Running a bait shop isn’t easy. Inventory costs, competition from big-box stores, and unpredictable fishing seasons can make monthly revenue a challenge. But with the right products, marketing, and partnerships, bait shops can dramatically increase sales and build a loyal customer base.
This guide breaks down the most profitable lures to stock, the marketing strategies that bring anglers through your door, and the wholesale partnership model that helps bait shops grow faster — without risking their inventory budget.
One of the biggest mistakes bait shops make is filling shelves with cheap, generic lures that anglers pass over. To increase both foot traffic and repeat sales, your shop needs unique, proven, high-margin items that customers can’t find in big-box stores.
Here’s what performs best:
Anglers love soft plastics with scent, realistic action, durability, and unique designs. DeLong Lures has specialized in these baits for more than 75 years, and stores consistently report fast sell-through on:
These lures offer:
When a lure catches bass, pike, walleye, and panfish, it sells constantly. Products that appeal across multiple species always outperform niche baits.
Brands with history sell dramatically better than generic imports. DeLong Lures has been making proven soft plastics for over 75 years, and customers immediately trust legacy products.
Most bait shops fail in three areas:
Even if your shop carries the best lures in the world, without digital visibility, sales flatline.
Here are the fastest and most reliable ways to increase foot traffic.
This is the #1 tool for bait shops right now.
Why?
This is exactly why the DeLong Lures Wholesale Program includes FREE Facebook ads for your store.
Most bait shops are missing:
Fixing this skyrockets visibility when anglers search:
Inventory that builds loyalty includes:
When customers catch fish with your products, they come back.
Most tackle distributors simply ship boxes.
We help you grow.
The DeLong Lures Wholesale Program is built specifically for bait shops that want:
Here’s how it works:
Every wholesale order is discounted 30% automatically.
We take 10% of your order total and run a targeted ad in your area that drives customers to your shop.
We link your shop from DeLongLures.com and you link back, boosting BOTH websites.
We set up:
This is a unique service ONLY DeLong offers.
If you want a supplier that actively helps your store grow, this program is made for you.
These lures have proven results in every region.
If you want:
Then the next step is simple.
or read more about our wholesale program
The fastest way to increase bait shop sales is to stock proven best-selling lures, focus on high-margin items, and run local Facebook ads targeting anglers in your area. DeLong Lures offers both — high-performing products AND free local ads with every wholesale order to help stores sell faster.
Every region is different, but nationwide data shows that soft plastics, weedless lures, panfish plastics, bass worms, and musky/pike baits consistently perform best. DeLong Lures’ 16” Snake, Weedless Twister Tail, Squirm, Tadpoles, and Bucktails are among the top-selling lures in bait shops across the U.S.
DeLong Lures is America’s oldest soft-plastic lure brand (since 1946) with proven best-sellers that anglers trust. Every wholesale order includes 30% off retail pricing plus 10% of your order total invested into paid Facebook ads targeting customers within a 5-mile radius of your store. No other bait company offers this.
Yes. DeLong Lures will create and run professional Facebook ads for your shop at no additional cost when you order wholesale. You can also choose our optional $500 SEO package to improve your website’s visibility and search rankings — including AI search optimization.
There is no large minimum. Most shops start with 20–40 packs of top-selling items to test how they move in their market. Because your order includes free paid ads, most stores sell through inventory quickly.
Simply call Stephen directly at 234-788-9308 or email stephen@delonglures.com. You’ll receive personalized recommendations based on your region, store size, and customer base.
Email: Sales@delonglures.com
Phone: 234 -788-9308
Address: 2381 Locust St
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614
