Match made on water

Tobler Marina and Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop and Guide Service are once again teaming up for the summer boating season.

Fins and Feathers in Coeur d'Alene, owned by Jeff Smith, will be using a 2023 Duckworth 24 Pacific Navigator provided by Tobler Marina of Hayden when they take clients on chartered fishing trips.

"It's a good relationship," said Brent Christian, owner of Tobler Marina in Hayden. "It promotes the brand and the sport."

Through their partnership, Tobler Marina provides top-of-the-line watercraft and Fins and Feathers showcases it to potential customers.

"The true hometown communication with an amazing gift for getting people excited about fishing has led to Jeff’s growth over the years," Christian said.

Fins and Feathers has expanded to Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake. It also offers salmon trips on the Columbia river.

Having the 2023 Duckworth, powered by Yamaha, and decked out with the latest Garmin/Cannon fishing electronics, will make for a great outing on the water.

Smith said he appreciates being part of the partnership with Tobler Marina, Duckworth and Yamaha.

"It has been an awesome opportunity for me to run a boat of this caliber and rigged to the max for fishing," he said. "It truly is the pride of the fleet and is the best riding boat we have ever had. Having this boat has made it possible for us to have success we would not have without it and thanks to Brent and the crew at Tobler Marina."

Boating and fishing are big business in North Idaho, especially in Kootenai County, with more than 44,000 navigable acres of water and the largest boating community in Idaho.

In 2020, Kootenai County made up a little over 21% of Idaho's registered boating population. With 20,564 vessels designating Kootenai as their primary location, and 3,629 as a secondary, the North Idaho area is swimming miles ahead of any other county.

In Idaho, boating and fishing contributed over $175 million to outdoor recreation in 2020, and more than 80,000 boats were registered.

Fins and Feathers operates fishing charters throughout North Idaho targeting salmon, bass, northern pike and trout.

Tobler Marina has been a boat dealer for 75 years, specializing in fishing boats, pontoons and wake boats. It offers a full-service mechanic shop, storage facilities, canvas and upholstery shop and a retail pro shop. It carries Lift eFoils, Yamaha, Mercury, and Honda outboards and nine different boat brands.

Christian enjoys working with Smith, who has been serving area anglers for decades. He said Smith has long been an invaluable resource on catching fish in all conditions.

He called Smith a "true advocate for responsible fishing and exposing people to this great North Idaho sport."

Christian met Smith in 1992. He said their working relationship benefits businesses, anglers and boaters.

Both Tobler Marina and Fins and Feathers have events planned for the summer, with their partnership only adding to their success.

"His business has grown over the years with more boats, new buildings, and more fishing team members, but his passion remains for catching fish," Christian said.

Info: Tobler Marina, 13400 N. Clovis Road, Hayden, 83835; toblermarina.com; 208-772-3255

Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop and Adventure Guide Service; 1816 Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814; fins1.com; 208-667-9304