Bait & Tackle Shops
Local bait and tackle shops are your best resource for fresh bait, quality gear, and up-to-the-minute fishing intel. These shops know exactly what's biting and where.
Why Visit a Local Tackle Shop?
Fresh Local Intel
Staff know what's biting right now, where the fish are holding, and what bait and techniques are working.
Quality Live Bait
Fresh bunker, clams, bloodworms, and sand eels straight from local waters—not sitting in a cooler for days.
Expert Advice
Many shop owners have decades of experience fishing these waters and are happy to help newcomers succeed.
Best Bait by Species
Different fish want different bait. Here's what works best for the most popular Jersey Shore targets.
Striped Bass (Stripers)
Live bunker (menhaden)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The gold standard during fall run
Fresh clams
⭐⭐⭐⭐Great for surf fishing, especially at night
Live eels
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Best at night, excellent for trophy fish
Bloodworms
⭐⭐⭐Good backup when preferred baits unavailable
💡 Best technique: Live-line bunker under a float or fish clams on bottom with a fish-finder rig
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
Squid strips
⭐⭐⭐⭐Durable, stays on hook well
Spearing (silversides)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Natural forage, very effective
Bucktail jig + gulp
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Active fishing, covers more water
Live minnows
⭐⭐⭐⭐Excellent when drifting
💡 Best technique: Drift fishing with bucktail jigs tipped with squid strips or Gulp baits
Bluefish
Cut bunker chunks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Bloody, oily—blues love it
Metal spoons/jigs
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cast and retrieve fast
Live spot or snapper
⭐⭐⭐⭐When they're being picky
Poppers (topwater)
⭐⭐⭐⭐Explosive surface strikes
💡 Best technique: Chunking bunker when chumming, or casting metals into feeding frenzies
Black Sea Bass
Clam strips
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Classic bottom fishing bait
Squid
⭐⭐⭐⭐Durable, stays on hook in current
Crabs (pieces)
⭐⭐⭐⭐Natural food source
Cut fish
⭐⭐⭐Works when nothing else available
💡 Best technique: Bottom fishing around structure with high-low rigs
Weakfish (Sea Trout)
Bloodworms
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The #1 choice, especially at night
Sandworms
⭐⭐⭐⭐Good alternative to bloodworms
Shrimp
⭐⭐⭐⭐Fresh or live, very effective
Soft plastics (pink/white)
⭐⭐⭐For light tackle enthusiasts
💡 Best technique: Fish bloodworms on bottom at night near inlets and bridge lights
📅 Seasonal Bait Calendar
The best bait changes throughout the year as fish feeding patterns shift.
Spring (April-May)
Target species: Stripers (schoolies), flounder, sea bass
Water is still cold—slow presentations work best. Worms are king.
Good supply at shops, prices moderate
Early Summer (June-July)
Target species: Fluke, blues, stripers, weakfish
Peak variety. Bunker schools arrive. Fluke season opens.
Live bunker available, call ahead to reserve
Late Summer (Aug-Sept)
Target species: Fluke, mahi, tuna, false albacore
Offshore heats up. Inshore stays productive for fluke.
Offshore baits (ballyhoo) in stock at most shops
Fall (Oct-Nov)
Target species: Stripers (big fish!), blues, sea bass
THE best time for trophy stripers. Fall run is legendary.
Live bunker in HIGH demand—call days ahead
Winter (Dec-March)
Target species: Blackfish (tautog), cod
Specialty fishing. Crabbing bait can be found frozen.
Limited selection, some shops close for season
🪣How to Keep Bait Alive & Fresh
Live bait catches more fish—but only if it stays lively. Here's how to keep your bait in prime condition.
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How to Keep Bait Alive & Fresh
Live bait catches more fish—but only if it stays lively. Here's how to keep your bait in prime condition.
