John&#x27;s Bait &amp; Tackle

0.6 mi

Great place for sunsets! The views over by the boathouse on the right side where the field is or on…read morethe pier seems like it is always annoyed or obstructed in a way by those poles placed on the rocks. Why are they even there? I guess for visibility purposes for those on the water, but seems silly

Great place to take in the scenery of Lake Erie and launch your boat or personal watercraft!…read more There's ample parking and it's always packed during the warmer months. The entrance is right at the end of an intersection, so traffic can be a pain sometimes, but luckily I live within walking distance! They also have a fishing pier and there's Miller Park right next door with a mini beach and picnic areas. It's a great place to get some fresh (sometimes fishy) air and listen to the Jet Skis zoom by.

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Walker Road Park

4.2 mi

Walker Road Park is great! It's located in Avon Lake right at the border of Bay Village. It's…read morecomprised of mainly a bunch of soccer fields and a large fishing lake. There's a nice paved asphalt biking/jogging path along with restrooms and a water fountain. It's great for families and there's ample parking available. Take in some fresh air and stop by for some fishing or just for a walk along the path with your cat or loved one.

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Fishing pond

French Creek Reservation

4.9

(8 reviews)

4.0 mi

Now that the Covid restrictions have been lifted there is lots to do in the nature center area…read more They have a photo op area with a kayak setup and pretend fish to catch. The animal area now has interactive exhibits. Lots for kids to learn about wildlife, water pollution, etc. they even have a history of ship building of Lorain with some fun exhibits on display. The kids play area is also now open with water table play, things to climb, puzzles and bird watching. Great for families!

We love nature walks and this is one of my favorites. The paths are easy to walk and the trees…read moreare lush. You can hear the stream from many of the trails. There are benches along the way if you wish to rest and take in the beauty. Other than squirrels and a few birds, I haven't seen much wildlife, but the greenery is enough to please me.

Climbing area in play room

Playground

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Northgate Park

3.1 mi

The park is just okay and if you observe the children they seem to get bored quickly. There is a…read morelarge pavilion with grills, a large biking and walking trail, and a small lake to go fishing. There are also many stations of workout equipment set up along the trail which is a nice touch. In the middle of it all is a man-made hill where children bike down in summer and sled down in winter. My only complaint would be that there are no restrooms, geese poop and geese are everywhere, and the lake is a little swampy. Additionally, there is always a little graffiti on the equipment, but that is always addressed.

Nice new bathrooms!

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Erie Outfitters

1.2 mi

If your looking for Chrome this is the place for you. Craig can get you what you need and put you…read moreon the fish. This is the only place I go when I'm going for Steelhead.

Best place on Lake Erie to purchase tackle and get information. Craig is a knowledgeable individual…read moreand honest. Highly recommend shopping with erie outfitters

Great Lakes Fly Fishing

1.7 mi

Incredible day on the water! Our guide put us on trophy smallmouth bass all day long and knew…read moreexactly where the fish were. Professional, knowledgeable, and worked hard to make sure everyone caught fish. We landed a ton of smallmouth and had an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend--Already Booked for Next June! Thanks Jeff.

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Wildwood Anglers

86.7 mi

Just got off of the Maumee River with Hunter, great experience! I opted for a shorter 2 hour trip…read morefor something of a refresher course. Hunter contacted me within a few days of making a deposit and kept in constant contact while waiting out the weather and my work schedule. We met at the selected time and place and after some brief conversation we headed to the river. River fishing is very new to me. We talked how how to wade safely especially on the slippery and muddy conditions and how to safely wade unfamiliar water. We got started by Hunter evaluating my rig then watched my casting offering tips and suggestions throughout. We discussed different methods from streamers to nymphing as well as how to fish riffles or not. All in all I feel I got a tremendous amount of info from an experienced angler that I could ask questions as they came up and not just a YouTube video. The best advice though was to get out and do it! I felt as if I was fishing with my brother! Thanks Hunter!

Much needed fly shop for the local area. Flies flies flies!!! Finally a place to talk Zonkers,…read moreNymphs, Buggers and Muddlers with guys who live the business.

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West River Paddle Sports

(13 reviews)

17.0 mi

Slightly hard to locate, but all positive once we did. Parking is up on a hill and then you walk…read moredown to the kayaks. They have porta potties. We got kayaks for an hour and enjoyed our time on them. The river was busy with lots of fishing boats, but we were fine. The worker helped her out kayaks in and out of the water.

We are batting .1000 with this establishment. We were the first group out and Cole was amazing…read moreabout getting us kicked off and was a very polite and professional young man. The river was perfect and this place gets all my recommedations.

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Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

4.4

(33 reviews)

5.9 mi

Nice facility. Seemed to be ideal for children's programs. We walked around and saw tanks with…read morefrogs, turtles, fish, and a snake. Outside were caged areas for rescued raptors, including an Eagle. Renovations plans will turn the outdoors into a larger area for viewing. Lots of parking. Handicapped accessible.

