Fishing and crabbing is as old as Maryland itself. With such close proximity to the mighty Chesapeake Bay, many Marylanders practically grow up on the water. Whether you’re passing down the fishing tradition or simply brushing off your lures, the following 10 bait and tackle shops will make your next trip even better.
Anglers is locally owned and operated by passionate fishermen and women, and has been since 1961. They sell just about everything you could want for a good fishing trip (including beer, wine, and spirits), but their bait is the standout: they have the largest selection on the Chesapeake Bay. If you’re going out after they close or before they open, don’t fret: their frozen bait box vending machine has you covered.
Fishbone’s Bair and Tackle in Pasadena, Maryland, sells durable lures with the goal of helping you catch fish and crabs. They’ve got too many products to list here, but suffice it to say, they’re well worth a visit if you haven’t been already. You’ll find absolutely everything you need at Fishbone’s.
Blue Fins in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the area’s best full-service shops, with a wide range of eclectic services and products. They provide gun repair, custom lures and rigs, rod and reel repair, notary services, and, of course, plenty of bait and tackle.
Sarge’s Bait and Tackle is open every day, and some days opens up as early as 6 a.m. for those early-rising anglers! They sell all manner of fishing equipment, including hand-made bait. The Sarge himself makes a bait called the “Thumper Jig,” which “is a great search bait when looking for Stripers,” according to his latest website blog entry.
Whether you’re looking for St. Croix rods, Penn reels, Mustad hooks (http://mustad-fishing.com/), or many other fantastic brands, Atlantic Tackle in Ocean City, Maryland, is sure to have something for you. They also sell tournament cable offshore tackle as well as tournament winning ballyhoo, mullet, and mackerel bait.
Tyler’s Tackle Shop is open early every day of the week, opening at 4:30 a.m. on weekends and 5 a.m. on weekdays. Buy online or in store. They’ve got a great selection of terminal tackle and bait.
Clyde’s Sports Shop in Halethorpe, Maryland, primarily sells fishing and hunting gear. Since 1957, they’ve kept up to date with the best fishing reels, rods, tackle boxes, and bait.
Shore Tackle and Custom Rods has a location in Grasonville and one in Berlin, Maryland. They create custom fishing rods, provide repair services, and sell tackle, among other products. Check out their website for an updated inventory or shop in person.
The owner of Bay Country Crabbing Supply and tackle has been an avid Maryland crabber for over 20 years and brings his experience to bear on all of the products his shop stocks. From their website: “We make, according to our customers, the best product on the market for a reasonable price.” Can’t ask for much more than that.
