For neighborhood business owners like Pete Patsalis, water quality is a matter of everyday livelihood. Raised right on the waterfront in Marine City, Pete spent years learning the unique depth and heavy currents of the St. Clair River. After pursuing studies in wildlife biology at Mount Union and completing a business management degree at St. Clair County Community College, he launched Hook One Charters in 2017, followed by his bait and tackle headquarters in 2021.
Today, his store has grown from a small live-bait shop into a specialized hub packed with a quarter-million dollars of river-specific gear and custom tackle poured on-site. Because any freshwater species swimming through the Great Lakes passes directly through this major river artery, keeping the fish population diverse is critical. Pete notes that maintaining a multi-species fishery is what keeps the local marketplace moving and protects waterfront businesses from seasonal downturns.
Restored Spawning Grounds Fuel Commerce
Pete relies on habitat restoration investments to keep the fishery balanced. Federal funding through programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) steadily rebuilt critical fish spawning reefs in the St. Clair River over the last ten years. These investments yield an immediate economic return, drawing anglers, boaters, and families out to our waters, which directly fuels local commerce.
A Clean Watershed = Thriving Business
The benefits of these spawning habitat investments extend far beyond the benefit to anglers. The St. Clair River watershed supplies clean drinking water to tens of thousands of residents. Pete frequently addresses concerns regarding fish consumption guidelines by highlighting the sheer volume and constant movement of the river. Approximately 240 billion gallons of fresh waterflow under the Blue Water Bridges every single day from Lake Huron.
To ensure this resource remains renewable, Pete emphasizes public safety and proper harvesting at his shop. Hook One hosts local Scouts on their 80-foot dock frontage to teach fish identification, safety protocols, and proper fish cleaning techniques. Pete is teaching the next generation how to respect the resource.
Shared Stewardship
Pete’s story highlights why dedicated Great Lakes funding matters. When we invest federal dollars in clean water projects, we are not just improving fish habitat. We are supporting local small businesses… who will keep the St. Clair River Watershed clean, our drinking water safe, and our communities thriving.
Looking ahead, Pete sees a major opportunity to bridge the gap between recreational water users and conservation teams. By partnering with Friends of the St. Clair River, he aims to mobilize his networks for full-river cleanup days to clear debris from boat launches and shorelines. The future of our water is in very good hands with Pete and other businesses like him!
