Freeport business will hook up outdoorsmen with fishing gear, kayak rentals

If you’re in need of fishing rods, bait or kayak or paddleboard rentals, Jackie Lowes can hook you up.

Her new business, The Hook Up, began selling fishing equipment in March. About two weeks ago, Lowes expanded the business to include paddleboard and kayak rentals.

“I love what I do. I love being on the water here,” said Lowes, whose Freeport home has a private boat dock that she often uses with her husband and five teenage sons.

It was her family’s love of fishing that inspired Lowes to launch the business. Lowes used to fish with her father when she was young and now enjoys doing it with her own family. She wanted to make it easier for other Freeport families to share those experiences.

Her business, which she hopes eventually will expand to include a brick-and-mortar location and bike rentals, was open in time for the start of trout season this year.

Lowes accepts orders for bait, fishing rods and hooks via text or phone call or through an online ordering platform on their website.

With the help of her sons, she delivers fishing equipment to the public boat dock on Riverside Drive, the boat launch of First Street or private dock spaces in Freeport. She can typically deliver within 10 to 15 minutes.

“People don’t have to leave their boats to get their bait,” she said. “It’s very convenient.”

Lowes said her kayak and paddleboard rental service is the only one in Freeport. She also offers lessons on how to master kayaks and paddleboards. Buffalo Creek, she said, is a perfect spot for beginners to learn on calm and shallow waters.

“The people that have called are really excited,” she said. “People are wanting to go outdoors.”

Lowes said she often can be flexible with working after hours, though hours will change over the summer months. The business, closed for the past week, reopens Saturday.

The Hook Up has given Lowes an opportunity to spend more time with family, she said, as her children help her with deliveries. Plus, it gives her the chance to urge other families to enjoy the outdoors together, something that’s very important to her.

“I encourage everyone to get outdoors,” she said, adding that outdoor activities have been particularly popular after many people were stuck in their homes during the pandemic. “We’ve been stuck inside for so long.”

The Hook Up also offers special orders for ammunition, which, she said, has been hard to find lately.

Fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding are inexpensive options for family activities over the summer, she said. She compared a day on the water in Freeport to a mini-vacation close to home.

“It’s literally right in your backyard,” she said.

Lowes said she sees many families using her services, which makes her happy. She said she enjoys seeing young children on the water with their parents.

“We’ve realized with everything going on how important family is,” she said. “Being able to get outside with family and enjoy where you live is great. It definitely brings you closer together.”