From the huge brown trout in the White River to Norfork Lake’s hard-fight striped bass and whatever you can pull out of the Mississippi, there’s a whole lot of fishing to be done in Arkansas. And unless you’re noodling, you’ll need the right gear. These are our favorite bait and tackle shops in Arkansas.
Hook Line & Sinker Outdoors has two locations, one in Rogers and one in Bentonville. They carry many top fishing brands and a deep selection of rods, reels, and tackle, as well as both live and artificial baits. They’re also active in the local community, hosting or sponsoring events like fishing tournaments.
No matter what you’re targeting in Arkansas fisheries—from bass and trout to catfish and panfish—you’ll find the gear you need at Rock Springs Tackle. In addition to carrying a full line of rods, reels, baits, and tackle from top and popular brands, the shop can alo repair your rod or reel.
Fly anglers chasing the rainbows or massive brown trout in Arkansas’ many awesome fisheries can find the flies and gear that they need at the Ozark Angler’s two locations: Heber Springs and Little Rock. They’ve been helping put fly anglers on the fish since 1989.
While they carry products most any angler will need, Fish’N Stuff has specialized in helping bass hunters pull hogs out of Arkansas lakes and rivers since 1987. Whether you’re a newbie or a tournament veteran, this shop probably has the gear and tackle you’re looking for.
If you need live bait—from minnows and nightcrawlers to crickets—jigs, soft baits, rods, or reels, Lisa’s Bait Shop can hook an angler up. As one customer said, Lisa’s has the “[b]est bait around, and can’t beat the prices. I won’t buy any fishing gear anywhere else.”
BMT—“Bass Mafia Tackle”—Outdoors was formed by five enthusiastic anglers who wanted to build a tackle store that offered the best products so that local anglers could go out and catch fish. They’re happy to help everyone from bass pros to recreational anglers. The shop also regularly sponsors school fishing teams and bass clubs.
From live bait to bowfishing, Bald Knob Bait Shop has what anglers need to hit Lake Bald Knob, Greers Ferry Lake, or the Little Red River. Whether you’re need a rod, some fishing line, a swimbait, or just some advice about where the crappies are biting and what they’re hitting, Bald Knob Bait can help you out.
Whether you’re looking to catch a catfish or just take home a fried catfish dinner, complete with cole slaw and hushpuppies, Point Cedar Grocery can accommodate you. So grab some minnows or nightcrawlers, a cup of coffee, a gallon of milk, and hit the water.
Before you hit the Arkansas River, if you need a fishing rod or a fishing license, a stringer or sinkers, you’ll find it at Creel-Outdoors in Lavaca. They can even hook you up with snacks, ice, and marine supplies. Heck, they even rent U-Hauls if you find yourself in need of a truck or trailer.
Folks who want to buy or rent (if you’re in town for a fishing trip or tournament) pro-level fishing equipment need only visit Geared in Hot Springs, to find what you’re looking for. In addition to rods and reals, they also carry hard and soft baits and sponsor a pro bass fishing team.
