10 Best Bait and Tackle Shops in Kentucky

10 Best Bait and Tackle Shops in Kentucky

There’s something very relaxing about sitting back and quietly enjoying the peace and quiet that comes from fishing. Until you feel the tug on your line, that is. Then you’d better have the right bait and tackle to land that fish! The best bait and tackle shops in Kentucky are great places to get what you need. Whether you’re saltwater or freshwater fishing, fishing for small mouth bass or the biggest trout in the lake, your experience will be better when you use trusted brands from a shop where customer service is more than just an expression.

1. Smyrna Bait and Tackle, Louisville, KY

If you never thought about a bait and tackle shop being the recipient of a city award, think again. Smyrna Bait & Tackle of Louisville, Kentucky, did just that. Perhaps it was because they’ve been serving Louisville and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. Or maybe it was because they have handmade lures that rival the best large box bait and tackle stores. It’s all of those reasons and more. 

2. Imperial Bait & Tackle, Middlesboro, KY

Bandit and Storm are just some of the brands that are carried at Imperial Bait & Tackle in Middlesboro, Kentucky. If you love fishing and are looking for a great shop that has a wide selection of hooks, sinkers, rods, reels, and fly fishing supplies, stop by and talk to the friendly folks at Imperial Bait & Tackle. 

3. Prichard’s Outdoor Shop, Grayson, KY

Prichard’s Outdoor Shop opened its doors in Grayson, Kentucky, in 2012, and has been selling fishing, hunting, trapping, and archery supplies to the public ever since then. Along with these products, they offer propane and other fuel, good, and boat rentals for that special fishing trip. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., you won’t find a friendlier and more knowledgeable people than at Prichard’s. 

4. B&B Bait and Tackle, Nicholasville, KY

B&B Bait and Tackle in Nicholasville, Kentucky,  isn’t just your average bait and tackle shop. Winner of several awards including the “Best Bait and Tackle Shop,” the Readers Choice Best in Business Award, and “Best of Nicholasville” award since 2012 when they opened, you’ll find unsurpassed customer service and products from nationally-recognized brands. Open every day except Wednesday.

5. Winding Creek Bait & Tackle, Madisonville, KY

What started out as a simple bait shop in 2003 has grown to a fully-stocked bait and tackle store with online purchasing capabilities. With great nationally recognized brands like Strike King and Zoom, Winding Creek Bait & Tackle in Madisonville, Kentucky, is among the very best. Special orders are no problem at all. 

6. Crazy Horse Archery & Tackle, Campbellsville, KY

Crazy Horse Bait & Tackle in Campbellsville, Kentucky, opened in 1993 with the specific purpose of providing a local place where folks could come for all their outdoor and sporting goods needs. Helpful and community minded, the owners are happy to answer any questions you may have about anything related to fishing. Open every day except Sunday and Monday. 

7. Cedar Creek Lake Outfitters, Crab Orchard, KY

It’s all about the bass at Cedar Creek Lake Outfitters in Crab Orchard, Kentucky. The only full inventory bait and tackle store that has everything you need to fish for that trophy trout, they carry brands like Zoom, Bandit, Shimano, and many more nationally-known brands. Check out their seasonal hours on the website before going. 

8. Anglers Bait-N-Tackle, Prestonsburg, KY

This one-stop family-owned shop located in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, Anglers Bait-N-Tackle, has been around since 1996. Serving the local area with great products and superior customer service, they have live bait and everything you need to have a successful fishing adventure, especially if you’re traveling to nearby Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., they love to talk fishing. 

10ft PENN Battalion

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9. Backwater Outfitters, Lexington, KY

Backwater Outfitters is Lexington, Kentucky’s premier bait and tackle shop for all your fishing needs. With a great selection of brand names like Abu Garcia, G Loomis, Storm, and many more, you can trust that you’re not only getting quality in the products you buy, but excellent customer service, too. Backwater Outfitters also feature Hobie brand kayaks so you can fish hands free. With a mission to serve men and women, young and old, local and regional, Backwater Outfitters is open every day except Sunday to provide all your fishing needs. 

10. Fast Eddie’s Bait & Tackle, Benton, KY

When you invest your time and money into the sport of fishing, you want to know that you’re getting the best gear, equipment, and supplies. With trusted national brands like Jenko, Rapala, and Strike King to name a few, you can depend on the quality and service that’s earned them a great reputation since 1984 at Fast Eddie’s Bait & Tackle Shop in Benton, Kentucky. Open every day.