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Fishing is a popular pastime in the Tampa Bay area, and having the right bait can make all the difference in the world. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, finding the best bait shops in the area can help you make the most of your time on the water. Below are ten of the top fishing tackle and bait stores in the Tampa Bay area.

Fishing Lures Hanging Up

1. Dogfish Tackle Co.

Located in St. Petersburg, Dogfish Tackle Co. is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

2. Tampa Fishing Outfitters

Located in Tampa, Tampa Fishing Outfitters is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and on Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

3. Gator Bait Tackle

Located in Ruskin, Gator Bait Tackle is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sunday from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm.

4. Hubbard's Marina Bait & Tackle

Located in Madeira Beach, Hubbard's Marina Bait & Tackle is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Sunday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

5. Billy's Stone Crab Seafood Market & Fisherman's Wharf

Located in Tierra Verde, Billy's Stone Crab Seafood Market & Fisherman's Wharf is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

6. Don's Dock Seafood Market & Bait Shack

Located in St. Petersburg, Don's Dock Seafood Market & Bait Shack is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

7. Aylesworth's Fish & Bait

Located in Tampa, Aylesworth's Fish & Bait is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm and on Sunday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

8. Mad Beach Bait & Tackle

Located in Madeira Beach, Mad Beach Bait & Tackle is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Sunday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

9. Clearwater Bait & Tackle

Located in Clearwater, Clearwater Bait & Tackle is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Sunday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

10. H&M Landing

Located in Tampa, H&M Landing is a popular bait and tackle shop that offers a wide variety of live and frozen bait, as well as a selection of fishing tackle and accessories. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sunday from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Gear Up For Your Next Tampa Fishing Trip

Whether you're looking to simply fish off a pier or head out into the deeper waters, there are tons of great fishing trips and charters in Tampa. Whether you're in need of live bait or frozen bait, these shops have got you covered.

Additionally, most of these shops offer a selection of fishing tackle and accessories to help you catch whatever species you're after. As a reminder, make sure to check the hours and locations of each shop before you go, as they may have changed after the time of this post.