Bunker (Menhaden)
Container: Large circular livewell with aerator
Temp: 60-70°F ideal
Lifespan: 4-8 hours in good conditions
- • Change water frequently
- • Don't overcrowd
- • Use dechlorinated water
- • Keep out of direct sun
💡 Hook through the back near dorsal fin for best action
Bloodworms
Container: Flat container with seaweed
Temp: 40-50°F (cool)
Lifespan: 2-3 days refrigerated
- • Store in fridge
- • Don't let them dry out
- • Keep damp, not submerged
- • Use within 2-3 days
💡 Bring a small cooler with ice packs to the beach
Clams
Container: Cooler with ice
Temp: Keep cold, not frozen
Lifespan: 1-2 days refrigerated
- • Shuck at home or have shop do it
- • Salt lightly to toughen
- • Store in juice
- • Keep on ice
💡 Salted clams stay on the hook better in rough surf
Live Eels
Container: Bucket with tight lid and aeration
Temp: 55-65°F
Lifespan: Several days with care
- • Don't overcrowd
- • Keep cool
- • Change water if slimy
- • Handle with rag (slippery!)
💡 Lip-hook for casting, nose-hook for trolling
Squid
Container: Freezer bag on ice
Temp: Keep frozen or cold
Lifespan: Months frozen, 1 day thawed
- • Buy frozen, thaw as needed
- • Cut strips, not chunks
- • Save ink for attractant
- • Re-freeze okay once
💡 Cut strips long and thin—they flutter better in current
🛒 First-Timer's Tackle Shopping Guide
Walking into a tackle shop for the first time can be overwhelming. Here's how to get what you need without overspending.
Surf Fishing Starter Kit
$150-250
Essentials:
- ✓10-11 ft medium-heavy spinning rod
- ✓5000-6000 size spinning reel
- ✓30 lb braided main line
- ✓50 lb mono leader
- ✓Pyramid sinkers (2-4 oz)
- ✓Circle hooks (6/0-8/0)
- ✓Fish finder rigs (pre-tied)
- ✓Sand spike rod holder
First bait to try: Start with clams or bunker chunks
Back Bay/Inlet Kit
$100-175
Essentials:
- ✓7 ft medium spinning rod
- ✓3000-4000 size spinning reel
- ✓15-20 lb braided line
- ✓20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader
- ✓Jig heads (1/4-1/2 oz)
- ✓Soft plastics (paddle tails)
- ✓Bucktail jigs (1/2-1 oz)
- ✓Circle hooks for bait
First bait to try: Gulp swimming mullet or live shrimp
Pier/Jetty Kit
$80-150
Essentials:
- ✓7-8 ft medium rod
- ✓3000-4000 size reel
- ✓20 lb braided line
- ✓Bank sinkers (1-2 oz)
- ✓High-low rigs
- ✓Sabiki rigs (for catching bait)
- ✓Assorted hooks
- ✓Small tackle box
First bait to try: Squid strips, bloodworms, or small shiners
Money-Saving Tips
Ask for "combo" deals
Rod + reel combos are usually 20-30% cheaper than buying separate
Skip the brand names at first
Store brands work fine for beginners—upgrade after you know what you like
Buy terminal tackle in bulk
Hooks, sinkers, and swivels are cheaper in quantity
Get pre-tied rigs
Saves time and frustration while you learn to tie your own
🎣 DIY Bait vs. Shop-Bought
Should you buy bait or catch your own? Here's when each makes sense.
| Bait | DIY Difficulty | How to DIY | Shop Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunker (Snag & Drop) | Moderate | Weighted treble hooks, cast into schools | $15-25 per dozen | DIY if you have a boat and see schools; shop for convenience |
| Spearing/Killies | Easy | Sabiki rigs off docks or cast net in shallows | $8-12 per dozen | DIY is easy and fun—great activity with kids |
| Sand Fleas | Easy | Sand flea rake at waterline | Rarely sold—usually DIY only | Must DIY. Great free bait for pompano and stripers |
| Clams | Moderate | Clamming license required, dig in approved areas | $8-15 per dozen | Shop is easier; DIY requires license and knowledge |
| Crabs (Bait) | Easy | Crab traps, hand nets, under rocks | $3-5 each | DIY if targeting blackfish; easy to catch at low tide |
Master the Sabiki Rig
Sabiki rigs are the secret weapon for free bait. These multi-hook rigs catch spearing, snappers, and shiners easily.
