Otter Lake Bait Shop has some new faces behind the counter.
Abe Koegel and partner Jenna have been announced as the new owners of the business located at 16488 County Highway H. The couple hails from Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and succeed Kathy Kuester, widow of Butch Kuester, at the store.
“Well it’s official WELCOME THE NEW OWNERS OF OTTER LAKE BAIT SHOP Abe Koegel and Jenna,” Otter Lake Bait Shop announced last month. “Lets welcome them to the wonderful community and lake. Congratulations Abe and Jenna.”
Abe and Jenna shared more about their background and store priorities.
“We moved up here from the Fort Atkinson area,” Abe said recently. “About a half hour south of Madison.”
“That’s where he was born and raised,” Jenna chimed in. Abe grew up in a small town while Jenna grew up in a big city, but both say they love it here. Otter Lake is their first bait shop.
“He did paintless dent repair before this,” Jenna said for background.
“Until my body wouldn’t let me anymore,” Abe said.
As for priorities the two say keeping it stocked for locals is their aim at present.
“We’re trying to offer more, stock up for the locals,” Abe said. “That’s our priority.”
“Save a trip to town,” Jenna chimed in.
With ice fishing soon in earnest, store hours for the Otter Lake Bait Shop are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, the store open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays.
Abe and Jenna say they have received a warm welcome.
“Everyone’s been telling us they’re real glad we bought the place, to keep it open,” Abe said.
“Make sure Kathy’s taken care of,” Jenna chimed in.
As for themselves, they are also happy to be here.
“I’m happy to be here,” Abe said. “I came from a small community. This is where I’m happiest. Hunting and fishing, good people.
Jenna agrees.
“I came from a big city, and I love it here,” she said.
Stop on in and say hi on your way to the lake!