Dan Carns
There is a bait shop in Matlacha called D & D Bait and Tackle that I’ve come to discover is an absolute gem of a store. For a number of years I would bypass this place in hopes of getting the cheapest price possible for my bait, only to have to turn around and go back to this very shop because my cheap bait guy was closed! Most of us have that go-to place before we go fishing as it’s usually close by or on the way so if you planning to go fishing in Matlacha or anywhere on Pine Island, D and D is the place to go.
As a Kayak fishing instructor at Gulf Coast Kayak it is imperative that my clients catch fish so I always bring bait, even when I’m told prior to a trip that they prefer artificial lures, I make sure to bring some live or frozen bait because if fishing is terribly slow I know something is going to eat bait! Here are a few reasons why I now find myself using this shop all the time. Without fail they are open at six A.M. every single day of the week and always have live bait! So when I’m en-route to a client trip or fishing on my own I never have to question whether bait is an issue. Some bait shops have a few supplies available but this shop has it all. You know how it is when your all ready to go fishing the night before and you rise early only to realize you’ve forgotten something? Well this shop has it – from live bait including shrimp, pinfish and crabs (when available) to a selection of frozen baits and frozen blocks of chum. Their tackle selection rivals even the big box stores, minus all the useless stuff as they really only carry products that are geared toward fishing here. From popping corks and Cajun Rattling corks to every possible kind of hook and weight, including a huge selection of top water and hard plastic lures to Paddle and Shad tail style plastics. Forgot your bucket or aerator and batteries? No problem! Need a new cast net? Also no problem, as they have a large selection of locally made nets. They also carry ice and snacks and a slew of miscellaneous fishing tools and supplies.
So, by now you’re wondering if I’m getting paid to gush about this place, so in full disclosure, no I’m just convinced that if you’re planning a trip out through Matlacha, D & D is a must-stop for supplies! I know some of you are wondering if maybe you can find your supplies cheaper, but the truth is, if we don’t support local bait shops like Debbie’s they won’t continue to operate. Support this locally owned shop (and please consider tipping your bait guy or girl a couple of bucks each time) as part of the cost of going fishing!
Get Out There- It’s A Wild World
Fishman Dan
