Two new bait shops open in Wellington just in time for fishing season
by Amber Countryman, Sumner Newscow — Wellington has been without a bait and tackle shop for a while now. Just in time for fishing season, two bait shops have opened in Wellington. Creed’s Bait, owned by Jerry and Tanner Creed, is located at 15001 N. A St., and Moore’s Bait, with owners William and Tressa Moore, is located at 1308 N. Blaine, in their garage.
“We decided to open a bait shop because we were tired of having to travel to buy bait, fish, and figured others were too,” Creed said. “We looked at what it would take, applied for the license, and here we are.”
The Moores are avid fishermen and spend most of the spring and summer fishing on the river.
“When the aircraft industry tanked and my husband was out of work, we decided to try and make our love of fishing pay the bills,” Tressa Moore said. “Also, when COVID hit, the only bait shop in the area closed, so we wanted to help fill that need in our community.”
Location of Creed’s Bait.
Creed’s Bait currently carries live nightcrawlers, goldfish, perch, medium and large minnows, frozen Shad and Shad sides, and will be stocking crawdads and leeches as requested by a customer. They plan to carry fishing tackle in the future, and will soon have stink bait available.
“We’re very open to ordering what our customers request,” Tanner Creed said. “We’re working on getting packaged bait.”
During the day, Jerry Creed’s daughter, Natalyn Creed, will be manning the business, while Jerry and Tanner are at work.
Creed’s Bait hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday. They will be closed Sunday.
“Our hours aren’t set in stone,” Creed said. “If somebody needs something, they can call or text and if we’re home, we’ll sell.”
After-hours numbers to call or text are Jerry, 620-440-2325, and Tanner, 620-440-0782.
Location of Moore’s Bait and Tackle.
Moore’s Bait is currently stocking live minnows, goldfish, black salties, and worms. Soon, they will carry homemade lures and soft baits. They have some tackle in stock and plan to expand their inventory further into the season.
Moore’s hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Weds.-Sun. They do take some special orders and after-hour sales by calling 620-968-7394. Follow their Facebook page for updates about new inventory and services.
