Great Bait Shops

Thousand lakes
River rat
Log cabin
Swansons

Lil’ Jim’s in Annandale. They recently suffered a fire that has them shut down temporarily. I sure hope they come back.

Ok, top this: We were up in Babbitt at Just Bite Me bait, husband and wife owners were trying to explain where the launch was and where they had been catching crappies-I looked confused (comes naturally!) Oh just take them out there! the wife said, we followed him out to his favorite spot and we immediatly started catching fish.
Now that is great service. Locally Vados is tops. Fish Lake is darn good for selection.

Joe Jarl wrote:

Lil’ Jim’s in Annandale. They recently suffered a fire that has them shut down temporarily. I sure hope they come back.

He might still be slinging minnows. He has a ice house in the parking lot that seems to be “open” in the mornings.

Ryan’s Sport Shop – Durand, WI.
Not a place anyone here has probably heard of nor do they have the widespread volume of many places, but they do a nice job sharing intel about the Chippewa River, Pool 4, and Pool 5. They have a real nice firearm selection and liquor store all in one as well.

River Valley Outfitters – Wabasha, MN

Not an overly talkative crowd, but always has decent bait (including willow cats when other places often don’t). They too are small and don’t have a ton of volume or a Scheels type selection, but they offer river specific lures and some local made tackle specifically for river fishing.

Spot on for both of these 👍

Red’s Auto and Bait in Pierz. Whoever buys the tackle for this gas station, bait shop, and deli really knows their fishing. Amazing assortment for how much space is dedicated.

I would also say Reed’s Onamia has stepped up their game from what I remember, keeping in mind that I am a bass guy. It has a great selection of bass tackle there now.

Charlie W wrote:

River rat

Yep we usually hit them on the way up to Winnie and Red. Good shop for sure.

And we musn’t forget the Gateway Store while heading into Kab/Nam. Great bait shop and general store, and you can ride the walleye across the road!

Also, down the road towards the park from there, there used to be a place called “Bait & Bite” Not sure if it’s still there? It’s a cafe that also sells bait. I only went there once when I was younger and haven’t accessed VNP down that road in years. They used to have a sign out front that said “Eat here and get worms.”

Swansons in Hackensack, Northwoods in Bemidji

Little Jim’s in Annandale as well sounds like he is rebuilding can’t wait.

Always get great service at mikes on 8 in Lindstrom. Fish lake is also good on your way up 35 if I am going past Chisago.

Fletchers Bait in Sauk Centre. Those guys bust their humps to put the freshest bait in their shop.

Couple have already been said but my favorites are Swanson’s, Prince Bait, Thousand Lakes, and S&W in Brainerd. S&W gives out the largest scoops of minnows I have seen. The guys at Thousand Lakes are very nice and super knowledgeable. Plus they seem to really enjoy talking with and helping customers.

I forgot about S&W they are super solid scoops!

Ernie’s Bait in Cambridge.

Aboxy17 wrote:

Always get great service at mikes on 8 in Lindstrom. Fish lake is also good on your way up 35 if I am going past Chisago.

Mike’s bait for me or fish lake. Just depends the direction I’m heading. But Mike’s bait is in forest lake not Lindstrom

Snake ii’s wrote:

Ernie’s Bait in Cambridge.

Where is this ?

Sorry, I should have elaborated, Ernie’s bait operated until the late 70’s. He sold it to Larry Smeija, who ran it until ~late 80’s. It was located on the north end of town, on “old” HWY 65. If you asked for a dozen, you got 4.

When we stayed near Longville, I discovered Full Stringer. I love their store for the freshest bait. The owner drives and picks it up directly from trappers in the area. We now live in Nevis so I’m sad it’s too far to just stop in a few times per week.

I like the Rush Point store. Small local business. I am pretty sure he gets his bait from Fish Lake but the owner is a solid dude!