Hodag Fish and Reptile Opens in Rhinelander
A year after the closure of Northwoods Pets, a new pet store, Hodag Fish and Reptile, has opened in Rhinelander. Located near the former Northwoods Pets, owners Tina and Steve Sztukowski started their journey in August 2025, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Steve’s passion for fish began at just nine years old when he started breeding for a pet store. This enthusiasm was shared with Tina, who also developed a love for aquatic and reptilian creatures after they met. The couple’s experience, particularly Steve’s background working at Northwoods Pets before it shut down, inspired them to create their own business.
The new store has quickly become a local favorite, drawing in former Northwoods Pets customers who appreciate the convenience of having a dedicated space for their needs, from feeder supplies to educational resources. “A lot of them were having to travel quite a ways just to get what they need,” said Tina. The shop offers a variety of fish, reptiles, and even tarantulas, with Tina’s favorite being the blue tongue skink, known for its calm nature.
Beyond the products, Tina highlights the joy of connecting with customers: “Just meeting everybody, hearing what they have, what they like, and just the community that we’ve built.”
Hodag Fish and Reptile is located at 2140 Lincoln St. and recently expanded its offerings by acquiring more aquariums. The store opens Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
