Local bait shop/fishing outfitter wins statewide award from Star-Tribune

Arrowhead Outdoors was nominated and won the Minnesota’s Best 2022 Gold in the Fishing Outfitter category of the popular Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Any local business from around the state can be nominated by customers, fans, or owners. Nominated businesses are vetted and verified. Once verified the nominates are placed on the ballot and voters decide the winners. This award program was created to help support the local businesses of the State of Minnesota.
Arrowhead Outdoors received enough votes to win the Gold, followed by Reed Outdoors for the Silver, and Joe’s Sporting Good in St. Paul for the Bronze. Piragis in Ely also won Gold in the Outdoor Outfitter category.
The winners were announced Oct. 23 and am event for all winners will be held Nov. 3 at Orchestral Hall in Minneapolis.
“We were initially surprised that we were nominated by one of our customers. We were excited to win, and our customers stopped by to let us know they voted for us every day the voting was open!” said co-owner Kris Winkelman.
“We want to thank everyone that helped us get to where we are today since taking over in 2017. From the Ely business community, to the various business resources provided, to the Ely residents, and all our valued customers that have become friends.”
Arrowhead Outdoors has become famous for its “Weekly Fishing Report” which is written by co-owner Steve Renneberg.
Established in 1970, Arrowhead Outdoors is Ely’s oldest bait and tackle store.