News Section


Jan. 10/2008 Sells it's vending route divison to Matthew & Katie Kurtz

	On Jan 10th Pa Live Bait Vending sold it's vending route divison to Matthew & Katie Kurtz, of Kurt's fish Hatchery. They have now formed Kurt's Live Bait Vending. Wih the purchase of Pa Live Bait's route, the Kurt's are now operating 22 bait machines in Southeastern Pa. We wish them all the best of luck on their new venture. This change in our business has enabled us to put more time and effort in providing the best possible bait and tackle vending machines and supplies to our customers.


Feb.27/2008 - Baiting Anglers: TWO MEN PURSUE THEIR LOVE OF THE LIVE BAIT BUSINESS

	Baiting Anglers TWO MEN PURSUE THEIR LOVE OF THE LIVE BAIT BUSINESS By BRIAN McCULLOUGH, Staff Writer Photo by Amy Dragoo WEST NANTMEAL — Gary Harsel and Matthew Kurtz are moving to new fishing holes — larger ones for each. Harsel, one-time owner of his own live tackle shop in Birdsboro, has spent the last decade developing and operating a unique vending business. Called PA Live Bait Vending, Harsel developed a territory for live bait vending machines in Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Berks and parts of Lehigh counties. Last month, he sold that business to Kurtz, who, along with his parents and wife, run the 100-acre Kurtz Fish Hatchery in Elverson started by his grandfather. The sale gives both the opportunity to pursue new markets within an industry they love. “This gives me more time for my passion, research and development of these machines,” Harsel said. “This has been a family passion since I was a little kid,” Kurtz echoed. “With the mom-and-pop bait shops declining, these machines present a great opportunity.” Kurtz bought 20 machines from Harsel, adding to the four he already operated. Kurtz had already supplied Harsel with the bait for the machines from the fish farm, which itself is celebrating 50 years in business. “In essence, I become a customer to the family hatchery,” he noted. Fueling the optimism for the new arrangement is the improved technology in the machines. The original machines Harsel stocked could vend six types of bait. Several years ago, he developed the Liberty 24 Hour Bait Shop that can hold 24 varieties that is now sold across the U.S. and is moving toward worldwide distribution. “We have plans for a second model (called the Atlantic) due out in late spring or early summer for the salt water market,” he said. “I’ve gotten inquiries from Spain, the Czech Republic and two from Australia.” Locally, the company’s machines are in West Chester, Coatesville, Downingtown, Honey Brook, Pottstown and Boothwyn. They are located at car washes, archery shops, hardware stores, convenience stores and bait shops. The one in Boothwyn is in front of a Wal-Mart. “We need these in our area because the bait and tackle shops are closing up,” Harsel said. Nationally, the machines can be found as far away as Albuquerque, N.M., and Salt Lake City, Utah. “I’m into sales,” Harsel said. “When you make your money on a product you know is reliable, it’s a pleasure.” The improved reliability was a big reason Kurtz was comfortable expanding his presence in the live bait vending arena. “They’ve come a long way,” he said. “There’s no kicking the machines. You can see exactly what you’re buying. ”The machines keep the bait at a constant 45-degree temperature, optimum for the wide variety of baits involved, Kurtz said. During heavy fishing season, the machines are stocked every week. During the slower months, they are serviced once every two weeks or so Harsel, and now Kurtz, pay the owners of the businesses where the machines are located to have them there and/or a commission for the product sold. “They need to be in a high-traffic area or it doesn’t work,” Harsel said. They further benefit retailers by attracting anglers to their stores for coffee, drinks and food, the machine operators said. Kurtz said a second market seems to be opening up for the machines: pet food vending. Residents appear to be buying the bait for their lizards, geckos and turtles. “I’ve been amazed at how busy they’ve been during this time — and apparently that’s what’s been going on,” Kurtz said.


