
Your Local Source for Fishing, Hunting & Archery in Newport News
Bait & Tackle | Boats | Archery & Range | Hunting Supplies
Wilcox Bait & Tackle has been a trusted name in outdoor supplies since 1954. Located in Newport News, VA, we’re proud to be a family-owned outfitter that helps anglers, hunters, and archery enthusiasts find exactly what they need. Whether you’re stocking up on live bait for your next trip, outfitting yourself with new fishing gear, or stepping onto our archery range, our team combines decades of knowledge with personal experience to guide you toward the right products and services.
Unlike big-box retailers, we live the lifestyle we sell. That means every rod, reel, or bow in our store has been carefully chosen because it meets the high standards of our own staff and customers. From dependable Alumacraft boats and compact Gheenoe skiffs to compound bows and premium lures, we only carry gear we know you can count on. When you step through our doors, you’re not just shopping—you’re gaining access to expert advice from people who fish, hunt, and shoot alongside you.

Premium Products & Hands-On Services
Our shop is more than a place to pick up supplies; it’s where outdoor adventures begin. Here’s a look at some of what we offer every day:
- Live Bait & Fishing Tackle: Fresh, healthy bait and a full lineup of rods, reels, and tackle to match any fishing style.
- Wholesale Bait & Tackle: Bulk purchasing options for retailers and organizations across the region.
- Archery Pro Shop: Sales, setup, and service for bows from the industry’s leading names.
- Archery Range Rentals: A full indoor range, perfect for practice, lessons, and leagues.
- Hunting Gear: From ammunition to accessories, we supply what hunters rely on.
- Boats: Alumacraft and Gheenoe boats designed for fishing, hunting, and exploring local waters.
- Personalized Service: Bow sizing, equipment instruction, and one-on-one guidance tailored to your needs.
Each section of our store is designed to give you confidence. Need help choosing the right bait for saltwater fishing? Want advice on setting up a new bow? Looking for a lightweight boat for shallow creeks? Our staff takes the time to ask questions, make suggestions, and show you how to use your gear so you get the most out of your purchase.
A Family Tradition Since 1954
Wilcox Bait & Tackle began as a small corner grocery store serving the Newport News community. Over the years, the Wilcox family shifted focus to what they loved most: helping others enjoy fishing, hunting, and archery. That passion turned into a full-service outfitter that now serves customers not just in Hampton Roads, but across the East Coast.
More than 65 years later, the same family values remain at the core of our business: treat every customer like a neighbor, stock the gear we personally trust, and provide service that goes far beyond the sale. Our reputation has been built on word of mouth from generations of anglers, hunters, and archers who rely on us before heading outdoors.
Archery Expertise You Can Trust
Owner Tom Wilcox and his team have developed one of the area’s most respected archery programs. As an authorized dealer and service center for leading brands like Mathews, Hoyt, and Bowtech, we’re equipped to set up, repair, and fine-tune bows for shooters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a hunter preparing for the season, a competitive archer training for the next match, or a newcomer learning the basics, our pro shop is ready to help.
Right across the street from our retail location, you’ll find our full-service archery range. Open for rentals, practice, and instruction, the range is a welcoming space where beginners and seasoned shooters can sharpen their skills. With leagues, JOAD programs, and hands-on coaching available, it’s more than a range—it’s a community for archers of all ages.
Stop in and See the Difference
When you’re planning your next fishing trip, gearing up for hunting season, or ready to take aim at the archery range, Wilcox Bait & Tackle is here to help. Our combination of premium products, knowledgeable staff, and community-driven service sets us apart from chain retailers and online shops.
Visit us in Newport News, give us a call at
757-595-5537, or drop by the shop to see what’s in stock today. At Wilcox Bait & Tackle, we’re more than a store; we’re your partner for every outdoor adventure.

Established in 1954 by Elmo and Mary Anne Wilcox with the premise that hard work, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service were the ingredients to a successful business model, Wilcox Bait and Tackle in Newport News, VA, evolved into the one-stop shop for all your hunting and fishing needs.
The current business, known not only in Tidewater but also up and down the East Coast, had a surprisingly humble beginning. After Elmo was laid off from the shipyard, Elmo and Mary Anne cashed in their life insurance policies valued at $400 each to purchase a family corner grocery store. Business was hard. Many of their customers couldn't pay, and Elmo and Mary Anne extended credit. But this didn't help them pay their bills.
Soon after, though, a wholesaler from Richmond would change their lives. He pulled up in a white van loaded down with fishing supplies. Elmo expressed interest but said he just didn't have the money to invest. The wholesaler offered to let them have $50 worth of supplies, and he said he'd come back next week to get the money for it. Amongst their first fishing inventory were hooks, floats, fishing lines, corks, and cane poles. Elmo said, "I bought those cane poles for 9 cents apiece and was able to sell them for 19 cents apiece, which was cheaper than all of our competition!"
Soon after, Elmo asked another gentleman if he could dig in his manure pile for worms. When the gentleman asked, "What in the world FOR?" Elmo confessed he wanted to sell them to support his new wife and new baby boy! The gentleman said that any man who was desperate enough to dig in a pile of manure for his family certainly deserved any money made from those worms! Next, Elmo and a friend, Albert Slade, began fishing for minnows in New Market Creek, and a minnow tank was added to the corner store.
The fishing business became more popular, and with that popularity came other traveling salespersons with bigger loaning power. Their store credit went from $50 a week to $10,000 a month, and the little grocery store changed locations to the current location at Center Avenue & Jefferson. The 2'x4' fishing tackle display was now converted into an entire floor with an expanded line including not just bait and tackle, but also guns, hunting supplies, canoes, and now, one of the most expansive archery lines available anywhere.
Today, the torch has been passed on to their son, Tom Wilcox, who eats, sleeps, and breathes hunting and fishing. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge. Not only did Tom inherit this major role in the family business, but he also inherited the work ethic that went along with it. People travel for miles to have Tom work on and service their archery equipment or set them up with the proper gear to catch that prized fish! Tom loves what he sells, and customers love the hands-on attention Tom gives when they make their first hunting or fishing purchase. Tom's forte and biggest interest is definitely in the archery line, and his knowledge is unsurpassed by anyone in the region. In addition, Tom is an authorized dealer and service center for most archery manufacturers, such as Mathews, Mission, Hoyt, Bowtech, and many more!
You can count on us for quality fishing & hunting supplies – call now on 757-595-5537