Baits-N-Blades expands, remains family oriented
TEXARKANA, Texas — Local businessman Lance Peeples holds family at the center of his life.
Peeples, 37, is the owner of Baits-NBlades, which is located inside the Pleasant Grove Pharmacy on 3302 Richmond Road in Texarkana, Texas. The pharmacy has been owned by his family since 1982.
Baits-N-Blades features bass and crappie baits and was added to the pharmacy in 2009. Mark Patterson owned Red River Waterfowlers until Peeples took it over this year and moved it to the pharmacy to expand his outdoor business.
“Bass fishing and duck hunting are my favorite outdoor sports activities,” Peeples said. “The fishing part of the store slows down around hunting season, so I decided to put some hunting merchandise in to increase sales.”
Baits-N-Blades also sells Benchmade, Gerber, Case, Zero Tolerance and more name-brand pocket knives.
Peeples has been duck hunting and fishing since he was little. He went on many hunting and fishing trips with his father, Bill, and has always had a passion for it.
“Some of my most memorable fishing trips recently have been when I’ve gone up to the Great Lakes and when I’ve gone smallmouth bass fishing in New York. Lake Ontario and Lake Mille Lacs (in Minnesota) are two of my favorite lakes for fishing.
“I really enjoy being outdoors. Fishing is relaxing and quiet. It is fun to try to figure out what the fish wants for the day. Every day is different. Fishing is very challenging.”
Each year, Peeples and other locals plan a Canada goose hunt at Tornado Alley Waterfowlers in Kansas.
“Tornado Alley Waterfowlers are our guide, and they put us up,” Peeples said. “We hunt for three days, and it is a special event. It is really nice up there. It’s a blast. We have a lot of fun.”
Hanging out with friends, being outside and seeing sunrises are some of Peeples’ favorite aspects of duck hunting. He has a year-old black Labrador retriever named Daisy, who is trained to retrieve game.
Clothing, decoys, waders and accessories are offered at Baits-N-Blades. Drake and Banded are the clothing brands offered, while Dakota Decoys and GHG are available decoy brands.
Peeples has been married to his wife, Kristin, for 12 years. Together they have two children, ages 6 and 4, with another child due in December. Kristin Peeples is a certified public accountant and is the chief financial officer for the City of Texarkana, Texas.
Lance Peeples earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Texas A&M University—Texarkana. He then graduated with a master’s degree in business. He is a fireman for Texarkana, Texas.
“I take my children hunting and fishing all of the time,” Peeples said. “Family is important and comes first. Hunting and fishing are my passions. I hope I can build the hunting part of the store up just as I have with the fishing.”