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Curtis and Mychelle McGee took ownership in February, 2024, moved the warehouse to Farmington, and changed the name to from Jim’s Bait & Tackle to Rio Lado Distributing Co. for the 2025 Season. Rio Lado means “River Side” and was the original name of Circle K Ranch in southern Colorado where the McGee family has held family reunions for over 40 years. Their goal is to continue to support independent fishing retailers throughout the SouthWest and look forward to growing with customers and welcoming other customers to the family.

Curtis and Mychelle McGee are New Mexico natives the grew up in Farmington. Curtis worked for PNM San Juan Generating Station for 20 years until its closing in 2022.  Mychelle has taught elementary school since 2005. They have 2 kids, Maya (Josh Eberhard) and Braden. With a love for the outdoors, fishing, and hunting, Jim’s Bait and Tackle was a great fit for their family.

“We have enjoyed building relationships with customers and look forward to many years together! It is my vision to continue to provide quality customer service.  I want to continue making improvements to our business and the quality of products we distribute.  Contact me if you have suggestions on how we can work together better.”                 -Curtis McGee

In 1978 Jim’s Worm Farm was born. Worm beds were tended to, and packaged up by family members. Jim was in high school and would deliver the bait to the Bluewater Lake area. Customers started asking for other fishing supplies, and Jim had met Dixie, his future wife, in high school and began working together. Purchasing supplies and the small building began growing as rooms and inventory were added. Jim had routes all over NM and delivered the orders. Dixie meanwhile shipped out of state and did the Albuquerque deliveries. Dixie was a multi tasker and did all the ordering and receiving. At one point, we brought Jim in off the road and we worked side by side to take care of our customer base that had grown exponentially. We would deliver big spring orders in person and UPS the rest. In 2000 we moved into a 5,000 sq ft building. We sold and retired in 2016.                     –Jim and Dixie

In 2016, Matt Van Sickle purchased Jim’s Bait and Tackle and continued the rich legacy.  Matt partnered with Becca and together, they supported independent fishing retailers across the southwest.