McArdles Resort — Bait & Tackle in Bena, MN

Contact & hours

🚤Nearest public landings

DNR public water access sites closest to McArdles Resort — buy bait here, launch there.

• Lake Winnibigoshish, Reese Landing Public Water Access Site on Harry

  ~1.8 mi

  Carry-In · Natural · Directions ↗

  6 miles northwest of Bena, off West Winnie Road near Harry Lake bay.

• Lake Winnibigoshish, Richards Townsite Public Water Access Site on Winnibigoshish

  ~2.4 mi

  Trailer Launch · Concrete Slab · 1 dock · 20 trailer spaces · Directions ↗

  2.5 mi W of Bena on US Hwy 2, then 1.5 mi N on access road to SW shore.

What they carry

• Live bait
• Fishing licenses
• Boat rental / marina

Listed by the Minnesota DNR as an in-person license agent — a verified, currently operating fishing retailer. Inventory flags are based on the business type and name; for specific minnows or leech sizes, call first.

🐟Fish near here

• Winnibigoshish Lake~10 mi
• Cass Lake~13 mi
• Leech Lake~16 mi

Species in these waters: Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Crappie

🎣Gear to grab before you go

Things worth tossing in the cart while you're picking up bait here:

• Jig heads, 1/8–3/8 ozThe Minnesota walleye staple — tip with a minnow or leech.Shop at Amazon →
• Slip bobber kitLeech under a slip float on a reef — summer walleye 101.Shop at Amazon →
• Crawler harnesses / spinner rigsTroll a nightcrawler on deep structure in July and August.Shop at Amazon →
• 8 lb monofilament lineFresh line before the season — old mono loses jig-bite fish.Shop at Amazon →
• Wire or fluorocarbon leadersPike bite through mono. Every rig needs a leader.Shop at Amazon →
• Casting spoons (red/white, five of diamonds)Classic Minnesota pike hardware for weedlines.Shop at Amazon →