Ultimate bait shop

[MNMUSKIES]

O.K. guys and gals, I am home today like I have ever since I was part of another lay off in less than a year. So I was thinking I should just go into business for myself. Basically, not counting on anyone else but myself for my success or failure. So as I sit here with my kids I was asking them what dad should do when he grows up. My son said to me, Why not open a bait shop? That got me thinking if you were to open a bait shop, what would you want in it. This really isn't in the cards for me, but hey it was fun to think about it.

I know the pitfalls of owning your own business, long hours not being able to fish that much, ect. So put on your rose color glasses and what would be a must in your dream bait shop…..

Here is a short list of what I came up with

Carry local baits made by local guys

Have a “lounge” area with a fire place so people can come in and share fishing stories

Have a day for kids to come in and make there own baits, spinners ect

Have all your typical boat snacks

Have grease guns for wheel bearings, trailer parts ( light bulbs, wire harness, tie downs ect)

Nice assortment of bait

Coolers/ice

Have all your usual baits, fishing line ect

Lake maps

Rods/Reels

Serve breakfast in the morning for those heading out early.

Brag board/big fish of the month contest, broke down by species.

Life jackets, polorlized sunglasses

Fish tank with sunnies in it

A tank that can show you how a certain bait will run in the water

Interior would have a lodge feel to it.

So let hear what you would have

[JBL21]

I always thought it would be fun to include an archery range and hunting supplies and possibly a small atv/boat dealership.

[south_metro_fish]

There is a little bait shop over in Newport that has an archery range and some hunting supplies and guns and bows.

[mrfish1991]

I would like a shope where they knew me by name, an owner who would give honest advice and locations, and a good selection of baits that the big box stores dont carry.

Im sure there are a lot of shops like ^^^ but i live in the south metro and only have the chance to go to GM...and all they care about is ur $$$$

I like your ideas of breakfast and selling local lure-makers crafts.

I

[chasineyes]

Make it grungy, what I mean is no frilly, cutsey [PoorWordUsage]. Although a poster of (fill in the blank)would be nice.

[ozzie]

JBL21 I hope you know there is a bait shop just south of you that has a archery range and hunting supplies....t & t........but I like the ideas from the original post but I am more of a in and out type of guy but maybe there are more fisherman that want to sit around and just talk fishing instead of being on the lake fishing?

[Scott Stein]

I like the big tank for the lures idea! I always want to try them before I buy them,just to see what the do in the water

[Burnham]

in entrepeneurship class in high school i am making a bait shop and guide service, i hope ya dont mind if i steal an idea of two for my class lol

[petepeters]

Bar/bait shop. I actually know a guy who threw that Idea around for awhile. I still think that isnt a bad idea. The insurance would be crazy though.

[JimBuck]

Bar/bait shop. I actually know a guy who threw that Idea around for awhile. I still think that isnt a bad idea. The insurance would be crazy though.

I've always thought this would be a nice idea under the right conditions. Being able to get bait during those late night hours would be nice for the folks who spend most of there time fishing after dark.

The large lure tank to try before you buy would be incredible as well!

[fishersofmen]

Cigar bar/bait shop. Sit around and smoke cigars and lie about fishing stories.

[petepeters]

Cigar bar/bait shop. Sit around and smoke cigars and lie about fishing stories.

Ya! High quality cigars too. I always get in the mood for a good cigar when I am leaving for a fishing trip and always end up buying cheapo's. I never remember to pick up good ones before I go.

[mrfish1991]

oo i like the cigar idea...

insted of a large tank to test the lures, maybe a tank with a spinning arm or a tank that constantly flows water kinda like one of those never ending swimming pools you see on tv

[fishinJohn]

There is a decent bait shop I go to that is also a liquor store. I asked the guy if they sell more bait or alcohol and he laughed, ALCOHOL. I would never want to own a baitshop because the hours would be sooooo long. I appreciate any who are willing to put so much into it. I do think some type of cooperative would be cool, members only, live bait free in exchange for working so many hours or collecting/raising bait and seller pricing on items. Maybe expert services instead of retail hours such as prop repair or help winterizing. You could even work in winter storage maybe. Build it up over time. Conventional bait shops always seem to struggle to compete with big names.

[MNMUSKIES]

Lots of good ideas. I like the cigar idea as well. The members only is a neet idea.

I also thought that in the lounge area you could have build your own bait nights/ with cigars:)

I think the more you can provide that sportsmen/women want would go along ways to compete with the big boys

[Northlander]

The biggest thing a good bait shop needs is GREAT FRESH BAIT and a good supply. Heck with breakfast. You wont have time for that usually. Get a lot of good coffee brewing all the time.

Testing baits? If they dont like them your going to do what with them?

Good up to date knowledge of where fish are biting. Not last weeks report.

Good hours. Open before most go out and make sure you are open every day. Nothing worse than a "Part time" bait shop owner.

Carry baits that produce all over as well as baits that are local favorites. Custom colors are very popular but expensive to get done.

Friendly staff who actually do some fishing themselves and have knowledge of what your selling.

A good location. If its buy a good gas station that doesnt sell baits etc thats all the better.

It dont have to be fancy or big. You want guys in and out mostly but a few "Bait Flies" are cool.

Have reels, rods and a line spooling system with a staff who all know how to work it.

Pop and snacks. Booze will only jack up your insurance. Too many other places to get booze.

Big Signage so people dont drive by it. Good parking.

Offer guides a small discount. As well as your loyal customers every once in a while. They will be what keeps you going in the slow times.

[petepeters]

true dat.

[MinDak Hunter]

Parking for my truck with the boat trailer... Fresh waxies, mousies, spikes, AND maggots at the same time.

[landscaper]

i like the idea of a bait shop

parking and storeage for boats in the winter is a good idea!!

[zamboni]

Cigar bar/bait shop. Sit around and smoke cigars and lie about fishing stories.

Only problem is you can't smoke indoors here anymore, but I like that idea. Throw in some barbers chairs and some barbers, too. Old fashioned ones, that get the back of your neck with a straight razor.

[snoozebutton]

I like the open early and late idea. If I'm fishing after dark and doing good, I like to go back out in the morning but the bait shops are closed when I leave the lake and don't open before I go back out.

Easy in and out with a boat with plenty of parking and maybe a surveillance camera in the parking lot so you're not afraid to leave your stuff in the boat while you're in there.

[quackersmacker]

Sound like Chalstroms outside of Duluth. They have been around forever and are good at what they do!

[adamr]

pay the hooter girls to work there.

[Northlander]

No the Twin Peaks girls. WOW!!

[Mr.Seaguar]

Capt Norms in Yankton SD is a casino/bar/baitshop. That place is busy all the time. I kinda agree with adamr, eyecandy wont hurt ya.

There a bait shop here that is very busy. You could copy them. You need a good selection, an owner who cares, some ready-to-eat food like hotdogs, taverns, lil pizzas. I know there are other places but I want to only go one place and get back to fishing at lunch time. FISH CLEANING SERVICES are the best. Guys will pay to not have to clean fish. Here it costs, $.30 for each panfish, a dollar for bigger species. It can add up but when you get home and dont have to clean them, its worth it.