Key West Bait & Tackle — Local services in Key West

A little bit of old school cool remains across from the Raw Bar that I am thankful for.

Due to the unique nature of Key West the accumulation of history never stops moreso than other more seasonable places. But so much of Key West has been gentrified to the point it's almost unrecognizable with its heritage of the sea around it.

Wreckers, Forts, Turtles, Sponges, Railroads, The Navy, Tourists, Smugglers, Missiles, Shrimp boats, Fisherman, Free Thinkers , Authors, Treasure hunters, Singers & Song writers, Boom Times & Bust you feel a little of all that here.

KWB&T sorta shoves it's foot in the door of "progress" not letting the powers that be completely homogenize this little corner of the waterfront & erase the foundation of the Rock.

We've visited KW for over fifteen years now anywhere from one to three times a year and cherish those little legit, some people call holes in the wall places. They are often off the beaten path and give a destination character and charm while delivering needed goods and or services. Another local example would be The Chart Room, ya gotta know where to find it but when you do you say...yeah, that was cool.

Some call KW a drinking village with a fishing problem, well maybe so, but at least there is still a place where you can get both everything you need to fish AND a beer AND often a great story from one of the local streetside "philosophers".

At home we're farming small business people, We grind it out everyday just like the owners of this place. I sometimes call our business authentically flawed... not perfectly faux, you'll find that at this place too. It's no excuse to half-ass things, but sometimes a little less polish is good as long as the product & experience is spot on. In a world of AI being able to see, touch, smell, hear and just generally feel is so important.

Even if you don't fish, Get Off Duval stop by & grab a cold one, you'll be...

Can’t speak for the “bait & tackle” portion of this Key West landmark, but the “lounge” portion has my loyalty.

A beer & cash only bar, the “Live Bait Lounge” offers super bartenders & cheerful interactive customers, with only bar stools for maybe 6 customers. Then it’s standing room only.

The unique atmosphere of the “Live Bait Lounge” features a pay-it-forward blackboard where you can buy your pARTy Pal a beer BEFORE he shows up.

The person’s name & the number of drinks he has are tallied each time a drink is paid for in advance - some pARTy Pals have multiple drinks waiting for them.

I like that the “Live Bait Lounge” offers “Narragansett” beer - the southernmost I have seen this “Crush It Like Quint” beer.

If your like “local” bars, the “Live Bait Lounge” will not disappoint.

“Run-A-Way Bill” was here! ... and will...

Woman in Apparel section of shop very knowledgeable and friendly, Man in fishing tackle section very rude and talked down at my party and treated me with contempt when I came to him with questions. Purchased shirt from clothing section that completely fell apart after only 15 days and 3 times wearing the shirt. When I approached them on the possibility of a replacement they were unwilling to work with me at all. I'm not asking for handouts here, but I spent good money on a product which did not live up to my expectations of any normal shirt at all. I feel I have been cheated in this situation and wish they were willing to work with me in some way. If you want a guarantee of quality or durability please don't you may have to look elsewhere because as seen from my situation, they...