Fly Fishing, Clothing Shop Eyes Summer Opening Downtown

A new store with a focus on flyfishing and outdoor clothing is planning a summer opening in downtown Hamilton.

Owner Matt Kelleher of Beverly said he chose the location for Capefish Fly and Clothing at 28 Bay Road - between Jolie Tea Co. and Connolly's Pharmacy - after finding the available space advertised on Craig's List. He said he will benefit from the passing traffic on Route 1A and said he will fill a need in the region, which has similar stores to the north and south but none nearby.

"I wanted to be half way to everywhere," he said.

The store is a "mom and pop" operation and not part of a national chain or franchise, he said.

"Fly fishing is my passion," he said, noting he is the co-owner of Fat Tuna guide service with Bob Cook and also has worked at River's Edge in Beverly.

Once it is up and running, Kelleher said he plans to have the store host demonstrations and casting lessons, for example.

In addition, Kelleher said he plans to stock brands such as Vineyard Vines and Mountain Khakis.

"I want it to be a place where people can grab a pair of pants or shorts before heading off for the weekend," he said.

The storefront where Capefish will open was most recently home to a real estate office, which was there for a little longer than a year. Before that, it was home to Taylor Danielle Day Spa, which moved to the Shoppes at Hamilton Crossing.