Here is where I am going to compile a list of links to products and businesses that I use, personally. I will highlight local businesses to me above others when possible. I am all about local, small businesses. I will only put something on this list if I have personally used their products/purchased something from them/utilized their services. I will also include some of the YouTube accounts and other anglers on social media I like to follow.
Shops
I can’t rely on these shops for all my needs, but I try to make sure that I give them business when I can. If you’re going to pay full price for something, pay it to a local business.
Bait, Boats & Bobbers, LLC. – Rockingham, VA: This small bait shop is rented out by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at Lake Shenandoah to a business owner to provide tackle, rentals, and snacks to the crowds at the lake. The current purveyor does an excellent job with a livewell of minnows and a pile of kayaks for rental. If you hit up this lake, make sure to at least say hello.
Bridgewater Rod & Reel – Bridgewater, VA: This is a local bait and tackle shop on US 11 in Bridgewater that is just stone’s throw from the North River. The owner is a great guy to talk to and he makes his own plastics that he sells. He focuses on trout/panfish soft plastics right now, but he may expand in the future.
Dubby’s Hunting and Fishing – Harrisonburg, VA: This is not just a tacke shop, but an all around sporting goods store for hunting and fishing. They carry a wide selection of River Rock Custom Baits (see below) as well as Daiwa rods and reels, St. Croix rods, and some products from JB Custom Rods. Dubby, the owner, also supports the JMU Bass Fishing Club team, which is a group I support, as well.
Local Bait Makers
There are other baits I use, but I prefer these three for my baits. Sure, you will find tons of things from others in my tackle trays, but giving them my money is preferred.
Double-D Custom Jigs – Edinburg, VA: Don’t let the name fool you, Dwayne makes more than just jigs. This small, veteran owned operation makes soft plastics, crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater baits, and, yes, jigs. I currently have a very good looking bluegill lipless crankbait from him, as well as a few of the hybrid jigs (silicone and bucktail) and harvester rigs (skirted ned rigs). Check him out, there is some awesome looking stuff. I highly recommend the Shenandoah Sampler for the hyrbid jigs.
Lunker Lunch Baits – Harrisonburg, VA: Sam makes some fantastic looking baits in a small batch way. While some things are available at Rockingham Cooperative, send him a message on Facebook and he’ll get you on something good. Make sure to follow him on Instagram, as well, because some of his plastics look freakin’ amazing.
River Rock Custom Baits – Waynesboro, VA: This is a little bigger operation with a wide variety of soft plastics available to choose from. I’m particularly fond of their SM Killer for dropshotting in the Shenandoah and their tubes. I pick mine up at Dubby’s, usually, and they have their own custom color from this company.
Other Bait Companies
6th Sense: I love their jigs. If I’m not using one from Double-D, these are where I tend to look. Both their hybrid jigs and their swim jigs are awesome, as are their crankbaits. Seriously, give them a try.
Googan Baits: Okay, this may be a fad thing going on right now with the Googans (more on them, below), but these baits work.
Missile Baits: Okay, these guys are a big company, but they are also out of Salem, Virginia. So I am happy that such an awesome bait company is right up the road from me. I love their swimbaits, the Shockwave, both in the 3.5 and 4.5 inch varieties. Give them a try. Seriously.
Rods and Reels
This is one of those sections that could get a little long. Since all of these companies are well known, I’ll just talk a little about them instead of linking them all. Daiwa and Lews are my favorites for reels. Rods, I’m liking St. Croix Mojo Bass rods, though I really want to try out some Dobyn’s rods.
Shenandoah Angling 