Owner Josh Taylor named his business Gator’s Bait Barn to honor Bill, the beloved reptile who lived at the original LeRoy’s Bait and Tackle until the store’s closing in 2022. Allison LaBrot / The C&S Media
A local staple for fishermen has been refreshed under new ownership. The building previously housing LeRoy’s Bait and Tackle is now Gator’s Bait Barn, rebuilt in 2025 by former customer Josh Taylor.
“I got my first fishing license here,” Taylor said as he recalled memories of fishing with his grandfather at the dam across the road from the bait and tackle store on Highway 78. Customers have shared similar stories during the store’s soft opening in January and the grand opening Feb. 7. Taylor said many have visited who were also introduced to the store by a grandparent and are now bringing their own children and grandchildren.
“I have three kids, so my goal in life would be just to pass this down to them and let them run it one day, and then have that generation start over again,” Taylor said.
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