Planning on doing some fishing in the near future? If so, head over to The Bait Shoppe on Lincoln St. in Rhinelander, where there is a wide selection of fishing equipment and bait to choose from.

Tom Sparks is the sales associate at The Bait Shoppe, and this friendly and knowledgeable clerk is more than happy to guide you to the right merchandise for whatever species fish is being targeted. “We have some of the liveliest minnows around,” he said. “People tell us all the time how long their bait lives after they purchase it here. Bait is delivered twice a week so it stays very fresh.”

In addition to a variety of minnow types and sizes, (including muskie suckers when that season opens May 25) the Bait Shoppe also has a great selection when it comes to crawlers, beavertails and red worms. The artificial bait selection is also impressive, with many Rapala, Mepps and the popular Bassnut lures on hand. Weedless baits are also plentiful here and all these baits come in a variety of styles, colors and sizes.

Quality reels and rods are also available at The Bait Shoppe. St. Croix rods (made in Park Falls) are known for their strength and reliability and are a favorite with guides and fishing professionals. There is also a variety of reels on display from Zebco models to Abu Garcia muskie reels. Open bail or closed, there is a reel at The Bait Shoppe that will fit every fishing occasion.

Anglers will also find a great selection of bobbers here. From the traditional round red and white models, to slip bobbers to the giant baseball-size muskie bobbers, they are all available at The Bait Shoppe. Hooks, sinkers and many types of fishing line are on hand as well. In fact, Tom will be more than happy to change the line on any reel for those who don’t want to hassle with this important fish catching step. In addition, reels that need repair or cleaning are sent out and returned in a timely manner. Prop repair is also available.

While The Bait Shoppe is known for its lively minnows, it also has a great selection of supplies on hand. Fish locators, tackle boxes, fish cleaning equipment, life jackets and aerators are just a few of the items available. In fact, this cozy and well-kept shop is known for its bait buckets. “We are home to the pink bait bucket,” chuckled Tom. “Actually they are very popular.”

Tom is also willing to order bulk bait for those going on more remote excursions, and that includes fishing line as well. In fact, for those going to Canada, Tom is willing to pack bait in the right material for legal border requirements.

And if an angler can’t find exactly what he or she is looking for, Tom is more than happy to order it, with delivery in a two- to three-day time frame.

The Bait Shoppe is located at 1120 Lincoln St. in Rhinelander. It is open from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. (These hours may change after Memorial Day.) Tom also invites everyone to “like” The Bait Shoppe on their Facebook page.