Shreveport, Louisiana
Bacon's Tackle
Est. 1926
Run by fishermen. For fishermen. Since 1926.
Inside the Shop
A Hundred Years In Shreveport
The walls and shelves tell their own story.
Our Signature
Real Frog Skin Lures
Handcrafted in Shreveport. Found nowhere else.
For decades, Michael Bacon has handcrafted these unique lures out of real frog skins from the bayous and swamps of Louisiana. Each unique natural covering is cured during a lengthy process to insure colorfastness and longevity. It is then applied with surgeon's skill over an aged pine blank and secured with specially-formulated, waterproof glues. After undergoing several secret steps, the plug is then assembled and hand-tested.
These frog skin lures stand as rare reminder of the pioneering era of fishing -a time when innovations were driven by real craftsmanship, imagination, and a deep understanding of the fish being pursued.
Collectors consider them among the most fascinating examples of early tackle-making history. Anglers from all over the country drive to Shreveport to purchase one of these rare lures that are not to be found any where else.
These lures have been certified by the State of Louisiana to be a true Louisiana product as well as cajun certified.
"Before plastic--before mass production--when every lure was crafted by hand and no two were alike"
Wear the Brand
Bacon's Off the Water
Hats, shirts, and merch worth wearing.
Since 1926
Bacon's Tackle and Bait Shop is more than a place to buy fishing gear-it's a living piece of Louisiana fishing history.
Founded in 1926 by R.R. Bacon and his brother-in-law, Sonny Edwards. It started out as a gas station in his mother in laws front yard on Greenwood Road ( Hwy 80). It soon was expanded to include fishing tackle, hunting equipment as well as hardware and appliances. It became known as "Bacon and Edwards" as well as a "Sportsmens Paradise". It served Shreveport in this area for many decades. In 1958,Ben Bacon Sr (R. R. Bacon's son) began a new company called Ridge Runner Lures and started manufacturing /shipping lures all over the world. In the 60's, he purchased the Flournoy Lucas building to manufacture his lures as well as to open another store (our current location).
At the heart of Bacon's Tackle now, is the third generation owner, Michael Bacon, who continues the family legacy with a deep passion for the craft. Known for his hands-on approach, Michael doesn't just sell tackle- he creates it. He is recognized for producing some of the only frog skin lures in the country, along with his custom hand painted baits that reflect both artistry and real world fishing performance.
Inside the shop, you will find a mix of hard-to-find lures, trusted staples, and one-of-a-kind pieces you wont see anywhere else. The walls and shelves tell a story-stacked with decades of fishing history, local knowledge, and gear that has proven itself on the water.
More than anything, Bacon's Tackle has always been a fisherman's shop-a place where advice matters, stories are shared, and every customer is treated like a regular. 100 years later, that same commitment continues: helping people find the right bait, the right setup, and the confidence to catch more fish!