History

The start of Hayward Bait & Tackle actually begins with Eddies Bait Shop.   Going back to 1949 when Donnie's stepfather, Eddie Polo, started Eddie's Bait Shop in Moose Lake, 28 miles east of Hayward.  He trapped his own minnows in area creeks, sorted them by hand, and sold them to area resorts.  In 1959, Donnie went into business partnering with his mother Thelma and Eddie Polo at the age of 22.  Dorothy joined Donnie when they were married on June 4th, 1960.  They bought the first route in 1965 and started expanding the territory.  We now supply almost all of Northern Wisconsin, from Eau Claire to Washburn, St. Croix to Presque Isle.  We have 4 delivery trucks and buy bait from large dealers. This allows us to have a great supply of live bait all year round. We carry crappie, fatheads and sucker minnows, leeches, night crawlers, leaf worms, and waxies. Golden shiners are a big demand for ice fisherman.  We have just recently expanded into wholesale tackle and provide delivery to smaller shops.  

The retail store has been extensively remodeled over the years.   We carry just about everything the fisherman would need to catch his dream fish.   Along with bait and tackle, we also repair reels, spool on line, relube tip-ups and sharpen auger blades for the ice fisherman.  The staff goes out of its way by finding obsolete parts or hard to find baits.

Recently we added a complete line of Dock Rite Docks and parts.   Installation is also available.

We are also the headquarters for the annual Muskie Inc. tournament in the fall.  It is held the first full week-end in October.

A new state-of-the-art wholesale building is now open.  This 6,000 s.f. facility is home to Hayward Bait Wholesale.

The retail store has also be expanded in its current location.

The original Eddie's Baitshop, 1949 - Moose Lake WI.

Remodeled in the late 60's

Moved to the current location in 1959.

New Wholesale location opened in 2004.

State of the art facility now up and running.

The new facility includes an early season sucker hatchery.

Expanded retail store now includes a full liquor store.  
Stop in and see the new Bottle Shop.