Just curious what everyone's idea of the perfect baitshop is?

Mine: Great live bait (I guess it show's I like to fish walleyes)...People that understand what type of bite is going on in the area...don't need to know specific spots, but patterns. Key items needed to help ensure I don't go without hooks, weights, softplastics, etc.

Also a place to pump gas and get some snacks.

Sounds good to me.

Don't forget a good selection of lures/tackle.

Live bait for all seasons of the year. When the ice cometh, I want waxies & spikes and fatheads and shiners. When the ice leaveth, I want waxies and spikes and crappie minnows. So not only have good bait, but the right kinds at the right time of year.

Also, up to date reports on area lakes. What lakes are going, what lakes are not. Maybe have a poster board that gets updated twice a week. Know what bait or presentation and depths have been working well. Have an idea of what ice conditions are like for area lakes.

Gas, food, tackle and other supplies are also big plusses. Decent prices on bait and tackle is also a plus. Don't need to retire on a dozen crawlers or leeches.

I would want a store that has all the essentials, good live bait that isn't half dead, good quality terminal tackle, and a good selection of rods and reels that are not 5 years old. Also a good selection of rods in different price ranges. It seems some places are selling that hot reel from 5 years ago for the same price it was when it came out.

I would also like to see a good selection of tackle that isn't just the real basic stuff. This would be things like line counter reels, trolling rods, and other custom walleye tackle that makes the bait shop a destination rather than just a place to stop to get a scoop of fat heads. There is a place like this on the Mississippi River on the Wisconsin side of Red Wing that fits this mold.

Also, the employees need to be knowledgeable but not act like know it alls. I can't stand dealing with guys that say they have whatever rod or reel you are looking for and it is great. Be honest about product evaluation. Also, they need to have general knowledge of the fishing report in the area. If the fishing is really tough say that instead of making something up.

Lastly, the bait shop should be more than just a bait shop. It should be a place you can go and just kind of hang out have a cup of coffee and discuss fishing with guys that enjoy it as much as you do. Again the place near Red Wing has this aspect too.

That would do it for me in terms of a good bait shop.

All I want is bait, beer, snacks and a fishing report. I would prefer to stop by a place like Reed's or Gander or Sportsmans Warehouse several days prior to departure for the other stuff due to the huge selection. When I am getting bait, I want to get in and get out as quickly as possible.

Where they give me the gps cords and instructions on how to get 5- 18 in. walleyes and one over 30 in. and a muskie over 50in. to boot, that's all. I'll skip the other stuff if they give me that.

Not one like we have now.....

thats for sure iceseeker! He has a monopoly around here. In litch the ripley bait is way better.

I guess one is better than none. I remember it wasn't that long ago there were three places to get bait in this town.

Just the necessities and not a teenage girl dipping 12 shiners (dead ones included) while being VERY careful not to get wet or accidently touch one. Theres gotta be more than 12 minnows in a dozen!!!! In Pelican Rapids we are blessed with a real good shop.

can we have a ice creame shake maker there?

It would be really nice if they'd clean the weeds of my boat also.....

Sounds like you are talking about Vado's. Great staff.

I would agree with fishandshroom. It bugs me to no end when they sell minnows by the doz at the same price everyone is selling them for by the scoop.

My business goes back to the places that are generous with their portions - I mean come on, how much can a scoop of minnows cost a retailer when they by in bulk?