The Bait Shop at Montrose Harbor

Yes they have water, soda and monster energy drinks. I saw four or five people go in there and ask the staff there so the secret is out! They have refreshments. Licenses and bait too, but definitely refreshments!!!

I haven’t fished since moving here 3 years ago and needed a fishing license so I stopped in to get the license and pick the guys brains for some fishing advice. Unfortunately my timing was terrible and I hit them during a kind of busy time when they really needed to assist others. However, they assured me that they’d answer my questions, but that they’d need to assist the other customers and fit my questions in between customers. I thought this was a very acceptable way to handle my questions during a time when they were kind of busy. The guys were knowledgeable and I appreciated them taking the time to educate me some.
The only negative aspect of going here was that the store had a much smaller selection of hooks, lures, etc. than I would have expected from a baitshop. However, they did have the items that people were requesting so I guess they must have a pretty accurate feel for what their customers need.
I’m sure I’ll be coming back and would not hesitate to recommend this place to other fishermen/​wormen!

Closest place for ice on your boat! I give five stars… I mean its a bait shop… theres bait… they have worms and live well minnow tanks etc… Wait they do not take credit cards, I was going to buy a fishing pole and didnt because I was told I would have to walk to the ATM at the beach house which was a good ways away. Wait… Three stars it is because everyone uses debit cards these days cash is obsolete. You also are more prone to robbery when you are a cash only place because they know you have cash when you dont accept cards! Wait… The younger guys are cool in here the older guys look at you like they could give a crap, as if they are bothered they have to get off their buts to help you. The store would do better if they cheered up, showed some customer appreaciation, or if they simply left. This opinion was not formed in just one visit to the bait shop it was formed over several. I dont like bad attitudes. Two stars.

they have everything and the owner willing to give you tips on fishing, A++

I’m a fan of all bait shops. This is the only one I’ve been to in Chicago, and it’s solid. They have a good supply of live bait. They can tell you what the word is on the lake– gave me some good advice for my first attempt at hooking up with a king or a trout from shore.
Only looses one star because the gear is a little more expensive than you would pay in the burbs– or in the sticks for that matter, which is where I’m from. But what do you expect from a bait shop in Chicago? This is a one-​stop shop sort of place, so if you need all of your supplies and some advice on how to hook up with a leviathan– this is a great place to go.

I am not a good fisherman/​woman but I enjoy to fish. My skills and knowledge of what actually constitutes a good fishing method are null and I own a Batman themed fishing rod. Enough said.
That said — I was a little intimidated to go to this Bait Shop. I didn’ t want someone to think I was a idiot and upsell me. The owner was really nice and asked the different locations we were fishing at that day and recommended bait based on our locations. Frozen crawfish (YUCK) for Montrose Harbor and minnows and nightcrawlers for Belmont Harbor.
Prices were cheaper than getting nightcrawers at Petco or Petsmart. The only draw back is it is faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar down Montrose. If you google map it, it looks like it right on Montrose and LSD so we took this bus — so if you plan on doing that, you’ll be going on a 10 – 15 minute walk so brace yourself. Better to get there by bike if you are close enough.

Got coffee and donuts here on a cold day at Montrose. No, you do not want their coffee or their donuts, well, maybe you do, given the lack of other vendors in the park.
However, if you have children or are babysitting children, visit the bait shop! Then go fishing, or do something else. Service was great. While we were there, a man and his son checked out many different kinds of bait together. The counter guy was patient and helpful.
They sell all sorts of live bait, including maggots and leeches. They also sell some fishing equipment and bags of ice. It may be expensive for you to put together an impromptu fishing expedition, but, my impression was that $ 20 would get you a good low tech line, hook, bait package.
Se habla espanol.
btw coffee was warm brown decaf water. But they gave us a bag full of cream, sugar, and coffee stirrers. You may have to request regular coffee. Donut choices include glazed, chocolate frosted and vanilla frosted longjohns. They were like truckstop donuts.

Only good thing here is convenient location to get bait. Not much else offered and the opening times are not always consistent.
Do call ahead!