bait thread

>>2794072
>How Would You Start A Small Bait Shop?
make a thread suggesting there's more scenic beauty to be had in the mountains of the eastern united states than the western united states

Oh and what should I name the shop? The lake's name sucks

>>2794075
eastern mountain superiority

Also recommend me good /out/ people on youtube, fishing specifically, baitmakers, et al, again, for newfags

>>2794075
"Master Baiter"

>>2794071
Would it be a seasonal thing? What kind of fish are in the lake?

>>2794080
There’s a bait shop at lake near me actually named this

>>2794089
>Walleye, bass, panfish, and muskie
Well fuck me, sorry to comment before reading the OP again. I don’t know much about those but good luck to you if you do it

>>2794071
Live fresh shrimp
Live fresh shad
Cocaine

We're open from 5 am until we sell out

>>2794089
Was thinking seasonal and just using a shell to keep it as cheap as possible but ice fishing is big here too.
I don't know, they're $10-12K for a shell and 50-70K custom finish by the Amish but don't wanna give a bad first impression.

Now I'm thinking I should get this for live bait for 24/7 sales and don't have to get up at 5 am, plus it'd open up tons of room in the shop. Just refill it everyday. Seen'em for about $2-8K

>>2794071
you just build a little shack and stock it with decent shit, theres not much to advertise or much of a reason to have a grand buisness plan.
this is the ultimate form of captialism, to humbly fufil a simple need in the community.

>>2794113
keep a worm tank locked up out back, farming that stuff is easy, a minnow tank in the store is also easy. stock it with average stuff, small snacks, jerky, drinks, gloves hats and bandages, lures hooks and simple rods. an ice machine is probably a good idea, that and some cheap-o coolers and buckets, knives too.
if anything keep one of those vending machines outside the doors for after hours.

>>2794109
Might be good for the really early mornings when you don’t want to be there, but a good bait shop has a guy there that can bullshit with you and tell you about the conditions on the water and what the fish have been biting

>>2794075
Le happy baiter

>>2794125
I used to go to a bait shop / gas station called Happy Hooker.

>>2794113
Sadly I need a biz plan for financing because all my cash went to buy the property. Bait and sports shops make really good money in the area but don't know how tf to project earnings.
It seems the lake is a hidden gem in the area compared to the popular lakes in the area so figured beyond the "Grand Opening" I'd try to advertise the lake to all the tourists somehow. Just spam fishing forums and groups, especially where the tourists come from.
>humbly fufil a simple need in the community.
What I hope to do living a comfy /out/ life on the lake

>>2794115
Also thought I'd maybe get a commercial fishing license to sell fish to restaurants. For some crazy reason most restaurants in the area sell tilapia while surrounded by great fishing lakes. I dunno why?
But yeah, couldn't believe how much live bait costs now and how easy it is to farm worms and minnows.

Thanks for the stock recs. Especially the ice machine, didn't think of that, sell warm beer so they also buy ice? lol. Figured I wouldn't sell snacks but definitely should have a small area like in pic

But yeah, figured I'd just sell the basics. Do people really buy rods and reels instead of online?
Was also thinking I could rent high end rods for muskies, maybe fish finders, maybe those more expensive bait wells (or free with X amount bait purchased and deposit), a go pro, and other stuff plus a boat and/or pontoon I'll buy.

>>2794162
Wow dude that's horrible

Really horrible

Your first thought is to completely fuck over this lake and everyone who uses it purely in pursuit of profit

You are FUCKED man
You're a piece of shit dude

Fuck you

>>2794116
>but a good bait shop has a guy there that can bullshit with you and tell you about the conditions on the water and what the fish have been biting
Absolutely. When looking at bait shop reviews and talk online that was the main thing mentioned, problem is...I haven't even fished the lake because I haven't moved up there yet or fished really since I was a teen.
So guess I need a crash course on fishing so I don't look retarded and brush up on my people skills lol

I hope your shitty bait shop burns down, asshole.

>>2794080
Master Bait (and Tackle) is already a thing and has been for decades in Florida. Don't be a fag and steal someone else's name.

>>2794165
I've actually thought of that and wasn't sure if I should.
If I didn't need a biz plan for the bank I wouldn't but I do thus I'm contemplating.
Obviously I don't want to fuck over the lake I plan to spend the rest of my life on but it is a large lake surrounded by hundreds of other lakes so would it really hurt the lake?
I'd also only try to advertise to get the biz started then stop.
>>2794168
What's gayer, naming your shop that or stealing a retarded name like that?

