Fishing · Ontario
Vaughan Live Bait and Tackle
A Vaughan bait and tackle shop near Highway 400, popular for early opening hours, big scoops of minnows and helpful staff, though opening times have not always been reliable.
What visitors say
Vaughan Live Bait and Tackle, formerly a True Canadian bait shop, is a convenient stop for GTA anglers heading north, particularly to Lake Simcoe. Reviewers note it's easy to reach from the highway and sits near a big-box outdoor store that doesn't sell live bait.
Live bait is the draw. Customers mention a good range of minnow sizes, generous scoops, worms and leeches, plus premium roe bags for river fishing. Many reviewers describe staff as friendly and knowledgeable, happy to suggest bait for where you're fishing and patient with newcomers and kids. Some regulars get the odd free lure to try. The store is described as clean and organised.
It's a practical choice for early-morning trips and ice fishing runs, and several reviewers call it their go-to bait stop.
The main complaint is hours. Numerous reviewers, across several years, arrived at or after the posted early opening time to find the doors locked, and one found the shop closed for new management. Service and pricing also split opinions: a minority found staff unwelcoming and bait overpriced, and a couple reported short or dead worms. Call ahead before a pre-dawn stop, and check your bait before you leave.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 210 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Vaughan Live Bait and Tackle directly.