FAIRPORT HARBOR, Ohio — Don Moore is the owner of Harbor Bait and Tackle. He said large fishing nets are a popular tool for enthusiasts. 

What You Need To Know

• The owner of Harbor Bait and Tackle said the cost of fishing gear has increased


• He said bait has also become more expensive


• He said items that have to be shipped from other countries have gone up the most

“We’ve got two piers nearby that are eight to 12 feet off the water, so we need something that will go off that far," Moore said. 

Moore said the prices of items like fishing nets have increased.

“This is about 20% higher than it was January of this year," Moore said about the large net. 

Moore said he doesn't have time to catch bait like minnows himself, so he buys them in bunches from someone who rounds them up. Moore said those costs have gone up 25% and are passed on to the consumer.

“They’re just getting harder and harder to raise. A little of that been the winters we’ve gone through. Minnows, it just takes effort from a group to net those in the lake," Moore said. 

He said many people have picked up fishing as a hobby since the pandemic, increasing the number of people who need new gear.

He said the price change for fishing line won’t stand out on a receipt, assuming you can find it.

“It’s been more availability than anything," Moore said of fishing line. 

And the price of refrigerated bait hasn’t moved, since it’s from Canada. 

“You just get so many that it really takes care of that additional cost for shipping," Moore said. 

But Moore said other products he sells are not made made in North America, increasing the cost of shipping.

All in all, Moore said the hobby of fishing now comes with a larger price tag.