As companies start to bounce back from the pandemic, one West Virginia business discovered the secret to staying afloat in this difficult time.
Smoke Hole Outfitters in Cabins, West Virginia, has experienced a surge in visitors hungry for some trout fishing.
The outfitter business, owned and operated by husband-wife duo Josh and Rachelle Hedrick, is situated in Grant County named for President Ulyssis S. Grant. The property sits near the North Folk of the South Branch of the Potomac River. A popular fly fishing destination home to trophy trout, the county is known for its “gold rush” or golden rainbow trout. They were first stocked in state waters in 1963 to commemorate West Virginia’s centennial.
Why Business is Thriving Despite COVID-19
Fishing, like hunting, has seen a rise in participation. Why? It encourages responsible recreation and provides an ideal environment to socially distance.
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For West Virginians and nearby out-of-state visitors, Smoke Hole Resort is a perfect spot to get your fish on.
Fishing was deemed an “essential” activity, and the Mountain State hasn’t been adversely affected by the virus yet. As of this writing, there are only 93 recorded deaths and approximately 3,000 confirmed coronavirus cases.
On March 20th, Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) encouraged his constituents to go fishing since it aligns with CDC guidelines.
“From the standpoint of what we want people to do, we want people to go out and enjoy fishing,” Justice said. “We want people to get out and get out in the outdoors. This is where we can be really apart.”