Some would say Bo Brines has figured out how to 'have his cake and eat it too'. He is a passionate fly fisherman and owner of the two decade old outdoor retailer
Little Forks Outfitters in Downtown Midland. Seeing an opportunity to bring a concept that Mid-Michigan was lacking and also was in the realm of what he loved to do, he opened the retail location over twenty years ago and has since expanded. We had the opportunity to catch up with him about the origin of his store and the hidden outdoor gems located in our own backyard.
Q: When did Little Forks get started and why did you choose Midland?
A: We opened in 1995 so we will be celebrating 23 years in business this June! The genesis of Little Forks was when I worked in my family business. I’ve always been a passionate fly fisherman and started to recognize that the cool shops I’d seen across the country weren’t represented here in Mid-Michigan.
I had some connections with major manufacturers and it was right around the time they had redone the streetscape in downtown. The H Hotel, Espresso Milano, and more shops were beginning to come into the area. Being that the focus was fly fishing combined with premium outdoor companies, it was important to get the setting right. I thought Downtown Midland offered the perfect spot to get started. A few years later, I bought the building I’m in now and have made investments in other buildings downtown as well. The business has evolved pretty organically over the years.
Q: What is something most people are surprised to hear is available at Little Forks?
A: People who don’t know us are surprised to see the caliber and extent of inventory we have. Wrapped around the core of fly fishing, I’ve expanded into footwear; we have full lines of jackets, pants and shirts from Patagonia and Lole, and a wide variety of outdoor gear from Yeti, among other premium brands. They’re a lot of fun to work with.
Because our core sport is fly fishing, we have guides, teachers, and destination travel. We just got back from the Bahamas and will be going to Alaska later this year. We also usually do a trout fishing trip out west as well.
Q: What is the most under-used Midland outdoor gem?
A: Definitely the river systems! The Chippewa and the Tittabawassee have so much to offer. There are certain stigmas that keep people away from them, and others simply don’t know they exist. You can fish the warm water species in the spring and summer time.
Q: What is an overlooked but important spring maintenance for gear?
A: The most common thing we see at the shop is the need to replace a durable waterproof breathable shell. Most people think that when their waterproof gear is letting moisture inside that the entire garment is ruined. It’s actually just the outer fabric called gore tex. It’s a membrane that sheds water from the outside; the vapor from the inside is transported through the membrane to the outside of the garment. If you notice that water isn’t beading up on your waterproof gear, you just have to replenish the exterior material. It’s ten bucks rather than a few hundred to replace the entire jacket.
Q: When not in the store what is your favorite outdoor activity?
A: Fly fishing! There are lots of different things you can fish for depending on the time of year. You’ve got steelhead in the spring, trout in the summer, and salmon in the fall.
Q: What should people know about spending time outdoors?
A: They need to do it! It’s very restorative and important to make time for. Turn off the cell phones, get off the computer, get away from the screen and into the sunshine. It’s good for your soul.
Q: What programs in Midland are there to help people with adventure or outdoor activities?
A: Chippewa Nature Center is an amazing resource. Their mission is to interest people in getting people involved in outdoor activities and connect them to groups doing things in the area.
It’s safe to say Brines knows his way around the outdoors. To see upcoming events and new spring gear, visit the store anytime Sunday 12-4; Monday-Wednesday from 10-6; Thursday 10-7; Friday 10-6; and Saturday 10-5.
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