Our Story
Bacon's Tackle
Believed to be one of the oldest tackle stores in the nation.
Behind the Counter
Meet the Owner
Michael Bacon
Owner & Lure Designer/Artist
Michael continues the family legacy with a deep passion for the craft. Known for his hands-on approach, he 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 custom hand-painted baits that reflect both artistry and real-world fishing performance.
Michael grew up with all the area fishing pioneers (Smithwick, Cordell, Creme, Bill Lewis, etc) and has a wealth of knowledge about the fishing industry. He also is an avid collector of antique/vintage fishing tackle and offers free appraisals for old tackle gear.
1926
The Doors Open
Bacon's Tackle has morphed over the years. In 1925, Ruben Rawls Bacon (Michael Bacon's grandfather) and his brother-in-law, Sonny Edwards, originally opened a gas station in Ruben's mother-in-law's front yard on the corner of Velva & Greenwood Road in Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1926, they added some fishing tackle, thus beginning a century long tradition of serving the fisherman of North Louisiana.
1930's
Bacon and Edwards-A Sportsmen's Paradise
Cross Lake in Shreveport was created and filled in December 1926 when the dam's spillway gates closed. The gas station/store was very close to Cross Lake. So fishing tackle sales grew rapidly. The gas station was quickly expanded to add more fishing gear and hunting gear. It became known as "Bacon and Edwards" - Sportsmens Paradise.
1940's
Ruben R. Bacon and "Sonny" Edwards
Ruben was born in Texas and was a coppersmith for the steam locomotives. He moved to Shreveport in the 1920' s. He married Martha "Bennie" Edwards and went in partnership with her brother, Hartwell Meadows "Sonny" Edwards.
1950's
More Expansion
An artchitect firm (Wiener/Flaxman we think) was hired to completely transform the Texaco Gas Station and expand the building once again. Huge plate glass windows were installed on front and sides of building which completely transformed it into more of a department style store. Customers could pay all of their utilities here and could now shop for all types of sporting goods as well as hardware, paint, appliances, and jewelry. A post office station was also added in the 50's. Ben Bacon (Ruben's son) had graduated from college and began helping/managing the store during this time.
1950's- 1960's
Bacon and Edwards Interior
Check out the massive gar at the top of the picture along with the 20 ft python behind it. This was a python that traveled with the state fair. Back then , the state fair stayed in Shreveport duirng winter and the snake died. The head people of the fair gave it to Ruben Bacon. He had Harry Lawler (relatives of current Lawler Auctions) to taxidermy it. The python is now displayed in the current store. The interior also featured a fossilized stone fireplace den area where people sat around to tell fish tales. Also featured in the side picture is a window display of Johnson outboard motors.
1960's con't
Ridge Runner Lures, Inc.
In 1958, Ben Bacon Sr (Ruben Bacon's son) launched Ridge Runner Lures Inc. and began manufacturing all different types of lures on the second floor of Bacon and Edwards store. The baits he designed were called Ol'Ben's Baits. This pic is a catalog of some of the lures that were made.
1980's
1990's
Bacon Bullfrog Bait Co. Established
2000's - Current
Bacon's Tackle
Bacon's Tackle (under the leadership of Michael Bacon) carries on the family tradition and is now celebrating 100 years in Shreveport, LA. Bacons stocks all types of live bait including their very hard-to-find catawba worms. It also stocks current tackle as well as vintage/antique tackle.
We are not going anywhere.
— Bacon's Tackle, since 1926