Swift River Candle Co and Gate 8 Bait Shop

Pelham, MA - The "boys" and I took another ride today and ended up going through Pelham MA. I saw a sign that said Swift River Candle company and decided to check it out.


I walked in and was met by Bill Martell the owner who runs this business with his wife Kathy. He explained that he started with just the bait shop but fishing started to slow down so he started making candles. He told me he enjoyed making the candles which he does in an adjacent building. He told me most of his business was before Christmas and slacks off after the holidays. During the fishing season he is open seven days a week so you can pick up your bait; in the winter he stops selling bait. He told me that if you continue down Packardville Road, you go through a gate and come to a boat launch in Quabbin Reservoir, hence Gate 8.



Some of his stock of candles.



Even more candles.

If you are driving to Pelham, the shop is just past the Belchertown, MA line. This time of year it is open on weekends only. So, for all your candle or bait needs, stop in. If it is not summer you might want to call ahead.

The location is: 200 Packardville Road, Pelham, MA
Telephone: 413-323-7117 or 413-323-9183