Our Story
Bacon's Tackle
Believed to be one of the oldest tackle stores in the nation.
Living History
A Piece of Louisiana Fishing History
Bacon's Tackle has morphed over the years. It originally opened in 1926 as Bacon and Edwards in Shreveport, Louisiana (see timeline below) It is more than a place to buy fishing gear — it is a living piece of Louisiana fishing history.
Founded a century ago, this Shreveport staple has served generations of anglers, earning a reputation as one of the most trusted and authentic tackle shops in the region.
Same Family. Same Waters.
A Hundred Years on the Water
The store has been in the same family and has served the same waters — Cross Lake, Red River, Caddo Lake, Lake Bistineau, Toledo Bend — for a hundred years.
From weekend fishermen to seasoned bass anglers, customers come not just for the gear, but for the knowledge, experience, and tradition that define the shop. Customers who came here as kids now bring their own kids.
Behind the Counter
Meet the Owner
Michael Bacon
Owner & Tackle Maker
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.
The walls and shelves tell a story — stacked with decades of fishing history, local knowledge, and gear that has proven itself on the water.
What You'll Find Here
What You Won't Find at the Big Box
Hard-to-find terminal tackle. Live bait without driving to the lake. Reel repair done right. And the Real Frogskin Lures — a proprietary bait made here that has been catching fish in Northwest Louisiana longer than most fishermen have been alive.
The antique and vintage tackle on the walls is not decoration. It is a record.
A Hundred Years on the Water
Three generations. Same family. Same waters.
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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.
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1930's
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.
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1940's
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.
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1940
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.
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1960
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.
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1980's
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.
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1950s
A Local Institution
The fishing tackle became very popular being so close to Cross Lake. So they quickly added more along with hunting supplies. It became known as Bacon and Edwards
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1990s
The Frog Skin Lures
They once again expanded into over 10,000 sq ft adding huge plate glass display windows across the front and sides . They now stocked many different types of sporting goods, hardware and appliances. A customer could pay their bills and there was even a post office inside.
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Today
Still Run by Fishermen
Ben Bacon Sr (R. R. Bacon's son) opened Ridge Runner, Inc. and began manufacturing lures.
We are not going anywhere.
— Bacon's Tackle, since 1926