- •Use small (#6-8) hooks for spearing
- •Tip hooks with tiny pieces of shrimp or squid
- •Fish near structure—docks, bulkheads, jetties
- •Jig slowly up and down
- •Transfer catches to bucket immediately—they're fragile
Northern Shore
Sandy Hook to Manasquan
Fisherman's Den
Belmar, NJ
Located at Belmar Marina. Manager Tim Rizzuto provides excellent local intel on current fishing conditions. Great stop before heading out on the water.
Services
💡 Manager Tim Rizzuto is known for excellent local fishing knowledge.
Gateway Striper Club & Tackle
Highlands, NJ
Tackle shop and club serving the Sandy Hook Bay area. Specializing in striped bass tackle and local fishing intel.
Services
💡 Strong focus on striped bass fishing.
Central Shore
Point Pleasant to Barnegat Light
Fishermen's Supply Co.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Jersey Shore's Premier bait and tackle shop. Full selection of live bait, tackle, and fishing supplies. Experienced staff with excellent local knowledge.
Services
💡 Considered Jersey Shore's premier tackle shop.
Bogan's Kevin Bait & Tackle
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Full-service bait and tackle shop with extensive local fishing knowledge. Popular with charter captains and serious anglers.
Services
Jersey Hooker's
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Conveniently located tackle shop near the inlet. Good selection of bait and tackle for inlet and offshore fishing.
Services
Fisherman's Headquarters
Ship Bottom, NJ
LBI's oldest tackle shop since 1962. Comprehensive selection of surf, bay, and offshore tackle. Local experts for over 60 years.
Services
💡 LBI's oldest tackle shop - over 60 years of service.
Southern Shore
Atlantic City to Cape May
Hands Too Bait & Tackle
Cape May, NJ
Full-service bait and tackle shop serving Cape May anglers. Live bait, fresh bait, and complete tackle selection.
Services
Cape May Bait & Tackle
Cape May, NJ
Downtown Cape May tackle shop with fresh and live bait. Knowledgeable staff for Delaware Bay and ocean fishing.
Services
Absecon Bay Sportsman Center
Atlantic City, NJ
Full-service tackle shop serving Atlantic City and surrounding areas. Live bait, tackle, and local fishing reports.
Services
Fin-atics Bait & Tackle
Ocean City, NJ
Ocean City tackle shop with live and fresh bait. Good selection for surf, bay, and offshore fishing.
Services
Grassy Sound Marina Bait & Tackle
Wildwood, NJ
Marina-based tackle shop with fresh and live bait. Good knowledge of back bay and inlet fishing.
Services
Tips for Visiting Bait Shops
When to Go
- Arrive early morning for best bait selection
- Call ahead during peak season to reserve live bait
- Weekend mornings can be busy—weekdays are calmer
What to Ask
- "What's been biting this week?"
- "What bait are people having luck with?"
- "Any hot spots you'd recommend?"
- "What tide is best for [target species]?"
Live Bait Types
- Bunker: Stripers, blues
- Bloodworms: Flounder, weakfish
- Clams: Surf fishing for stripers
- Sand Eels: Fluke, sea bass
- Shiners: Back bay fishing
Support Local
Local tackle shops are more than stores—they're community hubs for anglers. Supporting them keeps valuable fishing knowledge alive and helps maintain the fishing culture that makes the Jersey Shore special.
Let Someone Else Handle the Bait
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