Bait Shop Initiative

The Bait Shop Initiative is a researched-based Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Outreach project that has been part of Wisconsin’s AIS Prevention strategy since 2011. As ‘trusted spokespeople’ bait shop staff are turned to by anglers for all sorts of local fishing information, including impacts of species like zebra mussels or Eurasian watermilfoil. Members of the AIS Lakes Monitoring and Protection Network (LMPN) and lake organizations can conduct local outreach to anglers by contacting bait shop owners and managers to help get the word out to prevent the spread of AIS. The shops are provided materials in formats requested by the original shop owners, managers, and staff who participated in the research through focus groups, on-site visits and surveys.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to find out how to participate, search ‘Aquatic Invasive Species Contacts’ on the WNDR website or click on the link on the right side of the WDNR Bait Shop Initiative webpage. If you do not have an AIS Coordinator assigned to your county, please contact DNRAISinfo@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-0061 for assistance.