Bait prices

[Early]

Hi everyone. I manage a bait shop in the nisswa area and was wondering what bait shops are getting for big leeches around the state. Our bait distributer went up $3.00 per pound this year.

[Larry]

Not sure about leeches but there was an article in the local paper this weekend about the high prices for minnows. Northern Illinois area is supposed to have high prices due to the die-off of minnows which was the result of the thick ice and long duration thick snow cover. Fat head minnows were the ones hit the hardest according to the article. I would guess this would apply to most areas that had similar winter conditions.

[Flipper]

Who are you buying from? Email me at this email.

[Mike]

$25 a pound for jumbo leechs at north country sports.That seems high and you need to be on a list to get them.what are you guys finding for price and availability?

[Baitman]

Call 218-586-2953 if you are a dealer/bait shop in Brainerd Nisswa area, we wholesale and can supply you with a much better deal than that I'm sure. We supply to shops in your area already so we can set you up. Ask for Matt.

[TBO/MN]

I have made a check around the north metro area... Here is the report:
Most bait shops have all sizes of leeches but most are not selling them by the pound. As far a price, the large and medium are being sold at or near last years prices. The jumbos are being sold at about the same or up to $2.00 more than last year. I was told that there may be some difficulty getting most sizes in the 1/2 pound and pound lots. Everybody has crawlers, and there is some shortage of large fatheads and some shiners, especially rainbows. I asked if they were taking orders for leeches and none at this time were taking orders.

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN