Bait shops sell fishing equipment and supplies to recreational anglers. These retail establishments provide everything from basic fishing necessities to advanced gear and accessories through physical locations and online platforms. The fishing supply industry serves millions of recreational anglers across the United States, from casual weekend fishermen to dedicated sports enthusiasts.

Successful tackle shops often offer specialized knowledge about local fishing conditions, seasonal patterns, and equipment selection. Many stores build strong community connections through fishing workshops, demonstrations, and local fishing reports. This local expertise helps them compete with larger retailers.

The industry operates through different retail formats:

• Traditional Brick-and-Mortar Store: Single location shops that offer personalized service, expert advice, and hands-on product demonstrations. These stores often build strong relationships with local fishing communities. They typically maintain detailed knowledge of local fishing spots, regulations, and seasonal patterns. Many offer additional services like line spooling, rod repair, and custom lure making.
• Multi-Store Chain: Regional or national retailers with multiple physical locations, offering broader inventory selection and potential price advantages through bulk purchasing. These operations usually maintain larger inventories and can transfer stock between locations to meet demand.
• E-commerce Focused: Online-only retailers that ship fishing supplies directly to customers, often featuring extensive product catalogs and competitive pricing. These businesses frequently use detailed product videos and fishing technique tutorials to build customer trust and loyalty.
• Hybrid Model: Combination of physical store and online sales channels to reach both local and national customers. This format allows businesses to leverage local expertise while expanding their market reach through digital sales.

Industry Statistics

The tackle shop industry serves recreational anglers through retail establishments specializing in fishing equipment and supplies. This sector operates under NAICS code 451110 – Sporting Goods Stores, specifically focusing on fishing tackle and accessories.

Tackle Shop Industry Size & Growth: The tackle shop industry generates $2.3 billion in annual revenue (NOAA). Over the past five years, the industry has shown steady growth, with an average yearly increase of 5.3% (IBISWorld). Looking ahead, the industry continues to expand by 5% annually through 2029 due to increased interest in outdoor recreation and the rise of hybrid work arrangements, which allow more time for leisure activities (IBISWorld).

Number of Tackle Shops: Currently, 15,548 tackle shops operate across the country. The industry remains largely fragmented, with no single company controlling a significant portion of the market. This structure creates opportunities for independent retailers to establish a strong local presence (IBISWorld).

Tackle Shop Average Profit Margin: Most tackle shops maintain around 10% profit margins.

States with the Most Tackle Shops: The highest concentration of tackle shops can be found in coastal states and areas with abundant fishing opportunities. Florida, California, Texas, and Michigan lead in the number of establishments, reflecting their large populations and extensive waterways (U.S. Census Bureau).

Also See: Bait Shop Name Ideas

How Much Does It Cost To Start a Tackle Shop?

Starting a tackle shop typically requires between $25,000 and $75,000. This range accounts for variations in location, size, and inventory levels. The total investment amount changes based on whether you choose a physical storefront or an online-only business model.

Several significant expenses influence the initial investment required:

Initial inventory represents one of the largest startup expenses, typically ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. This investment covers basic fishing supplies, popular brands of rods and reels, and seasonal items to meet customer demand throughout the year.

Location and lease costs vary significantly, with retail space requiring between $1,000 and $3,000 monthly in most areas. This includes the security deposit, first month’s rent, and any necessary modifications to the space.

Store fixtures and equipment, including display cases, shelving, point-of-sale systems, and storage units, usually total between $5,000 and $15,000. These items help create an organized shopping environment and maintain proper inventory management.

Licenses, permits, and insurance typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 annually. This includes general liability insurance, business licenses, and specific permits required for selling fishing equipment and live bait.

Resources:
American Sportfishing Association
Fishing Tackle Retailer
International Game Fish Association
International Women’s Fishing Association
National Professional Anglers Association