Not only is Rhode Island tiny and beautiful, featuring majestic cliffs, miles of coastline, vast national parks, historic mansions, and ecologically important estuaries, but, with a mix of fresh and tidal waters, the fishing is fantastic. Find excellent live bait, top-of-the-line rods and reels, and of course, expert advice if you need some help finding the best place to wet your line. Here are the best bait and tackle shops in Rhode Island.
Established in 2007, this knowledgeable group, by all accounts, knows how to rig your rod to help you catch what you’re after. Plus, they have a great selection of everything you will need to snag trout, tuna, shark, and more. Find fresh and frozen bait, like sandworms, live eels, clams, crawlers, shiners, and more.
Backed by more than 20 years of service and knowledge Watch Hill can prepare you for your next open-water fishing expedition or relaxing weekend fishing trip. Get custom-made plugs, jigs, flukes, and squid rigs, as well as line, hooks, lures, sinkers, and more. Plus, find fresh and saltwater bait, like eels, mummies, sandworms, crawlers, and green crab.
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At Breachway find rod and reel raffles, apparel, fishing gear, propane, and more. Plus, there is free delivery of all kayak rentals, saltwater and freshwater fishing gear, and tons of local fishing talk. And don’t miss hand-tied flies, live bait, like crawlers, shiners, sandworm, crab, and more at the Breachway.
If ever there was a category for one-stop-shopping on the water, Snug Harbor would make that list. We are talking an inshore and offshore tackle shop, marine supplies, a seafood market, fishing charters, and fresh bait. Get jigs, rigs, and live bait, like eels, sea clams, squid, bunker, mackerel, herring, chum, and fish oil.
This live bait and tackle shop specializes in handmade in bucktail lures and teasers for all sorts of bottom fishing. Also find local knowledge, tons of fish talk, a variety of local baits and jigs, as well as sea worms, clam tongue, green crabs, worms, shiners, and tackle and gear made primarily for fishing in the bay.
Established in 2013, get worms, squid, pogies, mackerel, crabs and more, as well as custom rods, reels, jigs, rigs, lures, knives, and more. Plus, find on-site rod and reel repair services and tons of fish talk. It seems the fish in the bay just can’t get enough of Bristol bait. Just check out their Facebook page to see some whoppers.
Founded in 1972, Quaker Lane is open year round to meet your every seasonal need. They offer a full line of fishing, canoeing, and kayaking products, as well as fishing instructions, live bait and tackle, rod and reel repairs, and guided sport fishing expeditions. What’s more, get your saltwater license right here.
