Machias Outdoors

Machias Outdoors in South Wales, New York is primarily a sporting goods and outdoor recreation store — covering firearms, archery, hunting, and camping — but it also serves the local freshwater fishing community with live bait, tackle, and fishing gear. Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable staff who can speak to specific fishing needs and refer customers to the right team member for expert advice. The store stocks a range of bait and tackle alongside boots, clothing, electronics, trapping supplies, and archery equipment, making it a one-stop destination for anyone heading out to the creeks, ponds, and farm country of Erie County.

Customers highlight the store's clean, well-organized layout and note that it carries brands you won't always find at big-box retailers like Cabela's, sometimes at better prices. Staff member Mike gets called out by name multiple times — once for bow repair and sighting, another for a firearms sale — reflecting the kind of personalized, small-business attention that keeps people driving back. One reviewer recounted how the owner stayed after closing to resolve a purchase issue, even calling the customer back to save them a return trip.

For anglers in the South Wales and Machias area, the live bait selection and tackle inventory make this a practical stop before hitting local freshwater spots. The store operates multiple locations, so if the South Wales shop doesn't have what you need, the Machias flagship likely will. While this isn't a dedicated aquarium or fish store, it earns its place in the fishing community through reliable gear, competitive pricing on consumables, and a staff that genuinely knows the outdoors.

If you're gearing up for a day on Western New York's lakes and streams, Machias Outdoors delivers the essentials with a personal touch that big retailers can't match.