Roots of a Legacy
In 1932, Bill Ingles and his stepfather John Yell opened Yell’s Bait Shop in Whitehall during the height of the Great Depression. This marked the beginning of a legacy that would span multiple generations and continue to this day. As Gary Ingles, the son of Bill and current owner of Wiggly Worm Bait Supply, recalls, they used to pick the worms, take garden soil, and use the tomato soup can that they ate the tomato soup the day before to create the bait.
- They used to pick the worms, take garden soil, and use the tomato soup can that they ate the tomato soup the day before to create the bait.
- This early method of making bait was a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of the Ingles family during a difficult time.
The Family Business
Bill Ingles sold mostly live bait like worms and small fish before his son took over in 2006. Gary Ingles expanded the shop’s offerings to include fishing equipment like poles and tackle. The shop may not look like much from the outside, but it is decorated top to bottom in taxidermy, including a bear and an Alaskan wolf.
“This is bunny fur that my mother had in the house when I was 10 years old. I brought this out and this bear fur, so the kids could pet it. Then everybody liked what I was doing about teaching the kids, helping them out,” Gary Ingles said.
A Tradition of Community Service
Ingles also hands out what he calls “lucky bobbers” to kids who come in. The bobbers are run-of-the-mill red and white fishing floats, but what makes them lucky is the raised Wiggly Worm logo printed on them. Across from the entrance, large white tubs are stocked with baitfish, which Ingles scoops himself.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Wiggly Worm Bait Supply is open year-round. |
| 3-4 times a week | Ingles casts his own line. |
A Passion for Fishing and Family
Ingles says he isn’t in the bait and tackle business for the money. “I put 12 to 15 hours a day in, every day. It’s a passion, it’s a love and like you say, you see those kids smiling and happy when they leave, they’re gonna go fishing, they’re gonna learn about the outdoors and I’m lucky that I’m able to help them do that,” he said.
A Family Affair
Ingles says he isn’t in the bait and tackle business for the money. Wiggly Worm Bait Supply is a testament to the power of family and community. It is a place where generations have come together to share a passion for fishing and the outdoors.
Conclusion
The legacy of Wiggly Worm Bait Supply continues to be felt in Saratoga County. It is a place where the past and present come together to create a sense of community and connection. As Gary Ingles said, “It’s more about the kids and about the families that have been helping us and been coming in here for generations.
