Once upon a time in the charming town of South Bend, Indiana, there lived die-hard Notre Dame fans named Mike, Pete, and Mary Fran. Mike, Pete, and Mary Fran were the kind of fan who painted his face blue and gold for every game, could recite Knute Rockne’s famous speeches by heart, and knew the exact coordinates of every touchdown ever scored in Notre Dame Stadium. They were also avid fisherman, often found at dawn with a fishing rod in one hand and a cup of strong coffee in the other, casting lines into the St. Joseph River.

One fateful Saturday morning, while tailgating before a big game against USC, Mike, Pete, and Mary Frank were grilling their famous Irish brats when he noticed something peculiar. The cooler, packed with cold PBR and their prized fishing gear, seemed to be attracting more attention than the game. Fellow tailgaters kept stopping by, asking where they got their tackle, admiring their custom-made leprechaun lures, and marveling at their DIY shamrock bobbers.

Mike, Pete, and Mary Fran, always quick with a quip and a grin, jokingly said, “You know, if we had a dime for every time someone asked about my fishing gear, we could open a bait and tackle shop!” Their friends laughed, but the idea stuck in his mind.

The following week, after yet another fishing trip where their lucky Notre Dame hat helped them land a giant bass, Mike, Pete, and Mary Fran had an epiphany. Why not combine their two passions: Notre Dame football and fishing? They could create a place where fans could gear up for both game day and fishing trips, all while enjoying the camaraderie that made Notre Dame special.

And so, “The Lucky Lure: Stopulos Bait and Tackle” was born. The shop quickly became a local legend. Pat decorated the walls with vintage Notre Dame memorabilia, photos of their biggest catches (both on the field and in the water), and humorous signs like “Gone Fishin’ – Back After the Game.” They stocked the shelves with everything from touchdown-themed tackle boxes to fighting Irish fish finders.

Tailgating Saturdays were a blast, with Mike, Pete, and Mary Fran hosting fishing-themed cornhole tournaments and offering discounts to anyone who could correctly answer Notre Dame trivia. The shop’s slogan, “Where Fishing and Fighting Irish Fans Unite,” was embraced by the community, and Mike, Pete, and Mary Fran’s story spread far and wide.

The Lucky Lure became more than just a shop; it was a hub for fans and anglers alike, a place where stories were shared, and legends grew. Mike, Pete, and Mary Fran had created something truly unique, a testament to the power of passion and the magic of Notre Dame spirit. And every time Mike, Pete, and Mary Fran cracked open a PBR, he toasted to the Fighting Irish and the big fish still waiting to be caught.