Amazing museum located in Bay Village, Ohio. We visited here for an evening planetarium show on the…read morenight sky. So glad we did. The staff members were wonderful. It was our first time visiting, and they were very helpful. Really enjoyed the planetarium show. Very informative. The staff member who led the show did an awesome job. Great projection system at this planetarium. We will definitely visit here again soon!

Info on the planets

Inside the planetarium

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Sign

Huntington Beach

(46 reviews)

6.0 mi

Huntington Beach has changed quite a bit in the last 20 years - and in many ways it's improved for…read morethe kids and families who visit. Very intentional signage, recreation / playground, swing bench seating, and restroom facilities all make the beach-going experience better. Huntington Beach has less of a crowd in the Winter, but it is just as alluring a Summertime visits. Huntington Beach is directly across the street from the local forest and nature center (part of the Cleveland MetroParks).

Finally made it to the beach. I'd heard good things and the trip was worth it. Wide beach. Clean…read moresand. Big rocks to climb and sit on. This beach is not like Headwaters, but it's nice. We took the long steps to get to and from the beach. This is below a nice park with newer restrooms and playground. Lots of parking. There was a long mat on the beach for handicapped walkers, strollers and wheelchairs, but I don't know how to access that. Was on the east end of the beach.

Huntington Beach in the Winter

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Fore Corners Mini Golf

4.8

(9 reviews)

17.3 mi

Great place to play mini golf. The course is well kept and the vibe is nice. I got a hole in one on…read morethe last hole, first time visiting.

This is, by far, the most well kept mini golf course we have ever played! It was exceptionally…read moreclean, including the water features. The carpet was in tiptop shape. The music was pleasant. Landscaping was perfect and while we are nearing the end of season, flowers & bushes were blooming nicely. The course, while not too difficult, was challenging enough. We love it here!!

Great water features and landscaping.

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Water Works Family Aquatic Center

3.5

(24 reviews)

39.7 mi

We had a blast, worth the price if you plan to spend the whole day there or at least 3+ hours. Food…read moreon site, chairs to lounge in and plenty of things to do based on age.

It's is nice for all kids, it's clean and safe. The staff is horribly rude and and bitchy. For the…read morehigh cost of swimming they should at least have some customer service experience.

One of the slides.

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Long lazy river

Splash Zone Aquatic Center

3.5

(8 reviews)

17.9 mi

Here's a clean, readable Yelp-style review that keeps your experience intact but flows more…read moresmoothly and sounds polished: First Visit to Splash Zone - Overland, Ohio This was my first visit to Splash Zone in Overland, Ohio. Registration is a bit of a process. You first have to create a profile through the Lorain County Metro Parks system, then return to the Splash Zone site to register for a specific program on a designated day and time. Once registered, the system shows your cost--mine initially showed $0. I arrived about 30 minutes early on the morning of my class, which turned out to be helpful because I had to re-register in person. After completing that, I was told there would normally be a $3 fee due to my SilverSneakers account. However, the woman at the front desk kindly let me attend for free that day, explaining that future visits would be $3. Since I'd never been there before, I had to navigate through several locker and pool areas. There are multiple pools separated by glass dividers with automatic doors--someone shared a helpful tip that the small black box above the door shows which side to stand on to trigger it. The instructor came in without much of an introduction, set up a small carry-on-size speaker, put on her headset, and began the class. The workout was aqua Tabata (a Japanese-style interval workout): 20 seconds of fast-paced movement followed by 10 seconds of rest. The class lasted 45 minutes. I stayed for about 30 minutes, choosing to leave early since shower space is limited and I like to be considerate of others. The workout itself was excellent, and being in the water felt really good. The showers, however, were not great--hair on the floor and a general "public park" feel, even at 10:30 a.m. I was glad I wore water shoes. On the plus side, the water temperature and the very hot shower afterward were appreciated. The instructor mentioned that this is her business and encouraged people to connect on Facebook (with a profile photo), and it's clear she's very talented. Overall, despite a few logistical and cleanliness issues, I'd go back again--and next time, I'd happily pay the $3 when I'm in town.

this experience was not the best. it could've been better. all of it was great except this one…read morelifeguard Lucas. My daughter who is eight years old, was going on the slide the whole time. Then the lifeguard switched a bunch of times. She was able to go on the side all those times. And she was tall enough all those times also. And then there lifeguard who didn't let her and said she was too short. I let him know that she was a really strong swimmer and that she could touch the bottom of the pool. There was this one kid who was in line in front of her and he let her go was the same height as my daughter. And then the lifeguard Lucas said my daughter was too short. Even if she was the same as other girl that went in front of her. Her hair was what was making her taller. And he said the hair on her head counts. So I put my daughter's hair up in a bun and he said well that doesn't . She cannot go on the slide. That is what got on my nerves. We will not be going back to splash zone again if it has anything to do with that lifeguard.

I went for aqua aerobics. These signs were on the wall for motivation.

Main pool.

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Ew- hair in the shower.

