A History of DMF

In 1977, three Michigan schoolteachers – twin brothers Dan and Mike Beaudoin and lifelong friend Fred Fry, started DMF Bait Company. What started out as a hobby, selling worms to fellow fishermen, became a full-fledged business by 1979 as DMF began shipping bait beyond Michigan. During this time, Dan, Mike, and Fred hired their high school students to scour golf courses and fields for a steady supply of nightcrawlers. By 1980, a nationwide retailer began selling DMF worms in five states. Demand prompted DMF to begin buying worms from the fertile soils of Canada. Come 1984, healthy growth caused DMF to begin shipping product by mail to 49 states, guaranteeing live-delivery. By 1994, DMF Bait became the world’s largest wholesale bait dealer, and our founders retired from teaching.

1977

DMF started in Pontiac MI, with a building that had no windows, no water, and only one door

1980

Big break began selling to K-Mart, 30 stores, sold 650,000 thousand worms annually and moved to Keego Harbor, MI

1984

Successfully began shipping through the mail

1991

Moved to our current location in Waterford. Servicing over 1,800 stores

1997

DMF became automated to accommodate the growth of the business

DMF Bait Family

2004

Sold One Billionth Worm!!! DMF was also named “Wal-Mart Vendor of the Year” in sporting goods

2010

First bait company to pack in an environmentally friendly cup

2017

DMF celebrates 40 Years in Business

Today

Today, we sell over 200 million worms a year, and also offer seasonal and specialty bait to 49 states. Dan, Mike and Fred are now retired. The 2nd generation of ownership, Dan, Mary and Chris, now handle all the business responsibilities. The 3rd generation is hard at work, preparing for the future. Mary’s oldest son, Nolan, spent several years in the warehouse before joining the management team.

Our Family

Here at DMF Bait Co, we firmly believe that the key to all our success has been our luck in luring talented individuals to be a part of our family. Over the years, we’ve managed to reel in more than our fair share of keepers.

Our Family
DMF Bait Family

Our Partners

Here at DMF Bait Co, we pride ourselves on our eco-conscious commitment to keep the sport of fishing sustainable for future generations. That means partnering with companies that care as much about responsible fishing as we do!

Our Partners

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