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USA-based fishing tackle distributor, Pitman Creek Wholesale, has announced a major expansion of its distribution facility as its fills the void created by the collapse of a major rival earlier this year.
The business is set to strengthen its position as the largest wholesale distributor of fishing tackle in North America following the closure of Big Rock Sports, which went bankrupt in January with debts said to be in the region of $100m (US). At its peak, the Graham, North Carolina, company supplied more than 20,000 retailers across the US and Canada.
Pitman Creek will add 112,500 square feet to its Stanford operation, increasing its total distribution footprint to 357,500 square feet across facilities in Kentucky and Wisconsin. Construction is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2027.
The expansion comes at a pivotal time for the US tackle trade. Following the recent closure of competitor Big Rock Sports, retailers across the country have been seeking reliable supply chain partners capable of maintaining inventory availability and fast delivery standards.
“With the recent closing of one of our competitors, a void was created in our industry, and we’ve stepped up to solve it,” said Addison Coffey, Vice President of Pitman Creek Wholesale.
“Same-day service is our standard. Customers from the Florida Keys to Washington State and everywhere in between depend on Pitman Creek for our industry-leading service. Wherever fishing tackle is sold, Pitman Creek delivers.”
Pitman Creek has been expanding rapidly in recent years. In 2025, the company acquired Sports Specialists and added a dedicated coastal road sales team, broadening its reach in saltwater markets while strengthening its freshwater and ice fishing categories.
Today, the Kentucky-headquartered business serves retailers in all 50 US states as well as 15 international markets, supplying thousands of independent and multi-store dealers.
The additional capacity is designed to support continued growth across all fishing segments while maintaining the fast fulfilment and customer service standards that have become central to the company’s offering.
Founded in 1978 in Somerset, Kentucky, Pitman Creek has evolved from a small regional operation into one of the most influential businesses in the North American tackle distribution sector. The company says ongoing investment in facilities, logistics and personnel will remain a key part of its long-term strategy.
“Everything and everyone at Pitman Creek is about helping our customers succeed,” said President and Owner, James Coffey.
“Superior customer service has always been at the centre of our company. This expansion will allow us to continue delivering the level of service our customers expect.”
The latest investment signals confidence in the long-term health of the recreational fishing market and reinforces Pitman Creek’s ambition to play an even larger role in supplying tackle retailers across North America and beyond.
