Top Local Bait & Tackle Shops in Cape Coral

When you’re setting up for a fishing trip in Cape Coral—whether it’s backyard canal bass, inshore snook under the docks, or offshore grouper runs your success often starts at the bait shop. Here’s your angler’s guide to the top local spots for live bait, tackle, and expert advice.

Top Local Bait & Tackle Shops in Cape Coral

Captain Rob’s Bait & Tackle

Address: 3714-A Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Hours: Opens daily at 6 AM (closing times vary)
Why Go: A family-owned classic serving locals for over 20 years.

What You’ll Find:

  • Live bait: shrimp, pinfish, crabs, worms
  • Frozen bait: shrimp, squid, sardines, bonita, ballyhoo (rigged/unrigged), threadfin herring, cigar minnows & more
  • Tackle: Shimano, Penn, Daiwa, Quantum, Fin-Nor; plus plastics (DOA, Zoom)
  • Services: Line spooling & sharp local advice

Local Love: Known for fair prices, friendly service, and honest recommendations.

Big Boys Bait & Tackle

Address: 1242 SW Pine Island Road, Unit 13, Cape Coral, FL
Hours: 6 AM – 8 PM (closes 6 PM Sundays)
Why Go: The largest privately owned bait & tackle shop in Cape Coral (est. 2018).

What You’ll Find:

  • Live bait: shiners, worms, saltwater shrimp, seasonal crabs, pinfish
  • Frozen bait (bulk or 1-lb): mullet, ladyfish, bonita, menhaden, squid wings, silversides, goggle eyes
  • Extras: Bug Juice (reef-safe repellent), tide/weather boards, license help

Why It Rocks: Huge inventory, both fresh & saltwater supplies, and knowledgeable locals behind the counter.

The Bait Station & Anderson’s Bait & Tackle

Locations: Various Cape Coral/Pine Island locations
Why Go: Consistently ranked in Yelp’s Top 5 bait shops alongside Rob’s & Big Boys.
What You’ll Find:

    • Solid live bait options
    • Standard tackle essentials
      Trusted by locals—great “Plan B” if your go-to shop runs low.

    Pine Island Bait & Tackle

    Location: Near Pine Island (great stop en route to backcountry)
    Why Go: Perfect if you’re exploring Pine Island canals or flats.
    What You’ll Find:

      • Live bait: shrimp (regular, jumbo, hand-picked), pinfish, greenbacks
      • Basic rods, reels, hooks, leaders

      Sportsman’s Warehouse – Cape Coral

      Address: 527 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral
      Why Go: For big-box selection beyond bait—kayaks, boating gear, electronics.
      What You’ll Find:

        • Fishing: Rods, reels, frozen bait
        • Outdoor gear: Hunting, camping, apparel
        • Events: Seminars, promotions, seasonal sales

        Local Angler Insight

        One Cape Coral fisherman summed it up perfectly:
        “Most things you want to catch are going to eat live shrimp. Go to any local shop and they’ll hook you up.”
        Translation: If in doubt, buy shrimp.

        Pro Tips for Shopping Smart

        • Call ahead for specialty bait (crabs, pinfish, jumbo shrimp).
        • Bulk frozen packs from Big Boys are clutch for long trips.
        • Ask the counter staff—most shops give free tips on local hot spots.
        • Licenses: Many shops will help walk you through FWC’s online system.

        Whether you’re chasing bass in the freshwater canals or snook at dusk, Cape Coral’s bait & tackle shops are more than just supply stops—they’re the heartbeat of the local fishing scene. Load up, grab some intel, and you’ll be ready for whatever the water throws at you.