12 Best Bait Shops in Vermont 2024
Fishing is among the fondest summer adventures. The idea of discovering secret fishing holes and midnight crawlers is exhilarating. Vermont, the green mountain state, is a popular waterfront town. Finding live bait here is a straightforward task, as there are many bait shops in Vermont.
The local shops stock everything that visitors will ever require. Many of them even provide fishing licenses to visitors. Different boating excursions & guided tours are organized to attract tourists. Dealers at these stores also offer gear and successful fishing tips.
12 Top Bait Shops in Vermont
1. The Fly Rod Shop – Stowe, Vermont
The Fly Rod Shop is surely a go-to destination If you are looking for high-quality fishing gear & equipment. Established in 1986, this place is a heaven for beginners & experienced anglers. Online selling of fishing items is available. Spin and fly fishing classes are organized.
Visitors can rent various fishing equipment to make their journey smooth. Full & half day private and group activities are organized. Guided fishing tours are conducted on River Little, Winooski, Lamoille, and Dog. Guests preferring lakes are toured Lake Eden, Elmore, and Waterbury Reservoir.
- Best Selling Items: Baits, rods, reels, fishing accessories, books, etc
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm, and closed on Sunday.
- Phone: +1802-253-7346 / +1802-253-3964
- Nearby Attractions: Noyes House Museum and Sunset Rock
Address: 2703 Waterbury Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, United States
2. The Reel Angler – Manchester Center, Vermont
Reel Angler is a popular hunting and bait shop in Vermont. It’s a one-stop destination for all kinds of fishing products. The store is renowned for offering quality products within all budgets. Various services, such as fly fishing, clay bird shooting, turkey hunting, conventional fishing, etc., are available. Handguns, long guns, ammo, and other accessories are sold. This shop sells bass fishing equipment & premium quality trout.
- Best Selling Items: Live baits, tackle, fishing rods, reels, guns, etc.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm
- Phone: +1802-362-0883
- Nearby Attractions: Prospect Rock Trail and Manchester Riverwalk
Address: 302 Depot St, Manchester Center, VT 05255, United States
3. Lead & Tackle Co. – Lyndonville, VT
Lead & Tackle is a famous fishing and hunting outfitter in Vermont. The shop services customers with every outdoor need for all seasons. A variety of services, like hunting, fishing, shooting, etc, are available. They trap fresh local baits daily. And traps are checked weekly.
There is a gun store selling famous “Blue Label Glock” pistols. Both new and pre-owned items are available. Other services such as gun cleaning, sightings, installations & repair are provided. Lead & Tackle also has a small shop called “Merch”. It sells hoodies, hats, bandanas, shirts and more.
- Best Selling Items: Fly gears, lures, live bait, tackle, tied flies, etc
- Hours: Wednesday to Friday from 11:00 am to 06:00 pm, Saturday from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm, Sunday from 08:00 am to 01:00 pm, and closed on Monday & Tuesday
- Phone: +1802-427-3328
- Nearby Attractions: The Museum of Everyday Life and Pulpit Rock
Address: 31 Middle St, Lyndonville, VT 05851, United States
4. Tom’s Bait and Tackle – Castleton, VT
Tom’s Bait is a cozy and old-fashioned live bait shop. Tom Evanoika initially established the shop. After his demise, the business was overtaken by Rob & Jessica. It’s a popular destination for anglers to purchase fishing rods, tackle, baits, reels, and more. Live baits available here include fatheads, crawlers, dillies, shiners, trout worms, etc. Other hunting & fishing supplies are offered.
- Best Selling Items: Tackle, rods, reels, crawlers, worms, etc
- Hours:
- Phone: +1802-265-8654
- Nearby Attractions: Fort Ticonderoga and West Rutland Art Park
Address: 474 VT-4A, Castleton, VT 05735, United States
5. West Marine – South Burlington, Vermont
West Marine is a chain supply store in South Burlington. The store has a boat shop selling water sports accessories, winter supplies, boat parts, and more. Staff at this store provide recommendations on popular sailing routes. And offer customers with anchors, rigging, and various sailing gears.
There is a kayak shop selling paddles, dry bags, and other accessories. West Marine is also available at nearby locations – Plattsburgh, Canada & New York. Both in-store shopping & in-store pickup are available.
- Best Selling Items: Boating parts & accessories, fishing supplies, and apparel
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm and closed on Sunday and Monday
- Phone: +1802-865-8064
- Nearby Attractions: Oakledge Park and Battery Park
Address: 861 Williston Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403, United States
6. Tie By Night Fly Shop – South Hero, Vermont
Tie By Night is a famous full-service fishing shop in Vermont. The shop is in Grand Isle State Park near Lake Champlain. There are several major fishing locations for anglers. Thus, this store attracts tons of visitors during the season. Specialties here include feathers, fly-tying materials, and flies. Both walk-in and appointment are welcome.
- Best Selling Items: Top-notch fishing accessories, tackle, baits, flies, and other materials
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 03:00 pm
- Phone: +1802-372-4805
- Nearby Attractions: Bird House Forest and Ausable Chasm
Address: 88 Kibbe Point Rd, South Hero, VT 05486, United States
7. Big River Bait & Tackle – Hinesburg, Vermont
Big River is a customer’s favorite bait shop in Vermont. This small hometown shop offers an array of ice fishing equipment. Owner Geroge is highly experienced. He provides good advice and recommendations on the right products. A great selection of guns and other suppliers are available here. Products, including ammo, baits, tackle, etc are sold.
