You could try The Fishing Connection on 159th, just off Harlem a few blocks. It's a great shop with a great owner. I was just in there last night to pick up a few items. He is always up for a little conversation.

 

I hear you about the lack of bait stores around the SW side since Hookers, Dees, and now finally Ed Shirleys has closed. Although the Fishing Connection carries most bait selections, they do not carry minnows (at least they didn't the last time I was there) so you are out of luck for those. I remember seeing a bait/tackle store on Oak Park Ave. south of 159th last year, but I do not know the name of the store or even if it is open anymore for that matter.

 

BAIT

Hey try this one.Berwyn bait and tackle.#7084849760. On Oak park av + Ogden.
TightLines

 

the name of that store is freddie bear on about 174th & oak park ave in tinley. Yes they have all live bait including minnow, but i was looking for something even closer to the frankfort mokena area. Even if we could get some kind of live bait vending machine, i would pay a little more for the convienence. I have seen the vending machine at a few gas city. maybe he Mchenry would put some in frankfort/mokena for us south guys

 

Last summer, I was picking up crawlers and waxies at the Shell station at 143rd and Wolf. No minnows, though.

Maybe ask some gas stations around to carry bait?

 

Across from where Hookers was there is minnows for sale I cant remember the exect name of the store but the guy bought Hookers minnow tanks and sells them in the back room

 

Big Chains

This is the price we pay for purchasing at big chain stores- vending machines or no bait at all...

I know I am preaching to the choir...

 

Across from where Hookers was there is minnows for sale I cant remember the exect name of the store but the guy bought Hookers minnow tanks and sells them in the back room

Unless they changed policies since last year, they don't sell minnows in the winter.