>>2794170
Being an unoriginal fag is pretty fucking lame, OP.

>>2794171
Was thinking something with "Waldos" or "Walters" because it's a great walleye lake
Also great for bass but don't really like any nicknames for bass
Joke names are indeed gay but hard to have a decent name that isn't unoriginal. x

Feel free to suggest original names if it's so easy?

Couple sites have name recs but not liking most although did make me think of a name I'd love to use but can't, "I Hate Jiggers".

>>2794071
>It'll be $50-75,000 + Inventory
huh?!

>>2794075
"Baited"

>>2794075
This is bait.

>>2794177
ahh sheeit that can't be my name
Bass Cash Or Grass would be kinda funny
>>2794181
For a finished Amish tiny homes around 400-500 sqft.
Should just buy a custom shell and insulate and finish it myself.

>>2794164
people dont go out on the lake intending to buy a rod there, but mistakes happen, rods snap, fingers get sliced, the beer disappears - renting a rod is a good alternative than selling cheapo rods and it would fufil the same purpose.
and i would have figured that while a liqor license is lucrative, it may not be the most realistic given the barriers for entry depending on location.

>>2794251
>Should just buy a custom shell and insulate and finish it myself.
Absolutely. Asking 50k for a glorified shed is preposterous.

>>2794283
Likely won't need more than a few rods, couple mid range best value and a couple high end rods. Whatever they are??
Also will get some kid's poles and "rent" for free
>>2794293
That is for a finished cabin, 400-500 sqft, bathroom, shower, kitchen cabinets, etc so a great deal but again, as mentioned, likely cheaper without any of that and only one or two windows.
>>2794330
Looks comfy as fuck and I actually could build it on a dock right on the water like that...if gov zoning weren't fags

Should I charge for the boat launch?
Would people pay like $5 for a great private lake?
Per the DNR I guess charging a few bucks is normal, didn't know that. You need permission to charge more

Would keep out the riff raff
Free launch if $X amount of bait purchased?
Do a gay Rewards thing for the regs

>>2794427
That's the problem I was looking into. Your structure can't be permanent but your dock can. So in order for this to work you build a pier and have a pop up stand built of 2x4 and plywood and it slaps together with some carriage bolts and wing nuts. It can be torn down and moved in just a few hours and bolted to the dock itself.

> plaster the outside in old advertisement signs
> old Pepsi or Coke-Cola vending machine
> offer a nominal fee to clean and filet your fish
> bag ice chest
> measuring table and scale outside with photo ops.
> minnows in a live well next to shore
> Canadian Crawlers, red worms, and leeches in a mini fridge.
> small inventory of essentials
> shore lunch breading, filet knives, nets minnows buckets
> hooks sinkers jigs, spinners, and line some lures proven to work on the lake
> a few rod and reels for sale(decent quality like a Diawa reels and St Croix rods)
> buy sell swap old antique lures.
> also open in winter with inventory set up for ice fishing
> free hot coffee on demand

>>2794515
Hmm, interesting. How perfect would that be, lounging on the dock all day with a great view and sell some bait?
Problem is I would want a "permanent" spot and not move it every year or whatever.
>variances may allow structures to be built closer than 75 feet to the water, but only for permanent structures. There is no mention of non-permanent structures.
But seems my county wouldn't allow it, says maybe possible with a permit but doubt it. The county was clear about setbacks to protect the shoreline when discussed.

Thanks for the good suggestions. Was actually thinking of plastering the outside with old ad signs lol. Old vending machines and antiques inside for that feel.
Was also thinking of displaying old photos ~1900s of people in the area, maybe a mural painted outside like I saw on this old building of miners. But now I'm thinking I'll just go with a clean cabin feel.
Hadn't thought of the fish clean/filet or measuring table/scale. Saw elsewhere someone mention to scour estate sales for cheap related stuff to resell.

Tons of great advice I found here...
https://pastebin.com/SfVEy9QW

>>2794558
>36 replies
Yeah.

>>2794558
says the bitch bait fish that just got NETTED lmfao

>>2794515
Wonder how good setting up ice shacks for people would be? Rent snowmobiles too or take them out/pick them up.

Ahh sheeit, I think that'd do fucking great. Basically a guide service but wouldn't have to spend hours on a boat with them. Here's the holes, use this and that, etc.
If you rent say 4 spots, you have the groups rotate every couple hours. Dependent on what they're fishing for though
Tents are very cheap, later buy/build skids/shacks

Just thought of this idea and now even more excited thinking winter will make good money now.