The shop sells other outdoor and sporting goods. Live baits like leeches, dobsons, and more are available; only in-store shopping is provided here. Big River Bait & Tackle has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking.
- Best Selling Items: Leeches, guns, ammo, tackle, reels, etc
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 07:00 am to 05:00 pm, Saturday from 06:00 am to 04:00 pm, Sunday from 06:00 am to 10:00 pm, and closed on Wednesday
- Phone: +1802-482-3028
- Nearby Attractions: Birds of Vermont Museum and Overlook Park
Address: 2093 Silver St, Hinesburg, VT 05461, United States
8. Rack N’ Reel Sporting Goods – New Haven, VT
Rack N’ Reel is a famous sporting goods store. It was established in 2014 by John and Bridget Kipp. Ice fishing supplies such as ice augers & ice-ups are sold. Other items offered to customers include ammunition & technical apparel are also available.
The store has installed a new 24-hour bait machine. They also offer different outdoor ventures and water sports. There are trained and knowledgeable staff to cater to every needs of customers. Fishing supplies at Rack N’ Reel start from $.03 (approx). Both curbside pickup and in-store shopping are available. Gift cards are offered for sale here.
- Best Selling Items: Hunting & sporting goods, fishing rods, baits and reels
- Hours: Monday to Wednesday from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm, Sunday from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm
- Phone: +1802-453-2000
- Nearby Attractions: Rokeby Museum and Button Bay State Park
Address: 5347 Ethan Allen Hwy, New Haven, VT 05472, United States
9. Ray’s Seafood Bait & Tackle – North Hartland, VT
Ray’s Seafood is a sporting & outdoor goods company. This family-operated company was established in 1951. It’s known for premium quality products and reasonable rates. They sell a variety of tackle and baits. Live bait such as minnows, shiners, perch, trout, and more are available. The store remains open only during ice fishing season.
Ray’s Seafood is the first fish market in Vermont. They sell different fresh and homemade seafood, including seasonal specials. There’s a restaurant for visitors to enjoy both dine-in and takeaway. The store has a year-round “Creemee Stand” in Essex. A mobile seafood van also runs towards Bristol from spring to fall.
- Best Selling Items: Live baits, tackles, fishing rods, ice fishing accessories, etc
- Hours:
- Phone: +1802-658-7928
- Nearby Attractions: Ethan Allen Park and Waterfront Park
Address: 8 Rockwood St, North Hartland, VT 05052, United States
10. Big D’s Bait Shop – Newport, Vermont
Big D’s is among the famous fishing supply stores in Vermont. This family-owned store is well-known for lively baits, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Live baits, including shinkers, hooks, perch, shiners, crawlers, etc are sold.
These can be used in all kinds of water bodies. Other equipment like fishing nets and lines are available. Only in-store shopping options are offered to visitors.
- Best Selling Items: Archery supplies, tackles, and baits
- Hours: All days of the week from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
- Phone: +1802-323-7634
- Nearby Attractions: Gardner Memorial Park and Jay Peak Resort
Address: 173 Lane Rd #9671, Newport, VT 05855, United States
11. ATM (Martin’s General Store) – Highgate Springs, VT
ATM (Martin’s General Store) is a recreation & sports center. The store has a gas station, deli, bait & tackle shop, and guide services. Specialties here include fresh groceries and fishing supplies. Fair prices, camper rentals, and knowledgeable staff attract visitors yearly.
Martin’s also houses Captain Gilbert Gagner’s headquarters. He is a famous bass master and has been featured in many publications & TV shows. There is a wheelchair-accessible parking plus entrance for visitors.
- Best Selling Items: live baits, fishing gears, fishing accessories, tackles, etc
- Hours: All days of the week from 06:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Phone: +1802-868-4459
- Nearby Attractions: Saint Albans Museum and Houghton Park
Address: 2934 US-7, Highgate Springs, VT 05460, United States
12. Hog Island Wholesale Bait – Swanton, VT
Hog Island is a well-known bait shop in Vermont. This family-operated business was started in 1978. Owners Michel and Betty Gingras have been serving customers throughout New England for the past 40 years. Started as a small business, today, their operations are spread over an area of 18,500 square feet. The store has over 15 knowledgeable employees to assist customers.
The main aim of Hog Island is to offer quality products, reasonable prices, and reliable delivery services. Baits offered are dillies, trout, Canadian nightcrawlers, spikes, wax worms, mealworms, and more.
- Best Selling Items: Packaged baits, live minnows, and fishing tackles
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm and Friday to Saturday from 08:00 am to 06:00 pm.
- Phone: +1802-868-4806
- Nearby Attractions: Alice T Miner Museum and Lake Carmi State Park
Address: 172 Lakewood Dr, Swanton, VT 05488, US
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Conclusion
Vermont offers a satisfying and unique fishing experience to visitors. From Vergennes to St. Albans, the state has various delightful spots attracting anglers. There are many local tackle & bait shops in Vermont. They sell everything like live bait, lures, flies, reels, rods, etc. So come and stock your supplies to land that big fish.
