Sue Johnson/For the Gazette Barry Harter, co-owner of Harter’s Party Store, emphasized the importance for children, whether they are in a boat or on shore, to be properly outfitted with some style of life preserver/ jacket. Harter’s Party Store has few styles of youth and adult sizes in stock to choose from.

CALUMET — Located at 511 Pine Street in Calumet, Harter’s Party Store and Outdoor Center might not seem like a natural place to pick up fishing supplies, but with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Free Fishing Weekend coming up this weekend, Harter’s is actually a smart place to start, especially for fishermen looking for supplies on the north end.

For Barry Harter, the decision to carry fishing supplies is nothing new. He has been carrying supplies in his store for, by his count, over 30 years.

“We’ve been doing it for 30-something years,” said Harter. “We have always had fishing stuff here. (We have) a good selection of everything.”

When asked why he and his family got into the fishing supply business while running a party store, Harter simply shrugs and offers, “What got us into it? I don’t know. It’s just something we’ve always done.”

Harter’s offers a wide selection of tools and supplies.

“We have everything from rods, reels, waders, lures,” he said. “We have pretty much everything for fishing. We have some big lake stuff, rods (and) reels.”

Naturally, in addition to offering their large selection of fishing supplies, Harter’s has rain gear.

“We have a full lineup of Frogg Toggs rain gear,” Harter said.

They also offer Carolina work boots, helmets for ATVs and motorcycles, and guns and ammunition.

“We have guns and ammo when we can get it,” said Harter. “Ammo hasn’t been readily available (of late).”

Harter’s is a great place to get gear before Saturday and Sunday, which make up the DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend. All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. The DNR also will not require a recreation passport for entry to state parks and boating access sites throughout the course of the weekend.

Free Fishing Weekend is held in conjunction with “Three Free” weekend, where residents and nonresidents can grab a fishing pole, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks and boating access sites free of charge.