Pacific Coast Bait & Tackle

This place is awesome, and they are open early mornings even on Sunday! Which was a total lifesaver for me because I was driving down from la and somehow forgot all my tackle! Fair prices, good selection and great customer service. I will be back, thank you !

I needed a rod and reel for recent trip to Mexico so I decide to give this place a shot. Arrived about 15 minutes before they closed as I just got done work but I was out of there by 6 o’clock thanks to the helpful store hand. There is no one else in the store at the time and I didn’t catch his name but he is very helpful. I help me sort out the rod and reel which ended up being a $ 35 cheapo option which was exactly what I was looking for. He also got me set up with tackle which I had no idea which set up would work best. Hooks, swivels, wheats and squid; I was out the door for about 50 bucks and was very happy. Again very helpful to have somebody get me exactly what I was looking for and I would go back here to get more equipment for sure.

Went in today and was hoping they were open at 4:20pm. Another shop near by was not even open at 3:50pm and their sign said open till 5:00. THAT HURT. Anyway, dealt with Walter (never got his name but its on my receipt)… this kid saw me come in with my pole and reel and knew exactly what I had come in the for and was TELLING me what I needed in terms of new line/​leader/​tools, in a very professional way… This «kid» was awesome! Im 47. I really didn’t have to do much at all, being my second time out tomorrow on an open water local fishing trip. I was extremely impressed with the store, the inventory and the knowledge Walter had. He knew his stuff and was easy to understand «what he was going to do to my gear in terms of getting back up to speed for tomorrow». I appreciate this so much, especially these days… The owner shouldn’t loose this kid. THANKS WALTER! Oh!!! He showed me how to tie a super cool «CIGAR KNOT».

Best bait and tackle shop in north county San Diego. The staff there is friendly and informative. I do ally shopping here. They also support the military with a discount.

Amazing staff! My husband and I are new to saltwater fishing, and Walter took the time to show us exactly what fit our needs (price and quality wise). Overall, a great experience! I would definitely recommend this shop to anybody!

My second time at this place. Friendly staff. I damaged one of my fishing rod tip/​guide. I thought I was going to have to leave it there and pick it up another day. It was only the tip, so they repaired it while I waited. I was in and out in approximately 15 minutes, seriously.
They did have a wide selection of rods and reels. I also noticed some good deals on used ones. I like this place. I’ll be back.

I recently spent a week in the Oceanside area and as a fisherman I found my way to PCBT in Oceanside. I found a shop that made me feel comfortable and confident with the staff and at no time did I feel as if I was being ignored. There were several people in the shop but I felt that when I needed help the help would be there immediately. To me the shop not only catered to the experienced fisherman but made a concerted with the young fledgling fishermen that either wondered in off the street or came in early in the morning with a parent to get ready for a day on the water. Great shop, good luck!!!’
Joe /​Makaha Beach Hi.

Not really sure what Kevin was talking about here. This is the best and most knowledgeable shop around. I have see the «boys» in the shop go to great lengths to help people from out of town get what they need to go fishing. I see them spend a great deal of time with beginners helping them get set up to have a great time. I would never call this a locals only shop even though they have a huge following which comes from their knowledge and their passion about fishing. If you didn’t get helped quick enough I’m sure it was because they were busy helping other customers. I suggest that you give it another chance. These guys are really good.

I’m not a local but have been to Pacific Coast Bait & Tackle a couple of times and have always had a great experience! The local, small village feel is great and the owner has more knowledge about fishing than anyone else I know! I think the staff is passionate about fishing, the tackle they carry and the great conversation makes it enjoyable to go into the shop and hang out. Mr. Torrance should have hung around and he might have enjoyed hearing about the local fishing, where the fish were biting that day, what to use and what he came in for. That’s what Walt and his crew does— makes everyone feel welcomed and a little like a «Brah», and I think that’s a pretty cool thing!

To Kevin, speak up! PCBT has a new owner who’s goal is to be the Go To store and I couldn’t be happier. Walt (owner) and the «kids» in the store have provided me with useful info and advice whenever I asked for it. As importantly, the inventory reflects the selection, quality and value of a real-​deal ocean angler’s resource. They know what’s working, yet I have never detected arrogance or «talking down» toward beginners. In fact, watching them work with beginners confirms where their heart is. But yeah, there are «kids» working there, but they are avid anglers who really care. I’ve sold two reels through their incredibly generous consignment deal (100% applied to store purchase) and I’d be hard pressed to wish for more in my local fishing shop. For real. No kidding.

This little shop is a model «locals only brah» visitors go shop elsewhere staffed place. I could go into the little details of not being greeted upon entering or even asked if I need help while spending 10+ minutes looking at a specific section of rods. I didn’t want to interrupt the two locals (aka workers) talking about fishing, bowling, and their plans for the night/​beyond. It was very clear that if you were a local, you were greeted «brah» while entering with a locals handshake. If you were an older regular, it was on a first name basis. Some would wonder why I didn’t ask for help, well, if I’m ready to spend some cash on a nice rod/​reel setup should I have to? Oh well, at least the local that needed line for his «Pflueger» reel was priority after walking in well after I had already been there. Heck, while walking right past the worker at the front while leaving, he looked right at me and not a word. I’ll take that as the door hitting me on the butt on the way out.
I thought this place would be a convenient stop off I5 the day before our fishing trip but quickly realized if you want professional customer service from a shop that truly appreciates your business, you have to drive into town to Squidco or Chark… hands down the extra drive is worth it!

Since I haven’t gone fishing for number of years, it was great to find a place like Pacific Coast Bait and Tackle. Their staff took the time to help me find exactly what I needed to have a great day with my grandson. No rush, no hard sell, just to focus on good customer service. One of the managers, Jason, was extremely helpful. He took the time to show me several different knots for tying off my hook. You won’t find that kind of help at Walmart.

