Your One-Stop Shop for Fishing Supplies and Boats in Newport News

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Fishing in Virginia is all about preparation, and at Wilcox Bait and Tackle in Newport News, VA, we make sure you have everything you need before heading out on the water. From quality rods and reels to live bait and durable boats, our shop is stocked with trusted gear and backed by over 65 years of local fishing experience.

Fishing Tackle and Gear

Fishing is more than just a pastime—it’s a tradition that brings peace, excitement, and the thrill of the catch. At Wilcox Bait and Tackle in Newport News, we stock everything you need to make your next trip successful. Our fishing supplies aren’t flashy; they’re proven, reliable, and trusted by anglers across Virginia.

Our staff lives and breathes fishing, so when you ask for advice, you’re talking to people who’ve been on the water themselves. We take time to understand your fishing style and goals, then recommend the tackle and gear that will help you land the species you’re chasing. Whether you’re after freshwater catfish or heading out to saltwater for red drum, we’ll point you in the right direction.

Fishing tackle covers a wide range of equipment, and we carry it all: rods, reels, nets, tackle boxes, hooks, sinkers, floats, lures, and more. You’ll find everything from entry-level gear to top-quality setups for seasoned anglers. We’re proud to stock trusted brands like St. Croix, Abu Garcia, Penn, Daiwa, Shimano, Berkley, and Pure Fishing, ensuring your equipment delivers when it matters most.

Our location also gives us an edge. We’re not just selling gear; we’re your local guide. From what’s biting on the James River to the lures that work best in Virginia Beach, we share over 65 years of experience with every customer who walks through our doors. Stop in, browse our selection, and let our team gear you up for your next fishing adventure.

Live Bait

No fishing trip is complete without the right bait, and Wilcox Bait and Tackle offers one of the most complete selections in Newport News. From freshwater minnows to saltwater shrimp, we make sure you have what you need to keep the fish biting.

Our bait options cover both freshwater and saltwater species, so whether you’re fishing for crappie at a local lake or chasing striped bass off the coast, you’ll be stocked and ready.

Freshwater Bait

  • Crappie minnows
  • Bass minnows
  • Nightcrawlers
  • Red worms
  • Mealworms
  • Waxworms
  • Superworms
  • Crickets
  • Eels
  • Chicken livers
A fishing hook with a worm on it.
Black and white illustration of a swordfish, leaping upwards.

Saltwater Bait

  • Bull minnows
  • Menhaden
  • Bloodworms
  • Shrimp
  • Squid
  • Peeler crabs
  • Silversides
  • Ballyhoo
  • Clams
  • Finger mullet
  • Chicken necks
  • Eels
  • Chum

As an official VMRC and VDGIF weigh station, we also make it easy to check in citation fish after a day on the water. Located just a mile from the James River Bridge and Huntington Park, we’re the convenient stop before and after your fishing trip. Call ahead to check availability or swing by to see what’s fresh in stock.

Sometimes the best fishing spots are only reachable by boat, and that’s where Wilcox Bait and Tackle has you covered. With nearly 70 years of experience in fishing and hunting, we understand which boats perform best in our local waters.

We’re proud to be the northernmost dealer of Gheenoe boats on the East Coast. These American-made boats combine the maneuverability of a canoe with the stability and space of a small skiff. Invented in 1968, Gheenoes are perfect for shallow-water fishing and can be paired with an outboard motor for added power.

Our team will walk you through boat options, trailers, and safety gear, making sure you’re fully equipped to hit the water. We’ll even guide you through registration so you can spend less time preparing and more time fishing.

Whether you’re exploring the creeks of Poquoson, crossing the waters of Hampton, or working your favorite stretch of the James River, a Gheenoe boat can get you there. Stop by our Newport News shop to see them in person, or call 757-595-5537 to learn more.

Outline of a telephone receiver.

We’re only a phone call away! Call 757-595-5537 and let us know how we can help.