Delaware is an angler’s state. Whether you prefer open ocean fishing or wetting a line in a bay or river, you won’t have to go far to find a great, local, down-home bait and tackle shop. Find fresh bait, tackle, gear, charters, tips and tricks, and more, at these 10 best bait and tackle shops in the state!
Founded in 1962, Old Inlet is a full-service bait and tackle shop located two miles north of the Indian River Inlet. For over 50 years Old Inlet has provided anglers an 8,500-item inventory, fishing information, and a full-service rod and reel repair shop. Recognizing that service after the sale is key ingredient to success, Old Inlet offers fishing reports, community events, and a charter directory right on their website.
Established in 1998, Ricks wishes all their customers, “calm seas and screamin’ reels.” With easy access to both the Rehoboth and Indian River Bays as well as the Atlantic Ocean, Rick’s caters to bay fishing, river fishing, and more. They love to help people grow their knowledge, enjoyment, and success in fishing, and they are committed to the practice of being sure clients receive the service they deserve, according to their website.
Captain Bones is a family owned fishing, hunting, and crabbing supply store and bait shop that has been in business since 1979. With a wide selection of sporting goods, they also have an awesome selection of duck and goose calls. Ask about their Bass Club Discount or peruse their great selection of freshwater and saltwater rods and reels, but if there is something you are looking for that they don’t have, they will find it and ship it.
A full fishing bait and tackle store, with crabbing supplies, live Maryland crab, apparel, travel coffee mugs, and more, the Master Baiter goes by the slogan, “It’s hard to beat our bait.” And speaking of bait, choose from fresh or frozen razor clams, fresh bunker, chicken necks, minnows, blood worms, night crawlers, salted eel, and shiners.
Fenwick Tackle is a full line tackle and bait shop offering crabbing supplies, fresh and frozen baits, beach supplies, and more. You know you’ve hit the right tackle shop when older folk stop to swap stories. Get night crawlers, minnows, shiners, razor clams, and more, plus a knowledgeable staff that will get you the right bait for the fish.
It doesn’t get much more remote than Lighthouse View Bait and Tackle Shop, a small family-run shop located inside of Cape Henlopen State Park on the fishing pier. Established in 2012, find huge bull minnows, clamming classes, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and great advice on what is hitting the line by feel.
Opened in 2012, Jim’s offers fresh and frozen live bait for fresh and saltwater fishing, as well as tackle, rods and reels, rod repair, boat accessories, crab and clamming gear, and boat storage. The place is family owned and operated and one of the few freshwater fishing retailers on this side of the bay.
Opened in 2010, this little store with a big heart offers all your bait and tackle needs. Get info on what is currently biting and where to head along with tactics for fishing crab, freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and more. Find fair prices, high-quality gear, and the freshest bait at Dan’s Tackle Box.
Bill's Sport Shop has one of Delmarva's largest selections of offshore, inshore, and pier bait and tackle for all your fishing needs. And don’t forget about boat charters. First Light Charters fishes out of Lewes Harbor Marina and the Indian River. They offer fly fishing, light tackle, wreck fishing, eco/ sightseeing tours, and night fishing trips.
Get frozen and fresh bait, like bunker, bloods, clams and mullets. Plus, find tackle, gear and more at the Ice House. Oh and don’t forget about charter services as Captain Les Clemmer and the Martha Marie troll the bay and open waters.