I had no idea the place existed. The location looks like apartments. But I am glad I found them. I went there to renew my license and they were very knowledgable and passionate about fishing. Since I am new to this neck of the woods they helped me out with some coordinates to a couple of places. So will define tell give them my business.

Seriously, not all Bait and Tackle shops are created equally and my experience last month with Pacific Coast Bait & tackle was undeniably AWESOME!
For several years I was going to a different North San Diego business for my saltwater hunting needs. They were pretty good and I had dropped several hundred bucks buying spearfishing and fishing equipment from them. I even wrote them a 5 Star Unilocal review. Then came the day when I went in to buy only a new fishing license and lobster card. The owner was at the counter ringing up two other customers and, after he was finished, he continued to chat with them, even though he saw me waiting. At one point one of the guys he was talking to pointed at me and said, «I think it’s his turn now…» and the owner of this business shrugged his shoulders and then turned his back to me and continued his long winded conversation. WTF?! 20 minutes later, when he was ready to help me, he said, «I want CASH ONLY for a fishing license and lobster card because I don’t feel like paying the extra percentage to a bank/​credit card company for something this small.» REALLY!!!
Yeah, I was pissed, but I also respect small business owners. Rather than dish them, I deleted my 5 Star Unilocal review, vowed to never come back, and that I would find another place to take my business.
So I asked around and several of my surfing bros recommended Pacific Coast Bait & tackle. After reading the previous Unilocal reviews about poor service I was hesitant but, hey, nothing could be worse than what I went though the year before at the other business.
So this place is a little hard to find since it’s right on the border of Carlsbad and Oceanside. The good part is that it’s almost directly across the street from yummy Angelo’s Burgers, in a small strip mall, on the east side of the street, and they have plenty of free parking.
Walked in and saw two young guys at the counter. «Hey, how’s it going?» one of them asked. «We’re just ringing up another customer and we’ll be with you in a sec.» the other said.
«Hmm, not bad.» I thought.
Within about 2 minutes one of the guys asked, «How can we help you?»
«Umm, I just need to buy a fishing license and lobster card.»
«Sure. Just need your Driver’s License.»
«Uhh, is it okay if I pay with my ATM card?» I asked.
«Of course. Why not?!» he said.
SCORE!!!
So I looked around the store and found that they really have a really respectable selection of excellent fishing, spearfishing, and outdoor equipment. Their mark-​up is fair, the inventory is well organized, and I ended buying a few other things while waiting of them to ring up my license.
«You know I’m really glad I found you guys. You were a little hard to find but I’m stoked to find a new Tackle Shop!» I said.
«Thanks. Most of our business comes from word of mouth and repeat customers.»
(THIS speaks VOLUMES!!!)
So, yeah, what the hey, the guys who work here are young, but they really knew their stuff when I talked to them about fishing, spearfishing, and even surfing. I mean, it’s not Neiman Marcus, nor should it be. The unpretentious quality of Pacific Coast Bait & tackle is really attractive. If you want someone to serve you a drink and wait on you hand and foot then go shopping for your fishing stuff at Orvis!
After shopping I’m back in my car, answering a quick text message before starting the engine when suddenly there’s a knock on my driver’s side window. I roll it down and it’s one of the guys who helped me. «Hey, you shouldn’t leave without this. You left your Driver’s License on the counter!» he said, out of breath, after running out of the store to return it to me.
How’s that for customer service?! I am now a repeat customer of Pacific Coast Bait & tackle​and am more than willing to give them my Most Excellent «Word Of Mouth»!!!

I am on a business trip and decided to check out the fishing in Carlsbad. I stopped in and the two guys working took the time to explain different baits they use here on the west coast. The also helped me pick out hooks and gave me a lot of useful info on spots to fish. One hour later I was hooking into my first California fish. Really stand up full service bait shop.

This is my ‘go to …” shop for all my sport fishing needs, the staff is friendly and knowledgable in helping you set up for a great fishing experience. They sell fishing licenses along with Mexican permits as well. Plenty of equipment to look at and they will help you if you have questions. If you are a first timer or an experienced angler this is a great little shop in the heart of North County !!!

Came here yesterday and noticed 2 guys working. One talking to a customer and the other in the back assuming he was working. The customer left and the guy at the resister walked in the back and started to talk to the other guy about his sister and then about his girlfriend.
I must had to have been there for 15 mins looking at rods and reels. Had one in my hand ready to buy when they started to talk about being hungry and one was going out for food. After he left I waited for the other guy to ask if I needed anything. Nope he walked to the back and never acknowledged that I was in the store.
I quickly returned the rod and reel and walked out. Not even then did he ask if I was ok.
Very unprofessional and not aware of customer service. I would rather pay more money for any fishing product at another place. I will NEVER STEP FOOT IN THERE AGAIN.

Came here a week ago and the KIDS that work here are very unprofessional. They were just worried about whatever was on their phone and wouldn’t help me. It seems like the owner of this place should be made aware of this nonsense. I have been coming here for years and after this latest visit, it will be my last, I walked out of the store without anything. Wondering if anyone else has had the same experience?

Excellent staff, well equipped and knowledgeable

So I bought a nice used reel from craigslist and I take it to them to get it serviced. The guy tell me it will be from 2 to 3 weeks. (Why cant he be more specific) he tells me they are the fastest working shop. and that if I take it to Kens Custom Reels they would take like 3 months. I believed them and left them my reel. But I was weary. So I called kens and they would only take 10 days, and promised. So I pick it back up from pacific coast tackle. I wouldnt shop here. The prices are ridiculous and they will get the competition shut by lying. Go somewhere else. Plus not too friendly.