Running a small business always presents challenges.
Running one during a global pandemic? Those challenges multiply quickly. 

“It’s affected every single area of our business, for sure,” said Blake Merwin, the owner of Gig Harbor Fly Shop. “From staffing to how we take reservations to everything. Just everything.” 

Merwin watched his business change more than he ever thought possible since the COVID-19 pandemic began. From “figuring out how to keep the lights on” to a boom in outdoor recreation sales, he’s seen a lot. 

Only one thing remained constant, Merwin said: The desire to keep his customers safe. 

“I think the thing we’re all on the same page about is that all of us want what’s best for our customers,” Merwin said. “We are really concerned that our customers are safe and healthy. And we want people to get out and enjoy fly fishing. We want to do our part to make sure that happens.” 

The original physically distanced activity. 

Merwin and his employees joke people who fly fish have been physically distancing before it was a thing. 
“(Fly fishing) requires more space than fishing with conventional tackle,” he said. “So, you can’t be by other people.” 

When the state closed recreational fishing in March 2020, Merwin knew it would take more than physical distancing to keep his business afloat. Gig Harbor Fly Shop pivoted, selling tie-your-own-fly kits. 

The kits and YouTube tutorials bridged the gap until the state reopened recreational fishing. Then something a little unexpected happened. 

“Fishing really took off last summer,” Merwin said. “I felt really fortunate to be in the outdoor industry that has just experienced a boom this past year with so many other things closed and less options.” 

Reopening to an influx of customers meant more adjusting. With safety in mind, Merwin limited store capacity, required masks and encouraged his staff to get vaccinated.

He got vaccinated in early April. He never thought too much about the decisions, he said, other than he knew vaccines helped the community. 

“Society really functions when we care for other people,” Merwin said. “Society breaks down when it’s all about us. So that’s the position we took.”

The importance of Zen. 

Many of Merwin’s customers are vulnerable to COVID-19. 
“We decided to take the safest route possible because traditionally fly fishing has an older demographic,” he said. “So, I was concerned for our customers that were older adults. I just hate the idea that we could possibly do something that would hurt one of our customers.”   

Closing his doors was never an option. Outdoor recreation is important for the people it serves—doubly so during a pandemic. 

“I think–fly fishing–a lot of people see it as a Zen moment,” Merwin said.

“I think the idea of getting out and going fishing, it’s really appealing to people to be able to decompress and have those moments.”

With the Delta variant driving infections up, Merwin hopes more people across Pierce County get vaccinated. 

“I hope people take vaccinations seriously and continue to get vaccinated so  we can continue to do the things we love ,” he said. “And also, to ensure that people in our community are safe.”

Find your dose.

Find your vaccination today at tpchd.org/vaxtothefuture. Everyone 12 and older is eligible. You can register online or just drop in at any clinic and get vaccinated without an appointment.

If you need a ride to an appointment or can’t easily leave your home, we can help! Call us at (253) 649-1412, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week.

Your role to stop the spread of COVID-19 remains critical.

• Wear your mask.
• If you’re sick, stay home.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Get tested if you experience symptoms or were exposed.