Cayuga Lake Bait Shops???

[rgfixit]

I'm looking for any bait shops on Cayuga Lake. I tried the one in Union Springs last weekend...a waste of time.

Any info on GOOD shops would be appreciated.

Thanks
RG

[squareback]

Well, that's a tough one...if i'm fishing on the east side at the north end...believe it or not, the closest GOOD one is in auburn.  The one that used to Bud's (now its called jule's fuels).  Turn at the light in the village of cayuga and you are there in 6 miles. 

I find that bait there is quite a bit pricey so go another mile into town, there's a gas station on the right hand side before you get to Smokeys that is much cheaper.

On the west side of the lake, a bait shop has just recently opened a mile or two just south of cayuga lake state park.  The owner's name is Lou...he had live bait during ice season all winter, but i'm not sure if keeps any now...he is in the process of renovation the marina (formerly The Cove)his shop # is 315-568-0200....give him a call.

[rgfixit]

Thanks Squareback,
I'll give them a try this weekend.

RG

[fingerlakesfisher]

I live in seneca falls and we can't seem to keep a bait shop.  There is a good one on RTs. 5and 20 just west of waterloo.(Bairy's Bait)  It is about a ten to twelve minute drive from the state park at the North end of the lake.  There is also one at Mays Point off of rt 89 about a five minute drive north of the state park.  It is north of 5@20.  Go North on 89 and when you get to the marsh area of Montezuma National Park you take your first right hand turn( if you cross the bridge and see the locks to your right you have gone too far.  It is in a white cottage on the river.  Not bad!   Thats where I go.  Just because the place that a previous poster put up about the little bait shop south of the state park by two miles, pissssd me off during ice fishing season.  He was never open, on a Sat in January, the peek of ice fishing season I once sat at his door for twenty minute waiting for him to open at 7:00.  Yes seven!!!  He should be open earlier, any ways,  he opened late and I haven't been back since.  Every time I drive by it seems as though he is working on his other projects, the marina and a restaurant, so I wouldn't depend on him being open for bait

[rgfixit]

Thanks Fingerlakesfisher,
Looks like I'm gonna do a short tour of bait shops this weekend.
RG

[howey1176]

squareback:

For the last month or so I've been working and staying in Auburn. The Owasco outlet is right behind the house I'm at and is loaded with pike so I set out to get some bait. I'm not sure were it was but the bait shop I stopped at wanted $11.00 a dozen. I almost crapped myself. The majority of them looked like walleye minnows. Few were in the 5-6 inch range. I was just shocked. Well I didn't get any. I told the guy I wasn't going to participate in him getting rich quick. Everything in there was outrageously pricey. Might be one of the ones you mentioned.

[tommyboy]

RG,

Are you talking about that barn-looking place in Union Springs that is across from the gas station and car wash?  They used to always have a great selection but the prices were double and sometimes triple what you could find even at Dick's (which is pretty amazing in itself).  I had heard that there was a new bait shop opening up in the town near Castelli's Marina, but I'm not sure if it has opened yet.

[rgfixit]

Tommyboy,
Yeah, the red barn. I stopped in there last Sunday...he had about 9 perch minnows in a filthy tank and a few other larger ones in another tank. I asked for worms and opened the container...they were all dead....VERY DEAD!. He'd have sold them to me if I hadn't looked.

The rest of his selection was...well...dismal.

I asked about his hours ...he said he didn't have any regular hours because if he did he'd have to be there and that was a lot of trouble for him.

My brother's place is next to Castelli's...he keeps his boat there...I'll take his gator for a ride and see about any new shops. It sure would be convenient.

RG

[squareback]

yeah, i sympathize with all the above posters for the lack of a quality bait shop...HOWEVER....i have big hopes that us Auburn boys will soon be spoiled with the new BassPro world...

As much as i hate supporting monster stores...i believe BassPro to be such a great thing for our area that i'm excited for it.  There are a lot of IF's here though:

IF you can get in and out with good fresh bait in 5 minutes if that's all your stopping for....

IF they do their homework and find what local baits they need to carry are...

big hopes though...big hopes... June 16th I believe is the magical date,

later fellas,

[Green Goose]

The place on the north side of the lake just south of the state park is about the cheapest place to get bait. I never had any problem and the guy will bend over backwards for his costumers.  fingerlakesfisher must of failed to see the sign that said to knock on the house door if noboby is there. I iced fished there all winter at 6:30 am and if he wasn't in the store I would knock on the door and I'd get service. And I'd be busy myself to open up the marina and resturant because that is were the money is. Plus I would like a hot lunch next year when I get off the lake.Oh yea he's only getting a $1.25 for a scoop of fat heads. I payed $5.00 this winter at another place.   The red barn place needs to go out of bussiness and Juel's is almost one of the best places near Auburn. Bearwood has good bait but high prices. Remember don't attack the people who supply you bait! just find a better one

[rgfixit]

Thanks Goose,
RG

[squareback]

Good call Goose,

That guy is smart 'cus he lets' people park for free, cus he knows their gonna buy his bait...i saw 2 people try to GIVE him 5$ last year for parking and he wouldn't take it.

I can't wait till he gets the restaraunt up and runnin....nice bowl of chili next march after limiting out in the channel....o yeah!!

[fingerlakesfisher]

Hey square back how is the jigging hand???  Gonna be able to pull those perch out of the holes next year??

[fingerlakesfisher]

Green Goose, In the middle of Ice Fishing Season, when there is over a foot of Ice in the channel, and dozens of cars parked daily at Lewis's Pt, there is no need to knock on someone's door.  If they are supposed to be open, then they should be.  Its just like going to a restuarant and getting bad service, you just don't go back.  I have never had a problem with the bait.  As a matter of fact I used to shoot the sh@@ with the boy about fishing.  So I do not hold it against the guy personally, just feel as though he should have been open when the sign said.