Dave Kranz

Dave Kranz began his career running very successful retail stores in managerial positions for Walgreens’ restaurant division (1981-1983) and Aldi Foods (1983-1991). However, as early as the fifth grade, he knew that he wanted to be in the sporting goods industry. So, in 1981, while still working for Walgreens, he opened his first bait and tackle shop. After renting several locations, Dave knew he needed to buy or build his own store, so he built his existing log building and opened the store in March of 1989. For two years he continued to work full-time at Aldi and run Dave’s Bait, Tackle & Taxidermy, finally leaving Aldi in May of 1991. In 1993 he expanded his store by adding a 1,200 square foot addition.
Attending ICAST events helped Dave continue to grow the business and his best move was becoming an ASA member. He’s discovered the value of events like ASA’s annual Summit where he’s met some of the most influential folks in the industry. More importantly, it inspired him to become involved. Currently Dave serves as the Chair of the Retail Committee at the ASA Summit.
Dave launched the WeFishASA podcast and is currently on his 10th year of programming, recently publishing episode #480. He currently pens the “Retail Matters” column for Fishing Tackle Retailer, a trade magazine published seven times a year and wrote a weekly fishing report for the Chicago Sun Times for years. Dave has given seminars at many fishing clubs and industry shows, including presenting at ICAST on the value of podcasting.
Dave had fished locally in bass tournaments for decades, but in 2018 he began competing in the Major League Fishing Series Northern Division tournaments. He also enjoys fishing in charity events like the Bickell Foundation and veterans’ tournaments, as well as industry events such as the ICAST Cup. Dave is currently on pro staff for St. Croix, Daiwa, HeadHunter Lures, Mercury Marine, and Power Pole. Dave also guides 20-25 days each year on Lake Delavan and Lake Geneva in southern Wisconsin.
Dave’s active YouTube channel, Dave Kranz Living the Wild Outdoors, has garnered 6,500 subscribers and nearly three million views in the last three years. He also maintains the Dave’s Bait, Tackle & Taxidermy Facebook page that gets up to 25,000 views a day.
Dave served as a Trustee of the McHenry County Conservation District, a nationally recognized organization for conservation excellence, for five years and held the positions of Secretary, Vice President, and President. Dave was a delegate for the 2016 Conservation Congress representing the sportsmen of McHenry County.