Montrose Harbors Park Bait Has Been A Mecca For Chicago Anglers For 90 Years

Park Bait, a Chicago fishing bait shop established in 1935, remains a crucial resource for local anglers, with Stacey Greene at the helm since 1958. The store, located at 600 W. Montrose Ave. , has a rich history and fosters generational connections with customers who share their family stories. Greene adapts to changes in Lake Michigan's fish populations, working to meet the evolving demands of her clientele.

Her husband, Brian Fenlon, observes that the internet has transformed how customers engage with the shop, allowing for more informed purchases. Park Bait also offers daily fishing reports on its website, reinforcing its importance to the fishing community. Greene faces uncertainty about the future of the business, contemplating whether to pass it to her son or find a new owner as she nears retirement. She expresses a desire to celebrate the shop's 100th anniversary, which would mark a significant milestone for the community. The shop's longevity and adaptability underscore its role as a beloved fixture on the North Side of Chicago.