Liberty 24-Hour Bait Shop Frequently Asked Questions:

	Q: How do I get started, if I decided to buy a machine? A: First, we decide how you want the machine configured; we will set the machine up to best fit your needs. Then you chose your graphics. Finally, we submit our purchase order to the factory and the machine is built. Q: If it’s going to be a cash deal, how much do you need down? A: $1800.00 Q: If I am approved for financing, how does that work? A: The finance company will FedEx all your paperwork, you simply sign and return the required documents. Once the finance company receives paperwork, the machine will be shipped. Q: What type of services does your company offer? A: We are the only distributor for the 24 Hour Bait Shops we also are the parts supplier for the machines and other style bait machines. We offer 24/7 tech support for the bait machines. We also carry a large variety of cups and supplies for the bait machine. We are dedicated to helping our customers be successful in the bait vending business. Q: What is the product capacity of the old used machines, versus the new machines? A: The old style machines holds 150 units, while our Liberty 24 Hour Bait Shops will hold up to 400. Q: What are the dimensions of the machine? A: The Liberty is 39”W X 72”H X 36”D Q: How much does the machine weigh? A: 750 LBS (340kg) Q: How much manpower do I need to move the machine? A: At east 2 men and a appliance dolly Q: How much change is needed to operated the machine? A: 2 rolls each of .25 .05 &. 10s. Q: What type of electrical power do I need? A: 7amps@115 (805 watts) Q: How do I handle a machine malfunction if it’s not covered in the manual? A: Call us right away, if we don’t have the answer the factory will. Q: How often do you rotate the stock? A: This depends on sales volume. We do ours once a week in the slow season and twice or more in the busy season. Q: How long do some of your baits last? A: Worms – 1 month, Mealworms – 1 month Wax Worms- 14 day's Minnows - 7 days Butter worms- 2 to 3 month Maggots- 14 days, but must be kept very cold Spikes are the same as maggots Q: Can the machine operate outside all year? A: Yes. Q: What is a fairly reasonable time frame before a machine would pay for itself? A: This depends on the location. We hope to have ours paid in the first year. Some locations may take 2 years Q: How secure are is the Liberty against vandalism? A: There are anti- vandal panels on each side of the machine. This prevents someone from prying the door open. Also there is a locking cover that goes over the T handle lock. The clear front has triple-pane heated glass and protected by a layer of durable polycarbonate. Q: What type of warranty comes with the Liberty? A: The Liberty comes with a three-year warranty on the electronic board, sensor boards, and refrigeration system. All other parts are warranted for one year with the exception of fluorescent bulbs, glass and paint finish.


Mealworms shipped right to your door. Try Jumbo Mealworms

	Genuine Jumbo® Brand Packaged Mealworms are packed in wholesale cases of 180 and 50 retail containers. Full-sized 3.25 ounce poly cups are used for each retail portion of 24 worms. (Note: These mealworms are simply too big for the cheaper 2 ounce cup many of our competitors use.) Quality graded bran millings provide maximum shelf life and attractive presentation. GREAT PRODUCT ! Approved by Pa Live Bait Vending, simply open the box a load riight in the Liberty 24 Hour Bait Shop. For more info go to : www.jumbomealworms.com Jumbo® Bait Company, U.S. 444 Park Avenue Mount Pocono PA 18344-1308 570-839-1927 570-839-6907 fax


New addition for 2008 on the Liberty 24 Hour Bait Shop

	New for 2008 , the Liberty now has a access panel to clean the air intake screen under the refrigeration unit. No more laying on the ground with a brush or a vacuum.


New addition for 2008 on the Liberity 24 Hour Bait Shop

	Picture of access panel open, showing the screen.


Another new addition to the Liberty for 2008

	Upgraded power cord with ground fault.


