In the early morning hours at Montrose Point, a small, green wood-paneled shack known as Park Bait comes to life.
Stacey Greene, the owner and a lifelong member of the Park Bait family, opens the doors at 4 a.m. with a sense of purpose.
She checks long, shallow tanks filled with minnows and crawfish, ensuring they are ready for the steady stream of anglers that visit throughout the day.
Claiming the title of the oldest bait shop in Chicago, Park Bait has been a staple for fishing enthusiasts in the city since it was established in 1935.
Originally half the size it is now, the business was purchased by Greene’s father, Willie Greene, in 1958.
At that time, Willie personally caught all the bait he sold, establishing a familial tradition that Greene has continued.
The interior of Park Bait is adorned with a colorful array of fishing hooks, lures, and rods, showcasing the vibrant world of fishing equipment.
Customers range from long-time patrons sharing nostalgic stories of family visits to brand new faces seeking to connect through the shared love of fishing.
Greene creates meaningful connections with her clients, often hearing stories like, ‘My dad brought me here,’ or ‘My grandpa brought me here.’
One memorable customer, who has been visiting since she was just 7 years old, recently brought her fiancé to the shop, representing the generational bond that Greene cherishes.
While the loyalty of her customer base has endured, Greene has faced challenges due to changes in the ecosystem of Lake Michigan, which affect the fish populations.
As invasive species like alewife multiply, fish and game officials have introduced new species, such as salmon, altering the fishing landscape.
Adapting to these changes is key for Greene, who acknowledges the ever-changing needs of her customers.
‘We get in the way a lot, but we’ve learned to adapt and change with the fish,’ Greene said.
Each day at Park Bait brings its own surprises — one of them being the claim that it is the oldest continuously running retailer on Park District property, a fact that Greene hasn’t fully verified.
Her husband, Brian Fenlon, has been by her side at the shop for 24 years.
He notes that while many aspects of the business remain the same, the internet has significantly shifted how customers purchase tackle and gather information.
With the rise of YouTube, local fishers often try new techniques and reach out to the shop with questions that may require online research for answers.
‘Everybody does something different in every lake,’ Fenlon said, highlighting the diverse fishing styles that he encounters.
For the North Side fishing community, Park Bait remains a go-to destination by the lakefront.
The shop’s website features daily fishing reports, guiding local anglers who are eager to get out on the water.
Blake Jafari, a resident of Lakeview, echoes the sentiments of many when he says, ‘I go there like once every few weeks.
There really isn’t anywhere else to go.’
As Park Bait celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, Greene contemplates the future of the family business.
While she has not yet decided if she will pass the shop onto her son or seek a new owner upon retiring, she reflects on her own longevity in the business.
‘I’m getting old,’ Greene remarked, expressing uncertainty about how many more years she can continue this labor of love.
However, her hope remains strong, as she aspires to take Park Bait to its centennial mark.
‘That’d be kind of cool,’ she said, envisioning the milestone ahead.
image source from：blockclubchicago
