Local bait and tackle shop

Local and holiday anglers, boat owners, families on weekend trips and tourists wanting a quick fishing set-up.

Retail margin on bait, tackle and accessories. Bait brings regulars in and tackle and rods lift the sale value. Some shops add rod repairs, line spooling or fishing licence information.

• Knowing fishing and local spots
• Friendly customer service
• Stock ordering and cash handling
• Early starts on weekends

• Rules on selling live bait and on which species can be sold or moved differ by state, so check with your state fisheries agency
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock and freezer failure
• Council approval for the premises and signage, and lease terms
• Strong seasonality: winter and wet weeks can be slow, so plan your cash flow
• Freezer running costs and smell, so check waste disposal for bait offcuts
• Fish hooks and knives: store them safely and follow any rules on sales to minors
• GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $120,000, depending on your premises, freezers, stock range and fit-out. These are estimates only. Allow for freezer running costs and insurance, including cover for stock and freezer failure.

Rules on selling live bait and on which species can be sold or moved differ by state, so check with your state fisheries agency. Also check council approval for premises and signage, lease terms, and GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold.

Monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your location and season. That is revenue, not profit. Winter and wet weeks can be slow, so plan your cash flow. Expect around 35 hours a week or more.