Bait & Tackle Shops In & Around Florence, Oregon
If you’re planning to fish around Florence, Oregon, you’ll find that this coastal town caters perfectly to anglers of all kinds—from the seasoned river fisherman chasing Chinook to the family tossing crab pots off the docks. Below is a guide to the best bait and tackle shops in Florence, what each specializes in, and where to use their gear for the best results.
North Country Lures & Flies
Located at 2242 Willow Loop East, North Country Lures & Flies is a small local shop that specializes in handcrafted lures and flies made for Oregon’s waters. The owner, Jim, designs and ties his own salmon and trout lures, and many are tested right here on the Siuslaw River. His tackle shines in freshwater environments—think trout fishing on Cleawox Lake, or chasing steelhead on the North Fork Siuslaw. The shop’s local specialty is finesse: lures that mimic regional insects and baitfish, perfect for picky trout and salmon that have seen it all.
Best use: Fly fishers and lure casters will find success using Jim’s custom spinners or flies on the Siuslaw River, Munsel Lake, or Woahink Lake, where trout and bass feed near the reeds.
The Sportsman
Right on Highway 101 in Florence, The Sportsman is the go-to store for anyone who wants a full-service experience. They sell bait (fresh and frozen), tackle, crab rings, licenses, and even rain gear. The staff knows the Siuslaw Bay tides like clockwork and will happily point you toward the best bait for surfperch, salmon, or crabbing. Their specialty is versatility—they can outfit you for a day fishing upriver, casting off the South Jetty, or dropping crab pots off the docks.
Best use: Pick up herring, anchovies, or shrimp for crabbing and salmon fishing in the Siuslaw Bay, or sand shrimp and clam necks for surfperch fishing along the South Jetty and Driftwood Shores.
Bridgeport Market
Down by the harbor at 75 Harbor Street, Bridgeport Market is part convenience store and part fishing supply hub. It’s ideal for last-minute bait, ice, and snacks before you hit the docks. The shop carries crab rings, frozen bait, and terminal tackle. While the selection is smaller, it’s the closest stop to the public crabbing docks and boat ramp. Their specialty is convenience—everything you need in one stop if you’re headed straight to the water.
Best use: Grab baited chicken legs or fish scraps here before heading to the Florence Crab Dock on Harbor Street or under the Siuslaw River Bridge.
Angler’s Manufacturing Inc.
Located at 1715 Kingwood Street, Angler’s Manufacturing is a quieter, lesser-known operation that primarily makes lures and tackle in bulk. Though it’s not a classic walk-in retail shop, locals who buy here praise the quality and durability of the gear. If you’re serious about your fishing setup—or want to experiment with custom hardware for specific local fish—this is the place to call ahead. Their specialty is customization and bulk gear for repeat anglers.
Best use: Their heavier rigs and spoons work great for deeper lake fishing on Woahink and Siltcoos, or for targeting larger species like salmon and striped bass near the mouth of the Siuslaw River.
Umpqua Bait
About 30 minutes north in Reedsport, Umpqua Bait at 499 Ork Rock Road is a classic coastal shop with all the essentials. They’re known for having some of the freshest bait on the central coast, along with crab pots, weights, and estuary tackle. The owners know the tides and currents of the Umpqua River and are happy to share advice. Their specialty is saltwater and estuary gear—perfect for anglers fishing both river and bay.
Best use: Fresh herring or sand shrimp from Umpqua Bait are excellent for salmon fishing near Winchester Bay or bottom fishing along the rocky coastline north of Florence.
Local Fishing Tips and Hot Spots
For salmon: The Siuslaw River is your best bet in fall, with coho and Chinook moving through the estuary. Use herring, anchovies, or spinners from North Country Lures & Flies or The Sportsman.
For trout: Munsel and Cleawox Lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Small spinners, worms, or flies from North Country Lures work best in spring and early summer.
For surfperch: The beaches north and south of Florence—especially around Driftwood Shores—are excellent spots. Use sand shrimp or clam necks from The Sportsman for best results.
For crabbing: The docks under the Siuslaw Bridge and the harbor area are prime crabbing grounds. Grab bait and crab rings from Bridgeport Market or The Sportsman, and check tide tables for slack tide.
For rockfish and lingcod: If you have a boat, head out near the jetty tips. Umpqua Bait’s heavier gear and fresh bait are great choices for these tough bottom dwellers.
In the end, Florence’s fishing scene runs on a mix of tradition, local knowledge, and salt-air grit. Each bait shop carries a piece of that spirit—North Country’s handcrafted art, The Sportsman’s convenience, Bridgeport’s harbor charm, Angler’s custom work, and Umpqua’s salt-seasoned stock. Together they make up the rhythm of a fishing town that knows its tides and seasons by heart.
