Gulf Stream Distribution: A force in the world of fishing
Florida’s largest and most reliable distributor of fishing tackle to independent retailers
Our team at Gulf Stream Distribution is much like the powerful Gulf Stream current that flows north along Florida’s east coast—always moving, always delivering. We provide a wide variety of fishing tackle to independent shops from Key West to Jacksonville on the East Coast, Tampa to Naples on the West and Freshwater tackle through out the center of the state ensuring shelves stay stocked and anglers stay equipped.
Based in Jensen Beach, Gulf Stream Distribution partners with leading brands to supply high-quality products that help anglers target snook, snapper, redfish, pompano, kingfish, cobia, wahoo, sailfish, Spanish mackerel, Largemouth Bass and more.
Our products are available exclusively through local tackle shops, where anglers benefit from expert advice on where, when, and how to fish. We are committed to supporting these independent retailers by providing consistent inventory, dependable service, and strong relationships.
If you’re an angler, visit your local tackle shop and gear up with confidence. If you’re a tackle shop owner, contact Gulf Stream Distribution for dependable, weekly deliveries and access to a wide selection of trusted fishing products—delivered directly to your door by our dedicated team.
Phyllis Humphrey
A native of Pennsylvania, Phyllis graduated from high school in Fort Pierce and began creating jigs for what was then known as Atlantic Lures in 1987. The first jig she mastered was the ever-popular snook catcher, the Red-Tail Hawk. After the company’s name changed to Gulfstream Lures, the number of jigs produced continued to grow under Phyllis. A mother of two, Phyllis takes pride in the fact that Gulfstream jigs are still tied by hand in the United States. She successfully fought former owners’ attempts to follow in the footsteps of other fishing tackle manufacturers by moving jig production to China. Then she made sure customers know were Gulfstream jigs come from by adding Made in the USA and the American flag to the company’s jig packages. Now a partner in Gulfstream Lures LLC with David Ehlers, Phyllis oversees jig production and accounting. She makes sure the warehouse is well stocked when the fish start biting and jigs begin to migrate from tackle shops to tackle boxes.
David Ehlers
David grew up fishing in Palm Beach County. He began his career in the fishing tackle business after graduating from Forest Hill High School in 1996. While studying at Palm Beach Atlantic University, David joined Outdoor Sports World, where he was fortunate enough to learn fishing tackle retailing from the late Howard Elkins. David worked at the popular outdoor store until it closed in 2006. He stayed in touch with the South Florida fishing scene by writing fishing reports for The Palm Beach Post and by co-hosting the South Florida Fishing Report with Snook Nook tackle shop owner Henry Caimotto and more recently, Fred Caimotto. Their popular fishing radio show still airs from 6-8 a.m. Saturdays on Real Radio, 94.3 FM. In 2010, David had the opportunity to buy Gulfstream Lures and join Phyllis Humphrey as a partner. David and Phyllis have expanded the business to include distribution of tackle from many manufacturers. Gulfstream trucks deliver fishing gear to more than 180 independent tackle shops. When he’s not working, David enjoys bass fishing with his son and traveling with his family.
Vinnie Scarduzio
Vinnie is the Gulfstream sales team member who brings merchandise to tackle shops from Stuart to Jacksonville, a job that keeps him logging about 1,000 miles a week. While growing up in Jupiter, Vinnie fished and played a lot of baseball. He was a pitcher and outfielder for the Jupiter High School Warriors. Vinnie’s baseball talent led to scholarships at Broward Community College and Florida Gulf Coast University. He learned the tackle business while working with Pete and Tommy Schulz at Fishing Headquarters in Jupiter. Before joining Gulfstream, Vinnie played three years of minor league baseball in Indiana. When he’s not working, Vinnie enjoys playing adult-league softball as well as inshore and offshore fishing. He likes to catch mutton snapper offshore and enjoys fishing for snook, trout and redfish in the Indian River.
Mark Cope
Mark is the Gulfstream sales team member who serves independent tackle shops from Key West to Lake Worth. Mark is a familiar face in the many tackle shops scattered along the Overseas Highway throughout the Florida Keys. Mark leaves home well before dawn on Mondays and drives a Gulfstream truck all the way to Key West, then begins working his way back toward the mainland. His truck loaded with diver down flags, sand flea rakes, cast nets, gaffs, rod-and-reel combos and other tackle, Mark supplies dozens of tackle shops and drives more than 800 miles a week. When he’s not working, Mark enjoys fishing and cooking. He’s a member of the Bad Behavior BBQ Cooking Team that consistently scores well in barbecue cooking contests.