Uncle Ken’s Bait & Tackle

Uncle Ken is the cat’s ass. Go here to get dead fish and frozen squid if you want to catch the lunkers.

I LOVE local color. And it doesn’t get much more local color than Uncle Ken’s, a small but mighty fisherperson’s paradise in New Bedford, home of bomb-​ass fishing. The neighborhood is so-​so, with local toughs hanging out at the packie across the street, but it’s all good. Ken’s is dimly lit by the one bank of florescent bulbs, but through the gloom you can see every form of hook and lure known to man! Ken’s also has bait up the ying-​yang, including sea clams and sea worms. To top it off, the guy in charge (Ken, I’m assuming) is a hell of a nice guy and was willing to trade fish stories for a bit. Local clientele ran the gamut from old guys to young guys, even to kids while I was in there. I love Uncle Ken’s, even down to the elderly soda machine in the corner.
Uncle Ken’s is CASH ONLY, so plan ahead. Luckily there’s an ATM across the street.