Independence, Iowa
Fresh live bait, precision tackle, and the kind of honest advice you won't find anywhere else — right here in the heart of Iowa.
Our Story
Bait Shoppe has been a trusted destination for anglers across Iowa for years. Located on 3rd Street in Independence, we've built our reputation on one simple principle: showing up every day with fresh bait, quality tackle, and a genuine interest in helping you have a better day on the water.
Whether you're a weekend angler casting from the riverbank or a seasoned fisherman chasing trophy bass, we carry the gear you need and the knowledge you can rely on. No gimmicks — just real gear from real people who fish these waters.
100%
Fresh Live Bait
Local
Iowa Owned
Expert
Staff Knowledge
What We Carry
From minnows to lures, lines to rods — we stock the essentials and the specialties so you can focus on the catch.
Fresh minnows, nightcrawlers, worms, and crickets — stocked daily from local suppliers to ensure top quality every visit.
Hard bodies, plastic worms, jigs, and spoons — from budget-friendly staples to premium names trusted by tournament anglers.
Spinning, casting, and fly rigs for every species and skill level — from entry-level rods to performance setups worth investing in.
Monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon in every test weight and length — plus leaders, swivels, and terminal tackle.
When the lake freezes, we're ready — ice augers, shelters, tip-ups, and winter-specific tackle for cold-season anglers.
Iowa fishing licenses, trout stamps, and all the permits you need — picked up fast so you can spend less time waiting and more time fishing.
Why Bait Shoppe
Our live bait comes from trusted local hatcheries and is rotated daily — so what you take home is as lively as the waters you're fishing.
We fish these same waters. When you ask what's biting, where to cast, or which rig works best, you get honest, current answers — not a sales pitch.
Quality gear shouldn't require a premium markup. We keep our prices honest because we know our customers are neighbors, not transactions.
"The best bait shop in the area, hands down. They always have what I need, and the folks behind the counter actually know their stuff — saved me more than once on a tough day."
— A Loyal Customer, Independence
Find Us
801 3rd St SE
Independence, IA 50644-3018
Monday – Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Located on 3rd Street SE in downtown Independence, Iowa
Stop by Bait Shoppe on 3rd Street — or give us a call. We'll have you set up and ready to fish before you know it.
