Gator's Bait Barn

Gator's Bait Barn is a bait shop in Wylie, TX, located at 4013 N State Hwy 78, suite 101. It holds a rating of 4.7 based on 464 reviews.

The business carries on the legacy of LeRoy's Bait & Tackle, which LeRoy Hoffard and his wife opened in 1961 on Highway 78 near Lake Lavon. For decades, the shop served as a community hub for North Texas anglers. A baby alligator found along the Trinity River became a famous resident named Bill. Bill grew to over 8 feet and became a local legend, attracting visitors from across Texas who traveled to see him. The shop eventually received a special permit to keep him. In 2023, Josh Taylor took ownership and rebuilt the space from the ground up. He installed new tanks and stocked fresh gear while preserving the shop's spirit. The store was renamed Gator's Bait Barn to honor Bill's legacy.

Gator's Bait Barn provides fresh live bait, including minnows, live eels, catfish bait, and night crawlers kept in aerated tanks. The shop stocks fishing tackle, rods, reels, boating essentials, and clothing such as tees and hats. Customers can purchase Texas fishing licenses and lottery tickets in-store. Food trucks with hot food are on-site daily. The shop serves anglers fishing Lake Lavon, Ray Hubbard, and Tawakoni. Some gear can be ordered online and shipped directly to customers.

The business offers a discount for veterans who mention their service upon arrival. Josh Taylor ensures every product on the shelves is something he would use himself. He built the store with his own hands and heart. The grand opening in 2025 drew over 250 people, marking a new chapter for the Wylie fishing community.

Store hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Hours may change seasonally. The shop is open in Wylie, TX.

Gator's Bait Barn sits on N State Hwy 78 in Wylie, TX, just 72 meters from North State Highway 78. The shop is located about 0.6 miles from Wylie East Road and roughly 1.1 miles from Avalon Park.

The business holds a perfect 100 out of 100 for Schema & Structure score, measured by SEOScanPRO. This strength ensures that AI assistants and search engines can clearly understand what the business is and what it offers. It also achieves a perfect 100 out of 100 for Performance score, measured by SEOScanPRO. This high speed keeps visitors on the page and serves as a factor in search engine ranking.