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An Erie County hunting and fishing expert is retiring after 43 years of helping others at his sport shop and convenience store.
Dan Seaman, 75, owner of Elk Creek Sports Store, is turning over his Lake City business to three loved ones.
His fiancée Becky Kindle, his son Chris Seaman and Kindle’s daughter Leah Watkins are in the process of becoming the new owners of this staple of eastern Erie County.
While growing the business over the years, Dan Seaman has been there to offer advice to those fishing for steelhead trout as well as offering tips to those going hunting.
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Seaman bought the business when it was just a small bait and tackle shop. Today it has gas pumps, food and sporting supplies. It has become a hub of the community as the place to purchase dog licenses, take care of business at Lake City Village Post Office and eat breakfast with community members who talk about the news of the day. The expansions were added because he wanted the store to continue to be more useful to the community.
One of the latest additions is a Donation Corner in the shop. People from the community can leave books or sporting goods such as baseballs, gloves, helmets and shin guards for those in need. People can take the items as needed and return them for someone else to use free of charge
“People have been coming 40 years who know me,” he said about serving several generations of the same family.
Elk Creek is one of Erie County’s premier steelhead fishing destinations. With his store being located a short drive from the Lake Erie tributary, Dan Seaman has been the go-to person to talk about changing stream conditions and what the fish are biting on each day.
He has answered anglers’ questions and given advice thousands of times during the years. For example, on March 25, he said in colder weather the steelhead are sluggish and anglers are having success with eggs and waxworms. When the temperature rises and the fish are a little more aggressive, the large trout will strike spinners and spoons.
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To help others understand the fishery, he penned an e-book and video in 2009 called “Steelhead A-Z” that was available online. It also included recipes for fish and game.
Karl Weixlmann, a steelhead fly-fishing guide for 25 years and former president, vice president and continuing board member of the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association, praised Seaman’s leadership over the years.
“Dan Seaman’s Elk Creek Sports Store has been the meeting place for area and visiting sportsmen for decades, whether you were an avid steelheader or a keen deer hunter,” Weixlmann said. “I sometimes wish I was that proverbial fly on the wall, able to chronicle the many stories told and shared, the evolution of sport fishing in the region, and the many tips and tricks given.
“Through all those decades, Dan has also been a staunch supporter of area sportsmen’s groups and state agencies that continue to make and develop Erie as the Fishing Capitol of Pennsylvania.”
It’s a business that has catered to what Seaman enjoys in life, including living in a small town.
He grew up in Johnstown, New York, and served in the U.S. Army from 1967-69 during the Vietnam War. He then traveled around the world 14 years as a commercial deep sea diver and underwater welder. He said it was dangerous work, and he was looking for something else to do to raise his family.
“I always wanted to work for myself,” Seaman said about trying to figure out his career at an early age and always enjoying fishing.
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He was intent to keep the business owned locally where customers will have personal service and develop friendships with each other and the staff.
“People will call just to see what’s going on,” he said about the conditions of the stream and other things happening in the area.
He feels confident about turning the operation over to his family members. Kindle has been working there 18 years, Chris Seaman has been there off and on most of his life and Watkins has worked their off and on as well.
“It’s like a second home for all of us,” Leah Watkins said.
Becky Kindle is looking forward to continue the operations.
“It’s just the feel of the hometown store where everybody knows everyone and I’m excited to work with (Chris and Leah),” she said, noting that the building serves as a home base for the community. “If something tragic happens, if something good happens, this is where they all come to meet to tell us and talk.”
Chris Seaman, 49, has been in the store for much of his life and is looking forward to working for himself. He said his father has been quite the role model for him.
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“There’s probably no one in this town that guy hasn’t helped,” Chris Seaman said.
He noted that his father has assisted people who have fallen on hard times with some fishing lures or who have had a bad incident such as having items taken from their vehicle while camping in the area.
“He’s the legit Superman,” Watkins said.
When asked what it means to be turning his store over to those closest to him, Dan Seaman said with a smile, “It means I don’t have to do it anymore.”
He’s glad it’s being turned over to people who will be able to keep the ownership local and provide the customer service people expect.
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In his retirement he anticipates hunting and fishing a little more often and might even look for a part-time job to stay busy.
“I loved all 43 years of it,” he said. “I was glad to do it and glad I had it. I have high hopes for this new group coming on.”
Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at [email protected] and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on your website’s homepage under your login name. Follow him on social media @whipkeyoutdoors.
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