Ove Jorgensen started a sporting goods store in the mid 70’s in Ft. Wayne, In. It was an upscale store featuring fine shotguns from Baretta and Weatherby, and Orvis fly fishing equipment. Over the years the store has seen many changes, including the discontinuation of gun sales, and the addition of a high end gift shop featuring fine crystal and china and may other items for the discriminating customer. Ove Jorgensen died, quite suddenly, about 2 months ago. He has really had little to do with the business for a number of years after selling it to his son Jay.
The one thing that sets Jorgensen’s apart is the fly shop, most recently known as a fly fishing outfitter. This store is unique in a couple of ways. First it is the only fly fishing store within 60-70 miles or more. Second it is extremely well stocked with all things fly fishing and tying. A huge selection of top quality goods. The fly shop is run by Rick Hinton who will celebrate 29 years in that role this December.
Last Thursday evening at our monthly meeting of the Three Rivers Fly Fishers, Rick informed a stunned audience that The store would be closing on Jan. 15, 2006. This will leave a huge void in this town. Jorgensens has become a venerable institution for the fly fishers of the area. Rick ran an absolutely top notch operation. He is an extremely knowledgable, personable, helpful, and all around class kind of guy. A certified casting instructor, and pretty dang fine fisherman too.
I’m sure there were many factors considered in the decision to close the store, and I am not privvy to them, nor do I need to be. One thing that I’m sure can be said is that the fly fishermen of this area will miss this shop in a very serious way. It’s contributions to the fly fishing community of the area were huge. Far beyond just a retail outlet for supplies.
These are the idle thoughts that posses a man’s mind when he’s not able to fish.