Welcome to Kelley’s Market, your go-to destination for high-quality live bait! We understand the importance of having reliable and fresh bait when it comes to fishing. That’s why we have dedicated ourselves to providing our customers with only the best bait available.
Don’t Go Fishing Unprepared
Kelley’s Market offers high-quality bait options that can help make your next fishing trip a success. So, by using Kelley’s Market’s high-quality bait, you can feel confident that you have the tools you need to have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.
To find our locations that offer Live Bait, go to our Find a Market page, click Filter Amenities, select Live Bait, then click the Search for a Market button. There, you’ll find a map that lists several locations throughout southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois that offer high-quality live bait!
Our Live Bait Selections
Our selection of live bait includes a variety of options, from worms to minnows and everything in between. We take pride in sourcing our bait from trusted suppliers and ensuring that it is always kept in the best possible condition. Therefore, you can count on Kelley’s Market to have the freshest bait around.
Our Helpful Team Members
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, our staff is here to help. Ask our staff on where the bait can be located in each Kelley’s Market store, and they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, we’ll do everything we can to make it right for you.
Convenience and Quality
We understand that your time is valuable, which is why we offer convenient hours and locations for your shopping needs. You can count on Kelley’s Market to have the live bait you need when you need it. We stand behind the quality of our bait and offer a satisfaction guarantee.
Nightcrawlers
Description: Large, earthworms that are highly visible to fish.
Best for: Bass, catfish, walleye, and northern pike.
Rigging Tips: Hook them through the middle or nose for a more natural presentation.
Leaf Worms
Description: Smaller, red worms that are ideal for panfish and trout.
Best for: Bluegill, crappie, perch, and trout.
Rigging Tips: Hook them through the middle or use a small jig head.
Meal, Wax, and Spike Worms
Description: These artificial worms are durable and come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Best for: Bass, panfish, and catfish.
Rigging Tips: Hook them on a jig head or Texas rig for versatile fishing.
Nitro Worms
Description: These worms are infused with scent and flavor to attract fish.
Best for: Bass, catfish, and panfish.
Rigging Tips: Rig them like traditional worms, but their enhanced scent can increase bite rates.
Remember: The best bait for a specific fishing situation can vary depending on factors like water temperature, water clarity, and fish activity. So, you should experiment with different baits and techniques to find what works best for you!
Additional Live Bait Tips
Practice Good Bait Handling: Handle live bait gently to avoid injuring it.
Keep Your Bait Fresh: Store live bait in a cool, aerated container.
Match the Bait to the Fish: Use smaller baits for smaller fish and larger baits for larger fish.
Consider the Water Conditions: In murky water, a brightly colored worm may be more visible. Conversely, in clear water, a more natural-colored worm may be more effective.
Fishing Tips for Beginners
Start Simple
Choose a Beginner-Friendly Location: Start with a local pond, lake, or river known for easy fishing.
Basic Gear: A simple rod and reel combo, a tackle box with basic lures (like worms, spinners, and crankbaits), and a fishing license are all you need.
Learn Basic Knots
The Palomar Knot: A strong knot for tying a hook to your line.
The Improved Clinch Knot: Another reliable knot for tying a hook to your line.
The Blood Knot: Used for joining two lines of equal diameter.
Learn to Read the Water
Look for Structure: Fish often hide around structures like rocks, logs, and weed beds.
Observe Water Movement: Fish are more likely to be active in areas with current or moving water.
Check Water Temperature: Different fish species prefer different water temperatures.
Understand Basic Fishing Techniques
Setting the Hook: When you feel a bite, set the hook with a firm jerk of the rod tip.
Casting: Practice casting your line to different distances and directions.
Retrieving: Experiment with different retrieve speeds and techniques to attract fish.
Patience is Key:
Fish Bite at Different Times: Be patient and keep trying, even if you’re not getting immediate results.
Enjoy the Outdoors: Fishing is a great way to relax and connect with nature.
Additional Tips
Check Local Fishing Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including fishing licenses, size limits, and catch-and-release rules.
Learn from Others: Talk to experienced anglers and learn from their tips and tricks.
Join a Fishing Club or Group: This can be a great way to meet other anglers, learn new techniques, and go fishing with others.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you fish, the better you’ll become!
By following these tips and having patience, you can enjoy a rewarding fishing experience. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun!
Have a Great Trip!
At Kelley’s Market, we believe that having the right bait is key to a successful fishing trip. Therefore, we go above and beyond to provide our customers with the best live bait available. So, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just a day trip to the lake, be sure to stop by Kelley’s Market for all your live bait needs.