Got Bait?
Got Tackle?

Come to Portside where the service is friendly, the coffee is strong, and the fish tales are many – and where you’ll probably run into lots of other folks meeting and talking about what’s happening on Mille Lacs.

Portside has the largest selection and highest quality live bait in the area. Carrying Rainbows, Shiners, Fat Heads, Crappie and Sucker Minnows, as well as waxies, larva, night crawlers and leeches. We stock the live bait and all the tackle you need to be successful on the lake year round.

“Trail Side: Home of the Live Nude Minnows for Hire”

Matthew Kabrud, a passionate fisherman and dedicated community member, took over Trailside Convenience, Bait and Tackle on January 19, 2022, from its previous owner, DeeAnn Kacon, who successfully ran the business for over 13 years. Born in Buffalo, Minnesota, and a McGrath local for 28 years, Matthew, at 30 years old, has realized his dream of owning a bait shop. Trailside is not just a bait shop but a community hub offering gas, a variety of hot and cold foods renowned for their quality, live bait, tackle, propane, DNR licensing, and even a tire shop.

Apart from his business, Matthew is actively involved in ‘Wheel House Warriors’, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, with many activities centered around Mille Lacs.

Trailside recently celebrated the installation of a 100 ft flagpole, a proud symbol for the community, showcasing a magnificent 20 x 38 feet flag. Embracing a unique sense of humor, the shop’s motto is “Trail Side: Home of the Live Nude Minnows for Hire.”