Fish Reaper key to festival

Fish Reaper in Henties Bay is all about owner Lance Mills sharing his passion with others when it comes to angling along Namibia's shores.

The business started about three years ago with the intention to start something that would benefit the local community with something which is close to their hearts – and that in Henties Bay, is angling.

"People here love harvesting fish from the ocean for themselves, and that is where the name comes from, 'reaping' benefits from the ocean, which is another word for harvesting. It was very quickly accepted by the locals and visitors," Mills explained, adding that due to the good support from the community, the business has managed to evolve, and become even more sensitive to their needs.

"We want to stay relevant by giving them the best prices and also the best service and also showcase that Henties Bay is still the best place to come to for fishing," he said.

According to him, his shop offers a variety of product ranges, but that his heart goes to the normal day-to-day angler who wants to enjoy a good fishing experience with affordable rods and tackle and quality bait. This does however not exclude the more experienced and professional anglers who can also find top tier equipment.

"I’ve got everything that is necessary for a good experience of fishing from the beach while one is with oneself, or with the family," he said, referring also to a range of other leisure products that include beach toys for children, boogy boards, and braai-ware, amongst others.

"There's something for those who go fishing daily, or those who just want to do it over a weekend – we have combo sets for them. Every customer is different, and the first thing that we do is find out what they require, and thereafter we establish what it is we can do to assist them with."

Fish Reaper is designed so that the second a customer walks into the shop, they immediately feel welcome.

"We are not just after the sale, but sharing advice too. They must know they can trust us," said Mills.

He said he was looking forward to welcoming back old friends in the coming Henties Bay Festival, after over two years since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Namibia.

"Everyone went through very difficult times, and now with the festival we can come together again and move on. It will be a good opportunity for friends and family to enjoy their time again in Henties Bay and I encourage people who can have the long weekenk off then to come. They will be embraced and spoiled,” said Mills.