>>2794071
>What are must haves to sell?
bait, live and otherwise, selection should be varied to your local area
essential tackle
some intro to mid level poles, maybe a couple high enders
local meats and jerkys and smoked meats and cheese
beer/wine/alcohol
rifles/shotguns on the wall above the food and drink coolers
maybe a few pistols if they dont take up precious bait of liquor space
ammo, mostly the stuff for hunting season, common stuff but at least 25% should be old oddball or less common calibers
small cigar humidor on the sale counter
licenses and stamps and free guides to your state fishing and hunting laws
cheap blaze orange vests and hats
cheap gun socks
fileting knives
put a bait vending machine in front of the store even if you sell it inside too, 24/7 service baby
Ice and cheap coolers
nets
food and drink and hot bar if you got the skill and can swing it too
free coffee

>>2794622
Id rent out these puppies:

https://snowdog.com/

Base unit price of $5000. Just add another otter sled and a bench seat then tow your pop up shanty anywhere.

Id offer the entire rig to rent and a trailer to haul it. Gas not included other than a full tank upon rental. But I would throw in a electric auger, a Mr. Heater buddy(you buy the propane cylinders) and minnow bucket.

You supply poles, and tip-ups, vexilar, and as many people to split the rental cost up. We also supply a folder of maps of lakes in the area.

$300-$500 for a 3 day rental sounds fair.

>>2794662
Was thinking a small selection of firearms and for pick ups, saw another small shop about 20 miles away does this, but I'm a bit worried about having guns and the increase possibility of being robbed even if slightly increases risk. Moreso after hours.
>the annual revenue would be around $5,000 to $10,000 (assuming 100-200 transfers)
Not bad, plus more on sales.
Thinking also there'd be a decent profit to finding great online deals and reselling.

Was also thinking about tobacco too. Small selection of cigars and vape shit.

I think slanging food wouldnt' be worth the hassel nor am I a very good cook

Thanks

>>2794755
Checked
Hmm interesting, I'll have to look more into this for next winter.
So the selling point is mobility and ability to get on the ice sooner/fewer inches? Didn't know people pull their shacks by hand across the lake? lol
Trailer so they can haul to other lakes is a good idea too.
Thanks

>>2794793
>Thinking also there'd be a decent profit to finding great online deals and reselling.
consider this
there's a lot of old timers with nice collections that can't hunt any more or not like they used too . Thats why you gotta have free coffee. Get them in get on their good side so time willing they'll wanna offload some of their collection, after all the missus won't know what to do with them all and they wanna consolidate and take the money
then you can sell them online even and irl

>>2794793
i think some hot coffee and hot dog rollers, and a microwave people can use, would probably be lucrative. especially for the winter fishing, something hot is always a good idea.

>>2795077
Checked
Good idea. Was thinking I could do consignments. Perhaps I'll get into a granddaughter and will or two, I'll be brewing good free coffee after all.
>>2795123
How much space should I dedicate to beer and liquor I wonder? At least what, a fridge for cold and warm stacked on the ground. Sell only 6 and 12 packs? Liquor behind the counter like at a gas station and should be good.
>be knowledgeable in fishing and local waterways or hire someone who is
Was thinking this but figure I'll be able to get in with the locals/neighbors quick to at least know some spots.
Also talking with a couple locals guides and advertise for free knowledge?
>be open really early and all weekend
How early is really early? On the weekends? Not like I have anything else going on but it's the principle. Guess I'll have to get a vending machine

>>2795243
Yeah, definitely need a hot food station.
Hmm, now wondering if it's worth making food?
Homemade crockpot beef, pulled pork/chicken, chili and buns would sell on a winter's day and cheap and easy to make.

>>2794071
You're going to need to get into fishing and have a good knowledge of the fish and techniques of the area, only through that knowledge will you know what to stock and how to answer the questions that you will get.

>>2795479
True and will scout other local bait shops, but was hoping for recommendations of necessities for the grand opening and what to look out for to buy now from CL, FB, etc

>>2795576
>recommendations of necessities for the grand opening and what to look out for to buy
Extra rods and reels, mono and braid, hooks and weights, hats, sunglasses, sunblock, all the basics.
If you want to have something neat, Japan makes super thin but very strong braid, but don't expect to move a lot of it due to the price.

