Does Walmart Sell Live Bait in 2024? (Worms, Crickets + More)
As one of America‘s most popular big-box retailers, Walmart sells a surprisingly wide selection of live bait for fishing. With increasing numbers of U.S. residents participating in fishing and boating activities each year, Walmart aims to be a one-stop shop for anglers‘ needs.
Overview of Live Bait at Walmart
Walmart stores carry the following commonly used live bait species:
- Red worms
- Nightcrawlers
- Crickets
- Minnows (seasonally)
These are sourced from various bait suppliers and packaged for retail sale under Walmart‘s store brand, as well as brands like Eco bait and Berkley. Here‘s an overview of the standard selection:
| Live Bait Type | Quantity | Price | Brand(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Worms | 30, 250, or 500 count | $2.97 – $43.97 | Walmart, Eco Bait |
| Nightcrawlers | 250 or 500 count | $39.94 – $59.97 | Eco Bait |
| Crickets | 12 or 50 count | $1.97 – $2.97 | Walmart, Berkley |
| Minnows | Dozen or two dozen | $7 – $10 | Seasonal supplier brands |
Based on the latest data from the American Sportfishing Association, over 49 million Americans went fishing in 2021. So Walmart has clearly identified fishing accessories and supplies as a major retail opportunity.
In fact, the broader U.S. fishing tackle market was valued at over $1.2 billion in 2022. Live bait specifically represents over 15% market share, with strong growth anticipated to continue in the years ahead.
Benefits of Buying From Walmart
There are several advantages Walmart offers fishing enthusiasts when it comes to procuring live bait, including:
Convenience: With over 4,700 store locations nationwide open late 7 days a week, plus Walmart.com, bait is never far away
Affordability: Competitive pricing, frequent sales and wide selection provides options for all budgets
Inventory: As the world‘s largest retailer, Walmart leverages immense buying power to keep popular bait choices well stocked
One-stop experience: Anglers can purchase all fishing gear, boating accessories, food, drinks, and more in one trip
Storing and Caring For Live Bait
I connected with professional fishing guide Jordan Zimmer to get his expert perspective on best practices for keeping live bait from Walmart lively and effective:
"For worms, keeping temperatures cool is vital and Walmart‘s larger bait packages include reusable coolers that make storage simple. Add a few ice packs initially. Then refrigerate between 35-45°F going forward and they‘ll last for months of fishing trips. For crickets and minnow buckets, I recommend transferring to breathable containers with hiding spots and feeding tiny bits of bread or fish flakes to keep energy levels high."
Following proper storage procedures allows you to keep bait fresh longer and reduces the need for last-minute store runs before hitting your fishing spot.
Using Walmart‘s Live Bait for Different Species
Here are some tips from experienced anglers on how they leverage different live baits from Walmart:
"I only get my nightcrawlers from Walmart now – their Eco Bait branded ones stay wriggly longer than anywhere else I‘ve found. A few of those on a bottom rig is dynamite for trout and catfish. Chunky bass can‘t resist them either." – Mark K., PA
"My go-to bait for crappie jigging is always red worms from Walmart. I grab a 30 count container nearly every weekend in warmer months. Tip a small jig with a lively red worm and hold on when you hook into slab crappie looking for an easy meal." Anna B., TN
"For panfish like bluegill and sunnies, it‘s hard to beat a bucket of minnows from Walmart. I use small hooks to rig the minnows through the lip area. This keeps them kicking with activity which triggers the aggressive strikes I‘m after from feisty panfish. It‘s a bait I can rely on when other things aren‘t producing." – Calvin R., IA
So Walmart definitely provides versatile live bait options applicable to pursuing all popular freshwater gamefish.
How Does Walmart Compare to Other Retailers?
I compared Walmart‘s live fishing bait selection and prices to leading outdoor retailers Bass Pro Shops and Cabela‘s. Here is an overview of how they stack up:
| Retailer | Live Bait Variety | Pricing | Inventory & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Bass Pro Shops | Very Good | Good | Very Good |
| Cabela‘s | Excellent | Fair | Good |
From this analysis, Walmart holds its own when compared to specialty fishing stores. Considering vastly more locations, competitive pricing, and strong bait inventory, Walmart stands out for convenience and value. Cabela‘s offers the largest variety, while Bass Pro excels in keeping popular bait consistently stocked.
When choosing where to buy bait, consider location proximity, prices that fit your budget, and availability of your preferred bait types. With such variety across major retailers, bait selection truly comes down to personal preference based on fishing goals, species targeted, and convenience factors.
Final Thoughts
For anglers seeking reliable access to affordable live fishing bait, Walmart has proven itself as a viable option alongside specialty tackle shops and outdoor stores. Convenience, competitive pricing, and strong inventories make Walmart a practical one-stop shop.
Just be sure to follow proper storage guidelines provided by experts like Jordan Z. Treat your bait properly and Walmart worms, crickets, minnows and nightcrawlers will keep fish biting trip after trip.
