Mystery Tackle Box is a monthly fishing gear subscription service founded in 2012 and based in Chicago, Illinois.[1][2] Users subscribe to the service on a monthly or other basis, in which they select the fishing supplies which they receive in a “mystery box”.[3][4]

Mystery Tackle Box
Company typePrivate
IndustryOutdoor sports, e-commerce
FoundedChicago, Illinois (2012)
FounderRoss Gordon
Headquarters
Chicago
Area served
USA and Canada
ParentCatch Co.
Websitemysterytacklebox.com

History edit

Mystery Tackle Box, Inc. was founded by Ross Gordon in July 2012.[1] Gordon, an avid fisherman who grew up in Minnesota,[5] had previously started other companies, including fishing lure manufacturing company BioSpawn Lure Company, and CraftJack, a software company for home improvement contractors that was acquired by HomeAdvisor in 2012.[6] In 2016, Mystery Tackle Box was rebranded as The Catch Co.; the subscription service continued to be called Mystery Tackle Box.[1] In June 2018, the company launched Karl’s Bait & Tackle, an e-commerce site including Mystery Tackle Box, as well as clothing and related products.[7]

Operation edit

Mystery Tackle Box uses data collection relevant to anglers to match products to anglers,[2][5] Anglers have the option of purchasing hundreds of new lures every season.[8] Mystery Tackle Box allows customers to select the type of fish species they want to attract and then be guided to equipment choices.[9][10][11] Orders come in boxes designed for different fish, and are delivered on a monthly basis.[12]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Amina Elahi, "Mystery Tackle Box aims to hook customers with new online store," Chicago Tribune, October 21, 2016
  2. ^ a b Bill Gallagher, "Bass Fishing Startup Mystery Tackle Box Hopes To Reel In Chunk of $45 Billion Industry," TechCrunch, July 18, 2012
  3. ^ Inc Magazine, 2017
  4. ^ "Mystery Tackle Box to move into e-commerce," Canadian Sport Fishing, Nov. 2, 2016
  5. ^ a b James Risley, "With millions in revenue, this founder's childhood hobby is big business," Built in Chicago, Oct. 19, 2016
  6. ^ "Ross Gordon '05B: Accidental Entrepreneur," Yeshiva University Alumni News, Aug. 26, 2014
  7. ^ "Introducing Karl's Bait & Tackle!", Bass Resource, June 19, 2018
  8. ^ Mike Jackson, “Here’s an Idea That Can Put the Mystery Back into Fishing Tackle,” Daily Herald, 24 April 2015.
  9. ^ "Company Overview of Mystery Tackle Box, Inc." Bloomberg, August 2, 2018.
  10. ^ "Product Reviews: 7 Reasons to Try Mystery Tackle Box," Fishidy, Oct. 5, 2016
  11. ^ Sarah Mitroff, "From Coffee to Condoms, Now There's a Subscription Service for Everyone," Wired, Nov. 21, 2012
  12. ^ Bill Daley, "Bacon? Moss? 5 quirky subscriptions that keep on giving," Chicago Tribune, Nov. 17, 2017