jamie roberts, an avid fisherman and environmentalist, established bait n reel in 1983. Growing up in pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains region, Roberts was lucky enough to have a large lake right down the road where he found himself fishing all throughout the year. Unfortunatcly, he had to drive more than 15 miles to purchase his fishing supplies, such as lines, hooks, and bait, among other things. Throughout the year of his carly adulthood, he frequently overheard other fishermen vocalizing their dispeasure at not having a local fishing store to serve thieir needs. Because of this, Roberts vowed to himself that he would open his own store if he could ever save up enough money.