Construction view at Ironworks Square site, September 9, 2025. Photo by Shani Bills, TalkErie.com.
In a major step in its continued growth within the fishing tackle industry, FishUSA announced plans today to expand the company’s operations and relocate to the new Ironworks Square business and technology park in the City of Erie. The move represents a significant milestone for the company and positions FishUSA for continued growth, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced customer experience.
Started in 2000 in the founder’s garage in Fairview, FishUSA later operated in the City of Erie before relocating back to Fairview, where it is currently based. Since then, the company has grown into a leading name in fishing tackle retail, serving customers worldwide through its fishing-only e-commerce website, maintaining an in-house inventory of tens of thousands of products, and supporting local anglers through its walk-in pro shop.
FishUSA’s expansion will include the construction of a new 60,000-square-foot office, fulfillment, and retail facility on the west side of Ironworks Square. While the company is already experiencing tremendous growth, the state-of-the-art building will remove current space constraints and support increased inventory capacity and a more efficient operational layout – allowing FishUSA to continue supporting its more than 80 employees while creating additional job opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to welcome FishUSA to Ironworks Square,” said Tina Mengine, President & CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority. “Their modern new building will complement the newly renovated facility, transforming the area into a vibrant technology hub in the heart of the city.”
Erie County Executive Christina Vogel remarked, “FishUSA’s decision to set up shop at Ironworks Square is an exciting development. This site is a center of innovation and energy, buzzing with high-traffic visibility and the potential for dynamic collaborations with other cutting-edge companies. I am absolutely thrilled to witness the expansion of this visionary company and the success of Ironworks Square. It stands as a beacon of how vital and transformative projects like this are for our community.
Since launching as a pure-play internet retailer, FishUSA has evolved into a multifaceted business. In addition to its e-commerce platform and pro shop, the company offers a growing portfolio of private-label products and launched its wholesale division in 2024, serving tackle retailers across the country.
“This relocation is not just about space; it’s about setting the stage for our next chapter of growth and innovation,” said Dan Pastore, President & Co-founder of FishUSA. “We are excited to return to the City of Erie, to create more local jobs in the fishing industry that is such a rich part of Erie’s history, and to continue serving anglers worldwide with even greater efficiency.”
FishUSA Senior Director of Merchandising Doug Straub emphasized the operational impact of the move. “This expansion is about building a foundation for the future,” he said. “From fulfillment speed to in-store experience, the new facility allows our team to collaborate more effectively and scale the business in a way that supports long-term growth.”
Erie Mayor Daria Devlin applauded the announcement and its economic impact. “When businesses move into the city it’s a win,” she said. “It means new jobs for our residents, revitalized neighborhoods, and increased investment in our local economy, which ultimately creates opportunity and encourages more people to call Erie home.”
Ironworks Square, 603 West 12th St., is the result of a massive remediation, restoration and reimagining of the landmark Erie Malleable Iron manufacturing complex in the city’s legacy industrial corridor. The core of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority initiative to spark economic development is a 78,000-square-foot multi-use tech-flex space that is nearing completion and rapidly filling. The business and technology park also offers open space for new construction, including the future home of FishUSA.