A paralyzed outdoorsman and his wife hope to reel in fishermen after opening a new bait and tackle shop in Merrillville.

Hooked On Outfitters at 7805 Taft Street sells bait, tackle and hunting supplies. About 20 minutes from the Lake Michigan shoreline, it sells live bait like minnows, night crawlers and baby shiners as well as crank baits and other artificial plastic baits.

It has a small section of hunting accessories, mainly for crossbow hunting.

"I've been interested in doing this type of business for 20 years," owner Richard Zamora said. "I love fishing and hunting. I'm paralyzed and focusing on trying to hunt offers calmness and serenity."

His father taught him how to fish and he used to teach fishing to city kids in Chicago.

"It was getting them off the streets," he said.

Enjo

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