An Eye for Perfection - Artistic Anglers
Toppers and More - Be Part of the Family
An Eye for Perfection - Artistic Anglers

By Rich Palmer
With the opening of the 2010 season right around the corner, the prospect of another trophy fish is that much closer. This year’s knowledge combined with the experience of previous seasons is sure to put bigger and better fish in your boat. Once you’ve landed that lunker you have a couple of choices to make. You could take the fish and have a skin mount made at your local taxidermist or you could take a couple of measurements and a picture and let the fish go. Releasing the fish is the obvious answer, the fish continues to grow and help keep the population healthy. You may even have the luck of catching the same fish years later and that much bigger.
So what about your trophy? Matt Yernatich, owner of Artistic Anglers, has the answer. A handmade, hand painted rendering of the fish, exactly as you remember it. You may have admired their work as it hangs in a Cabela’s retail store, at a friend’s or perhaps in your own home. Those measurements you took of the fish are all that is needed for the talented crew at Artistic Anglers to make a custom replica. A picture is not necessary but does give the artist working on your mount some added information that allows for a stunning likeness of your new found friend. After all, you did spare its life and you are going to put its likeness in your home.
Artistic Anglers has been in business for twenty five years and during that time over forty thousand fish have passed through Matt Yernatich’s capable hands. In fact, he personally inspects and handles each mount to ensure it will measure up to the quality Artistic Anglers is known for. Matt makes the final touches and then hangs the fish in a handsome setting. Artistic Anglers employs five artists, each armed with an eye for perfection. Your custom replica will look so realistic that you might expect it to swim off at any moment. These are not mass produced copies of a species, they are truly one of a kind masterpieces. In fact, the work is so meticulous that it requires between two and three weeks to complete.
There are many mounting options available. The best way to get a taste of what they are would be to visit Matt and his staff in Duluth or explore the Artistic Anglers booth at a sporting convention. The next best thing would be to visit their website, www.artisticanglers.com. You will quickly see the superior quality that sets them apart from the rest. Excellent workmanship that comes with a lifetime guarantee is the reason that the good reputation of Artistic Anglers has become so widespread. With clients lined up to have a replica made, you should expect a four to five month lead time. It is very well worth the time as your replica will bring you a lifetime of enjoyment.
Toppers and More - Be Part of the Family

By Rich Palmer
Let’s face it, there are plenty of places you can go to buy accessories for you truck. However, there are not too many places where you can go and be treated like one of the family. Toppers and More is both of these and much, much more. Conveniently located in South St. Paul their company still operates with the same family values as it did when it was founded in 1949. That’s over sixty years of treating customers like sisters and brothers.
As the family at Toppers and More has grown, so has the incredible line of truck and SUV accessories. They carry toppers and tonneau covers from A.R.E., Unicover, Ranch, and APC. Along with bedliners, trailer hitches, stepbars the list of possibilities is nearly endless. Whether you’re looking for a trusted opinion or a tidy installation this is the place. The folks at Toppers and More have the expertise needed to get the job done right.
I recently spoke with a very excited Rod Lange at Toppers and More. The cause of the commotion was the addition of a full new line of ATVs, “A” meaning amphibious. You guessed it the full ARGO line-up is now available at Toppers and More. The capabilities of these amphibious recreational vehicles are astounding. The ARGO can go where traditional ATVs cannot and they can handle a serious amount of gear while doing it. The Argo line includes two 6x6 and seven different 8x8 models. With this wide variety of configurations and a full array of options, your Argo will fit the way you live outdoors.
The advantage becomes obvious as you cross streams and ponds with ease. Once the water gets deep the ARGO will gain buoyancy and continue on. The best part is that you and your gear stay completely dry. This is made possible because of water tight construction and a unique tire design. There is even an optional mounting kit that allows for a 5 hp outboard to be attached to your ARGO! This machine will get you into new fishing spots where no angler has ever dropped a line. If you hunt, the ARGO is available in Mossy Oak or Realtree Hardwoods. Full camo and ability to get anywhere make it the ultimate choice to get you through the season. In fact, there isn’t better vehicle made for the true outdoors person.
In addition to the Argo line, Toppers and More also carries CFMoto scooters, ATVs, and side by sides. They are a full service dealer for DreamShak, whether you hunt, ice fish, or camp, you owe it to yourself to check out the DreamShak. Toppers and More is the only place I know where you can go and rent one of these versatile shelters. Not only can the staff at Toppers and More get you the right tools to enjoy the outdoors, they can outfit your rig to get you there in style.
Visit Toppers and More online: www.toppersandmore.net
See them online at http://www.nilsondirect.com/fishhouses
By Rich Palmer
Welcome to Nilson’s Hardware and Rent It.
Nestled into the backdrop of a small Minnesota community, there lays Swanville, MN.
It is a place where people are still treated with honesty and respect.
Thirty years ago, a business was built on family values and a love for retail.
Randy Nilson and his staff have been answering questions about which paint to use, where to find that electrical connector, and how to fish in a camper.
Not just another full service hardware store, Nilson’s carries the full line of Ice Castle fish houses. Randy Nilson was one of the original distributors for Ice Castle and the experience shows.
Whether you are looking for an entry level fish shack or you’re in the market for a luxury fish house, the guys at Nilson’s probably have it.
Ice Castle has been building fish houses since 1993 and has grown to become the largest manufacturer of portable fish houses in Minnesota. With an impressive list of standard features and an ever growing battery of options, you can have your dreams made into reality. Because they sell factory direct, there is no need to worry about getting a better deal.
As expected, Nilson’s Hardware and Rent It also carries other items for the serious outdoors person. They have it all. From Honda generators to South Bend fishing tackle and everything is conveniently located under one roof.
Nilson’s also carries Traeger Wood Pellet Grills and Smokers. This innovative line of grills and accessories uses wood pellets rather than charcoal or gas. The pellets are available in a variety of hardwoods that naturally compliment the flavor of what you put on the grill. The pellets come in convenient twenty pound bags and are safer and cleaner than traditional outdoor cooking fuels. The same self igniting Traeger grill has the ability to grill, smoke, and barbeque. It can even bake your food.
When you start a conversation with one of Nilson’s associates, it immediately feels as though your own neighbor is offering you trusted advice. Their good ethics extend beyond the usual sale and have generated a lot of repeat buyers and referral business.
Nilson’s would prefer building a good relationship with their customer rather than using pressure to get a sale.
So, if you are in the market for anything from paint to an Ice Castle, give Nilson’s a try. You won’t be disappointed.
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