offering creative marketing, media relations and professional fine art photography services. He is a board member of the Clermont Downtown Partnership and a member of the Clermont Historic Village volunteer team dedicated to revitalizing the Historic Downtown District.
For more information, contact Oskin at 407-395-9007 or at LOskin@MktgSols.com.
