3/27/09: Charles A. Conklin II, founder and president of Big Brown Fish Hatchery today announced the purchase of outstanding shares for the well-established trout farm, Paradise Brook Trout Company. The acquisition brings a highly complementary base of business and customers, enhancing Mr. Conklin’s presence in the trout industry.
"I have always admired the quality reputation of Paradise Brook Trout Company. I am honored to have this opportunity, humbled by the history and reputation of the company and excited for the potential that I see for the future", said new owner, Charles A. Conklin II.
"My father's goal was to keep Paradise as a trout hatchery and fee fishing operation. We feel very lucky to have Charles Conklin continue the tradition which has been established here at the hatchery and know he will do an outstanding job", remarked Beth (Stack) Martin.
Mr. Conklin started Big Brown Fish Hatchery as a hobby in 1971 at the age of eleven, aptly named from his favorite fish, Big Brown. The hobby quickly grew to a part-time business. In 1987, armed with a biology degree, Mr. Conklin opened Big Brown Fish & Pay Lakes to the public for fishing and the hatchery became a full-time business. Over the years, Charles served the industry in various roles, as President of Pennsylvania Aquaculture Association, President of US Trout Farmers Association, Chairman for the Northeast Regional Aquaculture Centre and Aquaculture coordinator for the PA Department of Agriculture.
Big Brown produces over 260,000 pounds of brown, brook, rainbow and golden trout, along with 20,000 large mouth bass annually, for private sport fishing and food processors. The pay lake is visited by over 15,000 people each year.
Established in 1902, Paradise Brook Trout Company is the first licensed hatchery in the state of Pennsylvania. It has been family-owned and operated for over 75 years. George Stack successfully operated the company for the past 30 years, learning the business from his father who served as the corporation president from 1920 to 1952. In the early 1900s, Paradise shipped live fish in milk cans by horse and wagon to the RR station and by rail from Henryville, PA to various destinations in Pennsylvania and New York. Paradise trout were also sold in the finest restaurants of NY City. A pioneer of its time, Paradise sold eggs throughout the United States, also shipping to Africa and Japan. Today, Paradise Brook Trout Company supplies trout for sport fishing to customers throughout the eastern United States. A fee fishing pond on the historic property continues to be a popular fishing spot since 1968 for tourists and local customers.
About Big Brown Fish Hatchery, Inc.
Big Brown Fish Hatchery located in Effort, PA raises rainbow, brook, brown and golden trout and large mouth bass. Public fishing is open from mid-March through October at Big Brown Fish & Pay Lakes which offers fee fishing on 3 lakes over 10 beautiful, park like acres stocked with trout and large mouth bass. Big Brown Fish & Pay Lakes: Where the fish are always biting! Call to purchase fish to stock your pond or stream. For more information, please visit www.bigbrownfish.com
About Paradise Brook Trout Company, Inc.
Paradise Brook Trout Company located in Cresco, PA, is the first licensed hatchery in the state of Pennsylvania. Established in 1902, the hatchery raises brook, brown and rainbow trout for stocking of private lakes and streams as well as table use. Public fishing is available starting the first Saturday of April through Columbus Day at Paradise Fishing Preserve, located on the grounds of the fish hatchery. For more information, please visit www.paradisetrout.com
