Marine General opened as a sailboat hardware store on London Road in Duluth, Minnesota, catering to traffic headed up the shore and into the inland lakes. The shop sold ropes, pulleys, gaskets, O‑rings, and D‑rings to keep sailboats seaworthy. As time went on, customers began asking for live bait, fishing tackle, powerboat hardware, and boat seats. What began in the basement of a building has grown into what Marine General is today: a headquarters specializing in Great Lakes fishing and shipping products around the world.

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Today, Marine General is much more than a fishing store. The shop carries a wide selection of electronics, marine products, and clothing for both open‑water and ice fishing, along with many other essentials. Under the leadership of Russ Franklin, Marine General has served its customers for 49 years. Throughout both thriving and challenging times, they have watched and influenced the industry, continually adapting to keep customers happy, on the water, and informed about the latest technology.

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After nearly five decades in the industry, Marine General has become a trusted resource for countless manufacturers and representatives, as well as for news, TV, and radio outlets. The team has been involved in the development and improvement of new and existing products, troubleshooting issues, and helping forecast the future of the industry. Marine General has also become the go‑to place in Duluth for a wide range of information—such as safety guidance for open and frozen water, how to get boats ready for spring and put them away in the fall, what species are biting, and where to fish, whether from shore or from a boat—ensuring that anyone who wants to experience fishing has the tools and knowledge to enjoy it.

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Marine General has always had a vision that goes beyond simply selling customers what they ask for. Teaching and training are at the center of their work with both customers and staff. What gives Marine General an edge over the competition is its people: the employees boat and fish, and they love sharing their knowledge and tips with anyone looking for advice on where the fish are biting or what colors are working. A call to the shop will be answered by someone who is proud to share what has been happening on the water.

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When a customer purchases new electronics, Marine General’s staff provides hands‑on instruction so they can use their equipment with confidence. Staff members have even been known to hop into a boat in the parking lot or go down to the docks to help troubleshoot issues or offer advice on mounting new gear. The level of education Marine General provides is truly beyond compare.

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This passion for education and service also extends to promoting fishing events and groups. Marine General has partnered with manufacturers and organizations to bring fishing classes to Duluth, ranging from new electronics training sessions to fly‑tying and fishing classes for kids. Supporting groups that promote fishing has been a major focus for Marine General throughout its 49 years of operation. The business sponsors countless fishing tournaments every year, including the Twin Ports Walleye Association tournament on the St. Louis River, the Safelite City Auto Glass Walleye Tournament on Lake Vermilion, and the Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament on Island Lake. They also support “Take a Kid Fishing” events, youth fishing education programs, school‑based fishing teams at the middle and high school levels, weekend multi‑species fishing leagues, and events that give back to the fishing community and industry.