"We supply everything but the water!"

Catawba Cricket Hatchery began in 1952 as a small operation in the backyard of founders Grady and Willie Norton in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the early days - working side by side - the couple oversaw all aspects of the business. They did everything from raising and distributing the live bait (crickets and worms) to managing the financial and business operations.

As business increased they purchased a temporary site in the small neighboring town of Shuffletown, North Carolina. In 1962 the couple purchased a location off of Rozzelle's Ferry Road in West Charlotte to accommodate the continued growth. With four additions to the original building, including minnow sheds, refrigeration buildings, and a new office building, this site has proven to be an excellent choice and continues to serve as the current business location.

Over the years the family continued to expand their product offerings from crickets and worms to a larger variety of live bait, as well as fishing tackle and boat accessories to service the fishing community.

Grady continued working actively everyday in the business to the ripe old age of 92 until his recent and sudden passing on January 15, 2021 to Covid-19 complications.

The business has been under second-generation ownership by two of their sons, Rick and Ron since 1996 when Grady passed down the ownership mantle. Rick and Ron have proudly and successfully worked together carrying on their parents' legacy. However, tragically Rick also contracted Covid-19 shortly after his father's passing and succumbed to complications on February 11, 2021.

Although extremely saddened by the loss of both Grady and Rick in such a short time span, Ron will honor his family and continue to expand their market region using their mobile display trucks as well as on-boarding technology equipment to better serve their client.

Ron and staff extend a sincere and heartfelt "Thank you!" to our loyal customers for helping accomplish this 69-year milestone and continued support, especially during this emotionally difficult transition.