For a while, there was uncertainty regarding the future of Little Jim Bait and Tackle in Fort Pierce. The lease for this beloved bar, restaurant, and bait shop was set to expire at the end of February 2025; however, the City of Fort Pierce, which owns the property, is allowing Little Jim Bait and Tackle to continue its lease on a month-to-month basis.
History of Little Jim Bait and Tackle
Located on North Hutchinson Island, the current owners of Little Jim Bait and Tackle have been operating this popular food, drink, and tackle shop since 2019. Although located on just under an acre of land, Little Jim Bait and Tackle is a big part of the Fort Pierce community. Throughout the years, the city has collected $2,600 in monthly rent from the establishment; however, the monthly costs experienced by Fort Pierce were around $7,600 per month in order to keep the air-conditioned restrooms in operation.
A Community Staple
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Visitors to Little Jim Bait and Tackle feel the welcoming vibe as soon as they arrive. From the commemorative wall decorated with license plates of military veterans to water views galore, this food and drink spot is a unique restaurant/bar/tackle shop all rolled into one inviting destination. Locals and visitors alike come to Little Jim Bait and Tackle for cold beer and music acts as well as live bait for their day’s fishing excursion. Patrons can relax at umbrella-shaded picnic tables and take in the lovely water views while sipping refreshing lime margaritas and snacking on blackened mahi tacos and peel-and-eat shrimp. If you are in the Fort Pierce area, you know that Little Jim Bait and Tackle is an iconic spot to visit.
The Future for Little Jim Bait and Tackle
For now, Little Jim Bait and Tackle will operate on a month-to-month lease and pay all of its expenses, including the cost of operating the air-conditioned restrooms. Should the city decide to accept bids on the property, it will provide a 30-day notice to the owners of Little Jim Bait and Tackle. If this time arrives, the restaurant and tackle shop will be able to submit its own bid on the property. The City of Fort Pierce did add that any future bidder on the property will have to secure flood mitigation if their bid is accepted.
