Pitman Creek Wholesale LLC, an independently owned fishing tackle distributor, has agreed to acquire Sports Specialists of Milwaukee, Inc. The effective date of the merger is June 23, 2025.
Founded in 1972 and owned by Tom and Susan Ducrest, Sports Specialists also specializes in fishing tackle.
James Coffey, president and owner of Pitman Creek Wholesale LLC, based in Stanford, KY, said, “The acquisition of Sports Specialists brings together two companies with very similar cultures and histories. As Tom and Susan desire to spend more time with their children and grandchildren, it is an enormous opportunity for Pitman Creek to expand our geographical coverage.
“I am most excited about adding the Sports Specialist team and bringing our industry-best shipping and data analytics to their customers. The combined, expanded product assortment will be a huge benefit for our customers. It is a win for everyone involved: our customers, our vendors and our employees,” concluded Coffey.
This acquisition nearly doubles Pitman Creek Wholesale’s operations in the Midwest and Great Lakes, significantly expanding its presence in the region. It also marks Pitman Creek’s first acquisition since 2000, with a focus on strategic growth and industry leadership.
“The addition of Sports Specialists reflects our commitment to smart, purposeful growth,” said Addison Coffey, VP of Pitman Creek Wholesale. “We have built our business by having strong partnerships with our customers and our vendors. The addition of Sports Specialist expands our product assortment and customer count in a region where fishing is a key part of the culture.”
