Port Tackle now open in Port Jefferson’s old McDonald’s building

Port Tackle opened its doors over the weekend, marking the end of a decade-long vacancy at the old McDonald’s building on Port Jefferson’s harborfront.

The full-service bait and tackle shop at 115 West Broadway is now fully stocked and ready for business, owner Justin Braun told Greater Long Island on Monday.

“We had a nice soft opening over the weekend,” Braun said. “The response has been great.”

The shop will hold its grand opening April 25, with several fishing and marine equipment vendors on hand for the event.

Port Tackle fills a gap left by West Marine’s closure in Port Jefferson Station more than three years ago. The store carries gear for freshwater and saltwater fishing across all skill levels, along with marine supplies that run the gamut from boat soap to ice.

Braun and business partner Conor O’Keefe gutted the former fast-food building, rebuilding the interior from the studs up. They replaced the heating and air conditioning system, installed new electrical work, and put in new flooring and sheetrock.

The building stood empty — right next to Village Hall — since McDonald’s abruptly closed in February 2016.

The shop also features a fillet station where anglers can clean their catch. Additionally, it will host events and seminars. For younger anglers, Port Tackle is launching the Port Kids Fishing Club, anchored by an in-store “Catch Wall.”

Braun is the founder of ChatterLures, an offshore fishing tackle company known for its patented Side Tracker spreader bar system.

_{Photos taken by Brian Harmon.}