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Times of the Islands Magazine

10 Places You'll Find The Best Fishing Supplies and Equipment in Southwest Florida

Photo Courtesy of The Bait Box's Facebook Page

Southwest Florida is known for many things - fishing definitely being one of them! If you’re venturing near one of the communities below, be sure to check out their local fishing supply stores to stock up on all of the necessities for the season!





Bailey's General Store - 2477 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL

Bailey’s General Store is located on Sanibel Island, Florida. The store offers a variety of essentials for all of your fishing adventures.

With several different departments, you’ll find everything you need before your big trip. Bailey’s also offers a fishing department, including bait and advice. They also offer fishing rods and tackle.

Check out their website today to learn more.



The Bait Box - 1041 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL

John and Kimberly Munger proudly continue the 50-year legacy of The Bait Box. With everything from rods and reels to fishing licenses, this is your one-stop-shop for all your fishing needs. The Bait Box carries top brand-name fishing apparel and equipment, as well as live and frozen bait, caught nightly to guarantee freshness. The Bait Box also carries all you need to get your little ones started in your family tradition, too!

Not only does The Bait Box carry the essentials and more, but they also offer guides to the current fishing conditions, as well as weather and tide information directly on their website. Not feeling up to fishing on your own? No worries - The Bait Box also offers charter boating services. With four different types of charter services, you’re sure to create an amazing experience for the whole family.

Interested in learning more? Check out their website today.



Master Bait and Tackle - 4465 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Beach, FL

Master Bait and Tackle is located in Bonita Beach, halfway between Naples and Ft. Myers, Florida. With the tagline, “where the elite meet”, this store offers everything you need for your fishing expedition. Among the brands they carry are Owner, Eagle Claw, and Mustad Hooks, as well as Penn, Shimano, and Okuma Reels. They offer some of the best light to heavy fishing gear in many lengths and weight classes.

In addition to offering high-quality gear, you can get your fishing license here, too. Stock up on your favorite Master Bait and Tackle t-shirts while signing up for a perfect charter trip. Their website offers an online shopping experience, as well as recipes for when you do reel in the perfect catch.

To learn more about Master Bait and Tackle, check out their website.



Estero River Outfitters - 20991 South Tamiami Trail, Estero, FL

Estero River Outfitters is a family-owned and operated business located directly on the Estero River. As Southwest Florida’s largest provider of kayaks, SUP’s, and canoes, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for, while also being able to try them out before you purchase. Their bait and tackle shop is also stocked with everything you may need.

Interested in a one-day experience? No problem! Estero River Outfitters offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, with expert guidance to help those with all skill ranges. With free demos and a try-before-you-buy policy, this is a great place for your outdoor adventure needs.

Check out their website to learn more.



Norm Zeigler's Fly Shop - 2242 Periwinkle Way, Unit No 1, Sanibel Island, FL

Norm Zeigler’s Fly, Bait & Tackle Shop is located on Sanibel Island, Florida. They provide gear, information, and services to help make your fly fishing experience a memorable one. The shop has all of the essential information you need, from the best fishing locations and equipment to the type of lures and bait you’ll want to use to catch what you desire. With shipping to customers anywhere in the United States and overseas, you don’t have to reside in Florida to shop with them.

Not only does Norm Zeigler’s offer top-quality fishing items, but everyone who purchases a fly rod outfit receives one free hour of instruction to help get you as familiar as possible with the correct technique. In addition, they offer guided charters with highly experienced staff ready to work with all skill levels.

Interested in learning more? Check out their website today.



Whitney's Bait & Tackle - 1554 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL

Whitney’s Bait and Tackle is located on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel Island, Florida. Whitney’s has been voted the “Best” Sanibel fishing chart, fishing equipment store, and fishing guide since 2013. They are a full-service bait and tackle shop, offering everything from fishing equipment to free fishing lessons.

In addition, Whitney’s offers rentals for those that want a one-day adventure. Rentals include fishing rods, boats, and kayaks. Whitney’s also offers rod and reel repairs, local bait (both live and frozen), fishing licenses, and fishing, sunset, and eco-charters, too.

To book a charter or learn more about what Whitney has to offer, check out their website today.



Marinatown Bait Shop - 3444 Marinatown Ln Ste 8, North Fort Myers, FL

Marinatown Bait Shop is located at Marinatown in North Fort Myers. This shop offers live and frozen bait options, from shrimp, pinfish, and crabs, to mullet, ladyfish, and sardines. Marinatown also offers plenty of rentals, including single kayaks, paddleboards, fishing poles, life vests, and paddles. This shop provides easy access to the Hancock Creek and Caloosahatchee River, so whether you’re in the mood for a day of fishing or a day of exploring, they’ve got you covered.

Check out their website for more information.




Kathy's Bait and Tackle - 13016 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL

Kathy’s Bait and Tackle is located in Fort Myers, Florida. Offering a variety of live and frozen bait, this shop is a great place to stock up on all of your bait and tackle essentials before heading out for your trip. Live bait options include large shrimp, shiners, nightcrawlers, wigglers, and redworms. Frozen options include squid, mullet, ladyfish, shrimp mullet, and finger mullet.

To learn more, visit their website today.



Big Boys Bait and Tackle - 1242 SW Pine Island Rd 13, Cape Coral, FL

Big Boys Bait and Tackle is located in Cape Coral, Florida. Offering fishing supplies, live and frozen bait, tackle, local fishing information, as well as reservations for charter experiences, Big Boys Bait and Tackle has all you need to get out on the water. There are plenty of options for tackle and they also offer traps and nets to help you catch exactly what you’re looking for.

Need more information on how to have the best fishing experience no matter what type of bait you use? Head to their website for all the information, plus guides on fish species, boating safety, local tides, and more.



The Bait Station - 1279 Lavin Lane, N Fort Myers, FL

The Bait Station is located in North Fort Myers, Florida. With bait options for both salt and fresh water fishing, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. If you’re in need of rod repair or custom rod building, The Bait Station provides just that. They also sell Vibe Kayaks, both one-person and two-person models. Need helpful tips to make your fishing experience the best yet?

Check out their website for all the helpful hints you may need, plus information on all they have to offer.
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