Seasonal home bait and tackle stand

Local anglers, cottagers and visitors passing through who want bait close to the water.

Margin on bait and a small range of tackle bought from suppliers. Repeat bait sales on fishing weekends are the core, with lures and line as add-ons.

• Knowing local fishing and what bait works
• Handling and storing live bait
• Customer service
• Simple record keeping

• Zoning, home-based business licence and signage rules vary by municipality, so check before you open
• Provincial rules may limit who can sell live bait or what types, so check your provincial regulator
• Insurance: your home policy may not cover customers or stock, so ask about commercial general liability
• Bait spoils quickly if not kept cool, and sales depend heavily on weather and season
• Customer traffic, parking and neighbours' concerns
• GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the range of bait and tackle you stock, cooling or storage equipment and any signage. A limited range keeps costs lower.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $3,000, depending on how close you are to the water, the weather and the fishing season. These are estimates, and sales can vary a lot.

Check zoning, home-based business licence and signage rules with your municipality, and whether provincial rules limit who can sell live bait or which types. Also ask about commercial general liability insurance, and check GST/HST registration once you pass the small supplier threshold.