Illinois’ locally-owned bait shops offer fresh, high-quality bait and expert fishing advice. What more could you ask for? Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just learning to hold a fishing pole, the right equipment is important for a successful trip on the water. Find helpful service, insider tips, and all of the best gear at the 10 best bait and tackle shops in Illinois.
Anglers International Resources is known for their vast selection of fishing gear and live bait. The staff members are super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable on the products. Whether you’re new to fishing or have decades of experience, they will treat you with respect and give you personalized attention.
Dave’s Bait, Tackle & Taxidermy has everything an angler needs for a fishing trip. Not only do they carry an impressive selection of fishing gear and live bait, they also clean and oil reels and offer free advice for new anglers. The employees are very helpful and knowledgeable, offering honest recommendations of tackle, reels, rods, and everything else fishing related.
For a great variety of high-quality live bait, look no further than Jim’s Bait & Tackle in Fox Lake. This little bait shop is run by very dependable, knowledgeable folks who know the area. They don’t try to sell you want you don’t need, but provide honest advice and friendly conversation.
Located on Lake Michigan, Park Bait has been providing bait, tackle, and honest fishing advice since 1958. You’ll find a great selection of live bait, lures, tackle, rods, reels, buckets, tackle boxes, and other fishing equipment at this little shop. They’re also happy to provide updated fishing reports with the latest lake conditions and fishing recommendations.
Whether you’re just looking for the typical live baits or need a special order, Triangle Sports and Marine can help. They carry all the top brands of fishing gear and a wide variety to choose from, as well. You can also get up-to-date fishing reports, hard-to-find tackle, and quality bait. Patrons describe this little roadside shop as a “mini Bass Pro.” You’ll love their friendly, personalized service.
Barnard’s Bait Shop is a one-stop shop for everything fishing-related. They carry live bait, fishing tackle, and offer fishing licenses. You’ll find nightcrawlers, crickets, minnows, wax worms, and other live bait throughout the year. And if they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for in stock, they’re happy to order it for you.
For a great selection of live bait and friendly customer service, check out Lee’s Bait & Tackle. They carry large suckers, bulk minnows, hot baits, and much more in stock. Patrons appreciate the knowledgeable staff, large bait selection, and reasonable prices. They inspect your live bait and can re-line your reels, as well.
If you want advice from experienced anglers, look no further than Fishtech in Morton Grove. They carry everything fishing related and are happy to order anything they don’t have in stock. Their outstanding customer service, expert advice, and product selection make this shop a local favorite.
Chicago Bait and Tackle is known for their friendly, accommodating staff and reasonable prices. They offer great deals on bait and even a rewards program. You’ll find a great selection of fishing gear including lures, rods, reels, combos, tackle, fishing line, and much more. Their knowledgeable employees are willing to help answer any questions, as well.
Tom’s Bait Shop has been open for many years and offers extremely reasonable prices on bait and fishing gear. This no-frills shop is a local favorite because of the old-school atmosphere, high-quality bait, and dedication to the community. The owner is very knowledgeable on fishing and willing to answer any questions you may have.