Local entrepreneur's idea catching on with customers: Fri, April 11, 2008- The Tri County Record

	MORGANTOWN - PA Live Bait Vending has recently sold the retail division of it's business. Earlier this year, owner Gary Harsel of West Nantmeal, turned over the ownership of approximately 22 live bait vending machines to Matt and Katie Kurtz of Kurtz's Fish Hatchery, upon reaching a financial agreement. The Kurtz family had already made a purchase of several machines beginning in 2006 and wanted to keep adding more. Matt Kurtz works at the business that has been in his family for a few generations. His father and mother, Richard and Barbara Kurtz, own Kurtz' Fish Hatchery, which they had originally purchased from Richard's father. "We decided to purchase the vending route because we owned four at various locations and they were doing really well. Had he (Harsel) sold to someone else, there was no guarantee we (Kurtz' Fish Hatchery) would keep the business. Gary was a major customer," explained Katie Kurtz. "This is a great way to expand our business." When Harsel began ten years ago, he had one kind of machine which he stocked using bait from neighboring business, Kurtz's Fish Hatchery. The original machine had some problems, which made it difficult to keep increasing business. One of the downsides of the original vending machine was that customers couldn't see what they were purchasing. About two and a half years ago, Harsel developed a new vending machine called the "Liberty Twenty-Four Hour Bait Shop." Far different from the original "pop machine," the new Liberty has clear Lexan shatterproof glass with another two and a half inches thick protective door on the inside. Because the Liberty is clear, customers can see the large selection of items they may need to purchase for their next fishing trip. The Liberty holds about 35 to 40 choices of tackle and bait, and even has an optional bottle tray located at the bottom for a variety of thirst-quenching drinks. "I took a lot of ideas from my customers because we are a small business and they are also small businesses. I asked them what they would want in a new machine," said Harsel. Harsel owned a tackle store in Birdsboro, which he sold about three or four years ago. His goal now is to just sell the new Liberty Twenty-Four Hour Bait Shop and says, "We're so busy now, because I sell supplies for inside the machines, too." Recently, PA Live Bait Vending had a booth at the annual sportsman show in Harrisburg. The exposure of the machines is taking them to places all around the United States. Currently, the farthest machines are located in Albuquerque, N.M. and Salt Lake City, Utah. Now Harsel is getting inquiries from Melbourne and Darwin, Australia, Spain and the Czech Republic. Near the end of last year, Harsel also developed a frozen bait machine called "The Atlantic." Built for the salt water fisherman, these models are just beginning to come out on the market. Both PA Live Bait Vending and Kurtz's Fish Hatchery are local, family-owned businesses in West Nantmeal Township, and both are growing. PA Live Bait Vending is located next to Just Mom's on Route 82. It is connected to Miller Motor Works, which incidentally is Harsel's son-in-law's business. The Web site for more information is www.livebaitvending.com. Kurtz Fish Hatchery can be found on 161 Isabella Road, Elverson. They not only stock the vending machines, but ponds as well. They have live bait and a large variety of fish. The Hatchery has served the public since 1958 and is still continuing to expand, thanks to their new endeavour into live bait vending. From April to September, they are open daily at 8 a.m. and Saturdays at 7 a.m. They are closed on Sundays. ©Tri County Record 2008


