Popular Northern Minnesota Bait Shop Sold After 35 Years + Has New Family Owners

If you've been fishing in Northern Minnesota somewhere off Highway 53, odds are you've been into this little roadside bait shop. It's been a staple for anglers for decades, and now after 35 years under the same ownership, the torch has been passed to a new family.

Paula and Dave Dundas purchased Northwoods Bait and Tackle in Cook, Minnesota this year.

The sale went through right around Christmas, and they've been busy working on being ready for Minnesota's fishing opener.

They purchased the business from Joseph Kruchowski, who still is helping out in the store and during the transition.

Paula and Dave were driving by the bait shop last year when they saw the for sale sign. They stopped in and talked to Joe, and the rest was history. They got busy doing some remodeling on the interior, including some fixes and a fresh coat of paint. They have bigger plans to expand the store and make it a year-round location in the future. For now, they're gearing up for a busy fishing opener and season. The bait shop in Cook is near some of the best walleye fishing in Minnesota.

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Paula will be running the shop full-time with the help of her assistant Willa. I can tell you this is one cute kid, and she has her favorite musky float to keep her occupied.

While I was there, I asked Paula about the concern about bait shortages this year. There have been news stories about it because we've had such a late start to spring. She said not to worry, they will have plenty of bait for the opener. Just earlier this week Northwoods Bait and Tackle posted that the minnows, leeches, and crawlers have arrived.

They've got other essentials as well that you may need before you hit the lake in their tackle selection. They have a good assortment and are well-stocked, but you may want to get a jump on the best selection and visit before Friday evening or Saturday morning.

They even have some fishing poles and ones for the kiddos as well. They also sell fishing pliers, bait boxes, nets, 1 lb propane cylinders, and just about anything you would need before hitting the lake.

Northwoods Bait and Tackle is located at 220 US-53 in Cook, Minnesota. They will be open 6 am - 7 pm seven days a week starting Saturday, May 13th.