8 Best Fishing Bait and Tackle Shops in San Diego
Whatever type of fishing you’re into, it’s good to know where the where your best bait and tackle shops are. If surf fishing is your style, I would encourage you to refer to my recommended gear and tackle for surf fishing in the links below and to take advice from tackle shop employees with a grain of salt.
There are a lot of great fishing bait and tackle shops in San Diego, but most tackle shops are not geared toward surf fishing and most employees of these shops don’t have a solid understanding or experience in surf fishing. That said, here are my recommendations below and then we’ll jump right into the best fishing bait and tackle shops in San Diego.
- My Surf Fishing Gear and Tackle for Every Style of Beach Fishing
- Best Surf Fishing Rods
- Best Surf Fishing Reels
- All Other Surf Fishing Gear Reviews
Squidco Fishing
About This Tackle Shop
Squidco’s tagline is “Fishermen Serving Fishermen since 1939”. They’re reviews and rating is one of the highest among local tackle shops for a reason as they’re customer service is solid, prices are fair, and employees are knowledgeable.
My usual disclaimer however… most tackle shops (even the best ones) don’t know much if anything about surf fishing.
Website: https://www.squidcofishing.com/
Address: 3518 Barnett Ave San Diego, California 92110
Services Offered
- Fishing License Tender: California, Mexico
- Spooling New Line
- Rod Repair
- Reel Repair
Frozen Bait
- Anchovy
- Clam
- Mackerel
- Mussel
- Shrimp
- Squid
Live Bait
- Bloodworms
- Ghost Shrimp
- Jumbo Meal Worms
- Night Crawlers
- Red Worms
Angler’s Choice
About This Tackle Shop
Angler’s Choice is one of the local tackle shops with a solid online gear and tackle shop in addition to its physical storefront. They even offer free priority shipping in the continental U.S. on orders of $50 or more.
They have an awesome selection if you’re here for the offshore scene or freshwater fishing. My usual disclaimer however… most tackle shops (even the best ones) don’t know much if anything about surf fishing, so review the pages I linked at the beginning of this article for info and gear recommendations on surf fishing.
Website: https://www.anglerschoicetackle.com/
Address: 1910 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
Services Offered
- Fishing License Tender: California, Mexico
- Spooling New Line
- Rod Repair
- Reel Repair
Frozen Bait
- Anchovy
- Mackerel
- Squid
Live Bait
- Unknown
Pacific Coast Bait and Tackle
About This Tackle Shop
Pacific Coast Bait & Tackle is a dedicated fishing supply store catering to both passionate anglers and beginners alike. With a commitment to serving serious fishermen, the shop offers a comprehensive range of fishing products, suited for various fishing environments, from local waters to far-flung destinations.
The store’s motto, “Serious Tackle for Serious Anglers,” reflects their emphasis on providing quality gear that suits a range of budgets and preferences. The knowledgeable staff, composed of avid anglers themselves, engage in fishing-related discussions and share their expertise, particularly centered around offshore fishing in Southern California, Mexico, and Hawaii. While primarily focusing on saltwater fishing due to its coastal location, the shop also caters to freshwater anglers, providing a selection of tackle for species like bass, trout, panfish, and catfish.
The store’s proximity to the Pacific Coast has established it as a central hub for shoreline anglers, offering specialized gear for beach, lagoon, jetty, and pier fishing. Their commitment to meeting the specific needs of these anglers has garnered a loyal customer base within the local fishing community.
Website: https://pacificcoastbaitandtackle.com/
Address: 2110 S. Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054
Services Offered
- California Fishing Licenses
- Mexican Fishing Licenses
- California Hunting Licenses
- Custom Rod Building
- Rod Repairs
- Reel Repair & Service
Frozen Bait
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Squid
- Mackerel
- Flying Fish
- Mussel
- Razor Clams
- Shrimp
Live Bait
- Night Crawlers
- Bloodworms
- Meal Worms
Dana Landing
About This Tackle Shop
Dana Landing advertises themselves as a true “one-stop shop” for fishing, boating and watersport enthusiasts. To their credit, they do have just about everything and more when it comes to what you might expect from a bait and tackle shop. Additionally, they run charters, have a deli shop, and rent boats. That is one quite of a selection for one of the best fishing bait and tackle shops in San Diego.
Website: https://www.danalanding.com/
Address: 2580 Ingraham Street, San Diego
Services Offered
- Charters
- Boat Rentals
- Deli Shop
- California Fishing Licenses
- Mexican Fishing Licenses
- Rod Rentals
- Rod Repairs
- Reel Repair & Service
Frozen Bait
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Squid
- Mackerel
- Mussel
- Pismo Clams
- Shrimp
- Ghost Shrimp
East County Bait and Tackle
About This Tackle Shop
East County Bait and Tackle is probably the most well-known fishing bait and tackle shop in east county San Diego. And it is for good reason. It has by far the largest selection of gear, tackle, bait and services offered in this section of the county.
