The Bait Shack

Go fishing right in Anchorage! Thanks to The Bait Shack, even if you only have a few hours, you can rent a gear package and go angling downtown on Ship Creek. Have more time? Their guides can bring you to areas just outside of Anchorage, or you can rent gear and go on your own to recommended spots throughout the state.

Rent Gear or Book a Guide

Come to The Bait Shack—the only bait and tackle shop on Ship Creek—specializing in the right equipment you need to be successful landing a dream catch. Loaded with all the rods, reels, as well as waders and tackle; you can also buy bait and fishing licenses. Fishing on Ship Creek is super-convenient, but you can also take the fishing gear anywhere you’re headed around the state. Not sure where to go? Ask the owner, Dustin, for a recommendation and he’ll point you in the right direction based on the fish that you want to catch and the time of year.

New to fishing? The Bait Shack offers guided services, too, for hot spots all over the Anchorage Bowl, south on the Kenai Peninsula, and north into the MatSu Valley. You’re only limited by how far you want to travel, and how much time you have!

In addition to Dustin, other local guides and avid fisherman can accompany you on a fishing outing, catered to the type of fish you’re after and the time of year. In summer, most guided fishing trips are centered around fishing for salmon, while in winter, ice fishing is the focus. Whatever your focus, guides will take you to the best spots.

Call Dustin in advance to talk through what you want to fish for and how much time you have, and he’ll give you a quote for a complete guided trip that incudes gear, guide, and license.

About The Bait Shack

Owner Dustin Slinker is a U.S Army Veteran, Bronze Star awardee, and Purple Heart recipient who founded The Bait Shack on Ship Creek in 2011. He grew up fishing in Indiana and always dreamed of owning a bait shop. He fell in love with Alaska when stationed here at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in 2006. He loved to escape to the banks of Ship Creek, in downtown Anchorage, just 10 minutes from his home. Since fishing opens at the creek at 6 a.m., he could run down, catch a fish, and be back before breakfast. When it was time to transition out of the Army, an opportunity to acquire this shop presented itself, and he jumped on it.