Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

NNSL (Aug 20/99) - Jonathan Metcalfe is like a kid in a toy store.

In a manner of sense, he is.

For some one who likes to fish, he has sure found a great job to suit his interests. Metcalfe whiles the better part of each day at Wolverine Sports Shop -- setting up reels and fly rods, stocking tackle and ammo, and giving fishing and hunting tips for those who share such similar interests.

"You get to use the product, see how it works and with that hands-on experience, it's easier to talk to the customer on how it works," Metcalfe said, referring to the ample opportunity he has to try out the latest in fishing and hunting gear.

"This job has also given me the opportunity to guide as well, mostly out at Enodah (Wilderness Adventures)," Metcalfe said.

"I like doing that as much as possible. This place is pretty good for that, because sometimes I only get a day's notice."

Metcalfe has been working at Wolverine about five years now, mostly during the summer.

"I'm still going to school at Grand Prairie Regional College," Metcalfe said. "I hope to be finished by Christmas."

Metcalfe, at 23 years of age, has had a long history in the tackle business and it's hardly surprising that he is still closely involved.

"Actually, my parents use to own MacLeod's and we had a tackle department there," Metcalfe said.

"When I was ordering fishing stuff for the store I used to go in and ask Dale Johnson (Wolverine owner) for advice, even though he didn't always give me his secrets."

It wasn't long before Metcalfe was working at Wolverine part-time on weekends or whenever the owner needed a break.

Over the years, Metcalfe has come to certain conclusions about what anglers and hunters most prefer when out on a trip.

"Number one, of course, is the Wolverine Phantom," Metcalfe said, referring to the popular locally made fishing lure for trout and pike.

"The Gibbs FST, the Gibbs Croc and the Doctor Spoon are all good spoons as well."

As for hunting...

"Rifle hunting is still the most popular choice for hunting," Metcalfe said. "Usually people go for the 30.06 because you can get a heavier grain bullet, which is good for all big game.

"Bow hunting is becoming a little more popular but still not as much as it is down south."

A recent introduction to Wolverine has been fresh, live seafood, which has made Metcalfe particularly happy.

"We also sell lobsters and crabs," Metcalfe said. "But we don't sell those until I do the personal taste test."