The 14 Best Independent Tackle Shops in Florida

Plenty of good, independent tackle shops in Florida are a necessity, since the state has fishable waters everywhere, and fishable weather year round.In addition to the large box stores, numerous independent tackle shops stocked with a wide array of lures and gear to keep Florida anglers well-equipped are scattered throughout the state. Providing the following list of the best Florida independent tackle shops are Bernie Schultz, a Bassmaster Elite Series pro and avid lure collector, and T.J. Stallings, a fishing-tackle design expert and director of marketing for TTI Blakemore Fishing Group.

Bitter’s Bait & Tackle, Longwood:

Owned by former Bassmaster pro Jim Bitter, this store stocks a variety of freshwater and saltwater lures and gear. A store specialty is Bitter’s Best Value Soft Plastics.

Gary’s Tackle Box, Gainesville:

A full-line pro fishing shop for freshwater and saltwater fishing owned by veteran tournament angler Gary Simpson.

Brooker’s Bait & Tackle, Leesburg:

Nestled right in the middle of the Harris chain of lakes, the store is loaded with tackle ranging from freshwater fishing for panfish to offshore saltwater trolling. 352-460-0695.

Custom Rod & Reel, Lighthouse Point:

This one-stop outfitter carries quality saltwater tackle including big game rods, deep-drop rigging, light casting tackle, spinning and fly fishing outfits.

Grand Slam, Jupiter:

The store specializing in saltwater tackle carries a large stock of custom made items and a variety of specialty and staple items from major manufacturers.

Fishing Headquarters, Jupiter:

A full-service fishing tackle and supply store for saltwater and freshwater fishing, the store also has specialized fly tackle and fly guides available.

Florida Keys Outfitters, Islamorada:

The store specializes in saltwater fly fishing gear, offers a fly fishing school and arranges guide trips on the flats of the Florida Keys and Everglades.

Captain Harry’s, Miami:

This saltwater specialty shop sells a wide selection of fishing equipment, accessories, boating gear and tools

Half Hitch Tackle, Panama City:

This fishing supply retailer also has shops in Destin, Navarre and Port St. Joe.

Garrard’s Bait & Tackle, Okeechobee:

The oldest running bait and tackle shop at Lake Okeechobee has a huge selection of soft plastics for bass fishing and carries a full line of tackle from the top manufacturers.

Fast Break Bait & Tackle, Okeechobee:

A combined convenience store and tackle shop that stocks a wide array of the major tackle and rod and reel brands.

Roland Martin’s Marine Center, Clewiston:

Bass fishing legend Roland Martin owns this boat dealership that also has a tackle department filled with everything a bass angler needs.

Fishin Frank’s Bait & Tackle, Charlotte Harbor:

This store has been supplying freshwater and saltwater anglers with lures and gear for more than 30 years.

Lott Brothers, North Palm Beach:

The oldest tackle shop in Northern Palm Beach County carries fishing tackle for everything from ultralight freshwater and saltwater fishing to big game fishing.