Bait shop celebrating 20th anniversary

| March 3, 2020

John “Smoke” Sikora’s bait shop is located in the garage behind his home at 309 N. 11th St. in Coshocton. (Josie Sellers)

In 2000 John “Smoke” Sikora decided to turn his dream of running a bait shop into a reality. A little bit of green paint and three shelves later Smoke’s Bait Shop was born.

The shop recently opened for its 20th season in the garage behind Sikora’s home at 309 N. 11th St., two houses behind Crowtown Pizza’s former location in Coshocton.

“I never dreamed I’d have my bait shop for 20 years, but it’s grown,” he said.

With the help of Sikora’s friend Roger Tubbs of Mansfield, he is able to stock a variety of items to help fishermen land a big catch.

“We have everything you want to go fishing,” Sikora said. “If you want to catch a bass, I have bait to help you get it. I’m here to help the fishermen.”

Some of his stock includes jig heads of all sizes, twister tails (50 colors), wide variety of bass baits, and a wide selection of Venom Lures.

“My baits have gone everywhere,” Sikora said. “They’ve been to Canada, Lake Erie, down south, and all the lakes around here. Bass club members come in and let me know what they are catching, and we talk about what they are getting their bites on.”

He even has a wall of honor for his customers.

“If you catch a big fish I’ll put your picture up and you can show it off to your buddies,” Sikora said. “I’m here to work with people and treat them right.”

Sikora encourages fishermen to stop by and look at this shop or call 740-622-3341 for an appointment.

“Come and get bit,” he said.

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Category: Business

About the Author ()

I started my journalism career in 2002 with a daily newspaper chain. After various stops with them, I am happy to be back home! I graduated from Coshocton High School in 1998 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2002 from Walsh University. I also earned several awards while working for daily papers, including being honored by Coshocton County’s veterans for the stories I wrote about them. I am honored and ready to once again shine a positive light on Coshocton County. I also am the proud mother of a little girl named Sophia!

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