Aqua Long - Great new product for 2008

	New Product for 2008! $37.95 Aqua – Long Sold in 25lb. Buckets. When added to your bait tank filtration system, this product will work much better than carbon. Note: We have pre washed this product. You can add this directly to your bait tank filter compartment. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oxygen and ammonia are the two most important parameters in aquaculture. The oxygen is relatively easily controlled, but the ammonia is much more difficult. Ammonia, the un-ionized form of ammonia (ammonia gas) is produced from the gills and urine from the fish as well as from the bacterial decomposition of the unused food and fecal material. Fish utilize the nitrogen component of digested proteins, the amino group (NH2) to build new proteins. However, when they utilize the proteins for energy, they cannot metabolize the nitrogen, and the amino group is split off as ammonia gas. Ammonia gas solubilizes readily in water to form ammonium ion. Ammonia is toxic, and it reduces the ability of the hemoglobin in the blood to hold oxygen. Additionally, ammonia damages the gill structure further impairing the fish in getting oxygen. There are three ways to reduce ammonia in the water. First would include mechanical filtering of unused food and fecal material. Although sand and charcoal have been used extensively, zeolite is much more effective. It has a nominal rating of 3 to 5 microns (sand is typically 20 microns), it loads 2 to 3 more times the particulate load of sand, and it reduces the number of backwashes (see usage document on water filtration). Second would be the use of a biological filter in which bacteria mineralize the organic nitrogen compounds. The process can be aerobic or “nitrification,” or anaerobic or “denitrification.” Nitrification is the most popular, and it involves the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrates by autotrophic bacteria (Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter). The huge surface area of Aqua-Long makes it an excellent host for bacteria. Third, the ammonia can be chemically filtered by clinoptilolite. A zeolite filter system can be used to mechanically remove food wastes and fecal material. It also removes the ammonia and becomes a host for aerobic bacteria that eat the ammonia. As such, it becomes all three-filter systems in one if properly applied. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION · Mineral: Natural zeolite (primarily clinoptilolite). See spec. sheet · Sizes: 14 x 40, ½” x 4, 4 x 8, 8 x 14, 10 x 14 · GRAS: Classified as “GRAS” (generally regarded as safe) under CFR Part 582.2729, 40 CFR Part 180.1001 · Surface Area: 24.9 square meters per gram · Moisture: Holds up to 55% of its weight in water · Weight: 55 pounds per cubic foot · CEC Cation Exchange capacity 160 to 180 meq/100 grams · Potassium 3.47% · Calcium 1.6% · Sodium less than 0.5% (no water soluble sodium). · Color: Pale green when dry; dark green when wet. NOTES ON THE USE OF CLINOPTILOLITE IN AQUACULTURE · The ammonium promotes the growth of algae in the pond or tank and the algae will grow on the Aqua-Long ™ where they utilize some of the ammonium. However, the algae on the Aqua-Long ™ will inhibit the absorption of the ammonium into the Aqua-Long ™. The algae must be washed off to accelerate the adsorption of the ammonium. · Excretion of ammonia by fish increases with the activity of the fish, an increase in the temperature, and an increase in the feed ration. A rise of 13 degrees F can cause a 10-fold increase in the rate of excretion. · The per of ammonia gas in solution increases with an increase in temperature. · A reduction of dissolved oxygen (DO) increases the acute and chronic toxicity of ammonia. · The toxicity of ammonia decreases with an increase of salinity up to 30% sea water (9 % salt). · Adsorption efficiency of Aqua-Long ™ is unaffected by water temperature. · Adsorption efficiency of Aqua-Long ™ decreases in water of low pH. · Adsorption efficiency of Aqua-Long ™ decreases as water hardness increases. Other cations such as Ca, Na, Mg, and K compete more effectively than ammonium for the exchange position. Optimum efficiency occurs when the hardness is less than 44 mg/l. · Aqua-Long ™ will reduce ammonia in proportion to the amount of Aqua-Long ™ used. · Aqua-Long ™ is typically not used in seawater due to the high hardness and the amount of sodium. In seawater, Aqua-Long ™ has approximately only 5% of the capacity that it has in fresh water. Much more massive amounts of Aqua-Long ™ must be used in seawater that is typically not economic. · Ammonium loaded Aqua-Long ™ can be regenerated by using a saline back wash solution followed by a rinse cycle. · Alternatively, aerobic bacteria, algae, or plants can be used to regenerate the Aqua-Long ™. RECOMMENDED USES OF ZEOLITE FOR AQUACULTURE · DECORATIVE ROCKS. -- Decorative rocks can be placed in ponds, aquariums, streams, fountains, and other tanks. Although these can be large in size, the effective penetration is only about ½ an inch. Consequently, Aqua-Long ™ larger than 1 inch diameter looses its effectiveness as a chemical or chemical/biological filter. · MECHANICAL FILTRATION. -- Aqua-Long ™ makes an excellent mechanical filter media for unused food and fecal material for aquaculture ponds. · CHEMICAL FILTRATION. -- Aqua-Long an excellent chemical filter for ammonium as well as for certain heavy metals by virtue of its cation exchange capacity. · MEDIA FOR BIOLOGICAL FILTRATION. —The tremendous surface area and irregular surface of Aqua-Long ™ makes it a perfect media for biological colonies of aerobic bacteria. In effect it becomes a chemical/biological filter.