Christmas Run Park

48.6 mi

This is a great park. Lots of fun stuff to keep children entertained for a long time. Swings, zip…read moreline types, musical instruments, slides, comfortable seating, large rocks, and even a concession stand (not open today but that's ok.) Lots of ways to engage children to use their minds and their bodies.

christmas run park is one of the two best parks in wooster, imho. (freedlander park on the north…read moreend of town is the other.) at christmas run, you will find a kickass playground, tennis courts, short hiking trails, a stream and pond (some people even go fishing), ducks, and a swimming pool. they hold some really fun community events here like art in the park and the kiwanis strawberry social.

Lots of fun activities for the children to use their imaginations and use physical strength.

My reaction to this place

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Steven J.

8 years ago

I went to Johns on the recommendation of the (Owner) of Lake Erie Outfitters.... Because LEOF had No minnows.... And said he was sold out 2 days prior and would not get them in for 2 more days !!!! John's Minnows were Great !!!!! just the right size for Perch Fishing ( not creek chubs) and lasted for 5 days in my minnow bucket (with out) a 's Bubbler to give them extra air.... I Recommend John's He was very friendly and knew where the perch were !!!!! read more

John's Bait & Tackle - fishing - Updated August 2026

People who viewed John's Bait & Tackle also viewed

Shine's Live Bait

4.5

Found this bait shop near Lake Erie recently. I was looking for some basic bait for casting from…read morethe rocks. I bought some nightcrawlers for $4.00 and paid cash. It was pretty busy, so I had to wait in a short line to buy. It's nice to see a proper bait shop. They sell rods, reels, and other fishing tackle. They have different types of live bait. If you're going fishing in Lake Erie, this bait shop is a must visit.

I stopped in here to grab some minnows one afternoon. The shop is nice even though the smell of…read morefish and bait permeate the air. It is small, but they have all of the necessary gear to fish Lake Erie or to head down to your local pond. I was disappointed with the minnows. They were very small and not hearty at all. I had a bucket with aerator and they didn't even last a few hours. I have had minnows from other shops in those buckets for a few days at a time. All in all, however, it is one of the only options in the area.

Great Lakes Kayaking

Very nice and helpful owner. Super fair prices. Ideal place for beginners to start because their…read moreshop is not directly at the lake but still close enough to easily reach it.

Bait Shop at Emerald Necklace Marina

3.5

While they do not stay open as late as I would like, they are the only place in the area that sells…read morelive minnows (besides rosy reds at pet stores) unless you want to take the drive out to North Ridgeville, and they are sold at an extremely reasonable price. They also have one of the best varieties of dead baits though I myself do not care for using them due to not having much luck. Their hard bait selection is a bit lackluster but they have a very small space to work with and the location does not lend itself very well to hard baits unless one is going on a boat. Great little store though and am very pleased with the service and products I purchase every time I go.

I was really really excited to have Honey Hut ice cream and a little snack after our walk through…read morethe metroparks! The store is great, and there were many lively minows to pick from! We experienced mostly friendly staff, and enjoyed some tasty pizza, unfortunately we developed food poisoning like symptoms once we got home We would probably go back.... Maybe just for ice cream next time though.

Erie Outfitters

If your looking for Chrome this is the place for you. Craig can get you what you need and put you…read moreon the fish. This is the only place I go when I'm going for Steelhead.

Best place on Lake Erie to purchase tackle and get information. Craig is a knowledgeable individual…read moreand honest. Highly recommend shopping with erie outfitters

Bad Boy Bait, Tackle & Archery

The staff at Bad Boys is extremely knowledgeable about where the fish are biting and what bait is…read morebest for catching them! They have handmade local tackle as well as the big name brands available. My crew always stops at Bad Boys before a day on the lake!

good place good storage for fall brawl at a reasonable price! The service was great people are…read moreawesome!

Moes Marine Service

There may be less expensive boat tours in the Vermilion area, but Tom gave us a great time. As the…read moreelectric boat quietly cruised through the Vermilion River, he gave us a history lesson of the area and its development. Along the way we saw ducks, geese, herons and other birds aside from the water and the canal communities. He answered all of our questions about the area and his life there so it's a great tour for curious fans of history. The facility is nothing to write home about (though the available bathroom was clean), but the boat was comfortable and covered us from direct sunshine. Recommended.

Grumpy's Bait Bucket

No one here is grumpy. Staff is very friendly! Cost $2 to drop in with a kayak. Make sure you pet…read morethe dog!!

Couldn't help but stop at a place called Grumpy's, but alas, they were closed. Was hoping for an…read moreattitude adjustment. Still, another notch on my visit to Lorain. Such a lovely spot for worms & maggots, I can't imagine being grumpy here.

Lake Erie Charter Service

This marks our second engagement with Lake Erie Charter Services, and on both occasions, the…read moreexperience has been exceptional. The team consistently demonstrated a high level of responsiveness to our requirements. We encourage clients to arrive with a positive disposition, prepared for an enjoyable experience.

Captain Tom was an incredible host. Superb boat and equipment coupled with years of experience on…read moreLake Erie led to a phenomenal experience. The weather was a little "iffy" when we went out, but Tom kept us safe by putting us on fish near the harbor till the storm passed, then took us out farther where we slayed the walleye! We'll return- highly recommend using Tom if you're looking to fill your ice chest with walleye!

Great Lakes Fly Fishing

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