The staff here is great. They have extensive knowledge in the local fresh water scene and some decent knowledge about the offshore scene. While they easily deserve a mention as one of the best fishing bait and tackle shops in San Diego, they don’t know much about surf fishing, however. So, refer to the links mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Website: https://www.eastcountybaitandtackle.com/
Address: 10137 Maine Ave, Lakeside, CA 92040
Services Offered
- California Fishing Licenses
- Mexican Fishing Licenses
- Rod Repairs
- Reel Repair & Service
Frozen Bait
- Anchovies
- Squid
- Mackerel
Live Bait
- Large and Medium Shiners
- Crappie Shiners
- Large and Medium Night Crawlers
- Meal Worms
- Wax Worms
- Crawdads (seasonal)
Hook’d Bait and Tackle
About This Tackle Shop
Hook’d Bait and Tackle is a family-owned and operated fishing business local to East County San Diego. From the very beginning, their mission has been to ensure everyone feels welcome and leaves with exactly what they need. This commitment remains unwavering, underscored by their dedication to exceptional service, competitive pricing, and a wide product selection. Hook’d has certainly earned it’s mentioning as one of the best fishing bait and tackle shops in San Diego.
Their customer-centric approach extends to providing valuable fishing knowledge, and as a result, they’ve cultivated a loyal customer base that feels more like family. With experts who not only work in the shop but also spend ample time fishing in various environments, Hook’d Bait & Tackle offers firsthand insights into what works best for anglers. Whether you’re a local or just passing through San Diego, consider paying a visit to their thriving shop for all your fishing needs.
Just like any other San Diego tackle shop, they’re knowledge here about surf fishing is very limited so refer to the links mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Website: https://www.hookdbaitandtackle.com/
Address: 9113 Mission Gorge Rd B, Santee, CA 92071
Services Offered
- California Fishing Licenses
- Mexican Fishing Licenses
- Rod Repairs
- Reel Repair & Service
Frozen Bait
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Squid
- Mackerel
- Shrimp
Live Bait
- Night Crawlers
- Meal Worms
Turner’s Outdoorsman
About This Tackle Shop
Turner’s Outdoorsman stands as California’s foremost destination for hunting, shooting, and fishing. Originating in 1971 in Long Beach, this family-owned business now spans 34 stores across California and Arizona, proudly serving communities for over 52 years.
Their extensive inventory includes firearms, ammunition, hunting accessories, and top-tier fishing gear, all backed by expert sales associates who offer unmatched service and local outdoor knowledge. Turner’s is distinctive for its commitment to local hunting and fishing communities, actively engaging in events, seminars, and conservation efforts.
Their mission is clear: offer quality merchandise at competitive prices, complemented by personalized service and real-world experience. With 34 stores to explore, Turner’s invites you to discover the Turner’s Outdoorsman experience.
Unlike most tackle shops mentioned in this article, Turner’s is a “chain” of sorts so depending on their location, some employees do have some limited knowledge about surf fishing, but generally, your best bet is to refer to the links mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Website: https://www.turners.com/
Address: Numerous stores across San Diego
Services Offered
- California Fishing Licenses
- Mexican Fishing Licenses
- California Hunting Licenses
- Rod Repairs
- Reel Repair & Service
Frozen Bait
- Mackerel
- Squid
- Shrimp
- Anchovies
- Sardines
Live Bait
- Night Crawlers
- Some Other Worms
Angler’s Tackle
About This Tackle Shop
Angler’s Tackle is your trusted fishing partner, based in Vista, California. With a passion for angling, they offer friendly service and expert fishing advice for both seasoned anglers and newcomers, ensuring you have the right gear for your fishing adventure.
They understand the value of the internet, providing access to fishing insights and expert recommendations. You can also enjoy the convenience of online shopping from the comfort of your home.
Angler’s Tackle’s mission centers on secure and quality shopping, featuring brand-name products at genuine discounts, all supported by memorable customer service. Your satisfaction is vital to their continued success, and they sincerely appreciate your patronage.
Just like any other San Diego Tackle shop, they’re knowledge about surf fishing is very limited so refer to the links mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Website: https://anglers-tackle.com/
Address: 1929 W Vista Way Ste. D, Vista, CA 92083
Services Offered
- California Fishing Licenses
- Mexican Fishing Licenses
- Rod Repairs
- Reel Repair & Service
Frozen Bait
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Squid
- Mackerel
- Shrimp
- Mussels
- Pismo Clams
Live Bait
- Shiners
- Red worms
- Night crawlers
- Blood worms