>>2795603
I'm retarded and should've been more specific
Now looking more for recs of what kind of popular lures, gear, etc I should stock and look for to buy because there's a couple bait shops going out of business sales. Neither give a list and can't make out brands
Guess I can look up what's most popular but I'm more looking to sell whatever's the best value and cheap. Least that's what I'm aiming for as of now, everything is good value mid-range to cheap, and have the cheapest live bait around

>>2794071
my perspective as a customer (so not sure how profitable this would be to run this way): forego the cheap chinese shit, a lot of fisherman have their specific brands that they insist on. for instance, i fish coastal waterways and a lot of people out here swear by z-man stuff. they wont buy a knock-off even if it looks identical, because they swear their preferred brand has some sort of difference that the fish pick up on. maybe thats bullshit, but thats what people believe and thats how they spend their money. more casual people will buy whatever but more serious people, the ones who will be your repeat customers, have certain brands in mind

so hit every single facebook group for your lake/region that you can find, read all the threads, take notes, and stock up on the brands that everyone there talks about. talk to as many fisherman in person as you can, and take notes of what types/brands of tackle they like. go fishing and chat up people at boat ramps, though dont be too pushy here because some of us are allergic to chatty boat ramp people

people expect their local bait shop to know exactly what type of shit the fish in those waters are biting. the baitshop is where a lot of fisherman do their intelligence gathering. so you have to be on your A-game in this regard

as far as sourcing your live/frozen baits, i cant help you at all there, except to say - follow the advice above and make sure you have what the fish there bite. if its a freshwater lake, for instance, having frozen squid is probably pointless.

now the biggy that will make you cringe: YOU HAVE TO BE OPEN WHEN FISHERMAN ARE READY TO FISH. THAT MEANS YOU GOTTA BE OPEN BEFORE SUNRISE, EVEN ON WEEKENDS

>>2795965
Don't fill your shop with dumpster level chinese shit, you'll just get the reputation for selling garbage and you'll have a going out of business sale that nobody will bite on.
Have some cheap shit, make the bulk mid tier, and a few expensive items mostly as a draw.
Know your area, know what you're selling, know how to teach people about it. Put in a dock and tables, get a liquor license and sell beer.

>>2796428
Good insight.
My reasoning for cheap shit is affordability, cheap to best value, but think you're right far brands/whatever people swear by.
Thought about making my own plastic but not worth the effort it seems; also saw a vid of two guys supplying lead sinkers to a coupe local bait shops making $15-20K/yr but dunno.

My thoughts now are I'll hook'em with the best bait prices within 100 miles bc commercial minnow traps/breeding and worm and leech farms, free coffee (the good stuff), and just be friendly and bullshit about whatever while saying the bass are hitting this hard shallow size up, walleye over there, etc. And far as the rest, supply the basics and name brands that other local bait shops sell, plus beer, ice, soda, food, etc.
Definitely will check out and advertise on FB groups later but gather info prior. Sheeeit do I even need to fish when all I need to do is rely what the fishermen are saying what's best? Just be good at getting and giving the intel haha

>>2796451
thanks, will have an outdoor area plus dock
>>2796428
Oh and fuck opening that early every day lol so I'll have to buy a bait vending machine
Was thinking 9-5 and want a couple days off (Mon and Tue) so don't have to hire anyone yet

thanks bro

>>2796588
o/

>>2794075
Bait's Motel

>>2796591
>Oh and fuck opening that early every day lol
You aren't gonna make it, just give the idea up.

>>2794075
Patrick Baitman's

Or

>sneed's

>>2797152
>>Patrick Baitman's
Very nice but I have my name now.
>>2796794
Don't tell me what I can and cannot do

>>2794071
most bait shops are convenience stores that sell beer, cigarettes and snacks in addition to worms, baitfish and fishing supplies.

very location based and rather intense selection.

>>2794075
"Sneed's"

>>2796790
I do really like this one but the domain is $2k, also Patrick Baitman's
But I do think I have my name and logo, hmm I wanna say so bad to get thoughts but that'd doxx me

>>2798427
Master Baiter's

>>2794071
>bait shop
frogs and frogposting accessories

>>2799774
Quite literally
masterbaitersbaitandtackle dot com

>>2794071
My 5 cents
In AliExpress they sell decent fishing tackle (hooks, weights, swivels, etc)
The simple lures like spoons, spinners, swim jigs are ok.
Stay away from crankbaits since they are not very good, maybe you can try them if they are from aliexpress "brands" (lureholic and fjord are nice brands)

>>2801146
Also, name your store "The fishing hole"

>>2801143
Unbelievable. Everything possible under the sun really has been done, no wonder life is so boring anymore. Maybe try "BassHole's" instead?