So there I am, minding my own business on a 3/4 day boat pulling in Yellowtail after Yellowtail. Blessed to just be fishing, 2nd divorce and daughter at Cal Poly SLO. The guy next to me suddenly goes berserk. The deckhands have to settle him down. Apparently, he was upset that he was not catching fish like I was with his Shimano Talica 12 and $600 United Composites Rod. I listened to Ken and Wes with gear at a fraction of the cost. Same thing happened on my 8 Day trip catching Wahoo! Then there was the time I was going to treat myself to a brand new Calstar 7400XL at the fishing show, Islands Tackle $738. Ken sold it to me for $300 less. 13 YT's caught on my 5 Day RR3 (Captain Andy is the best!) trip in 1:15, 25-45 pounders, their technique. Every single reel they fixed or maintained or I bought new has been money very well spent. Thanks for reading and tight lines. read more

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Without a doubt, the finest bait and tackle shop in San Diego County! Ken's Custom Reel is conveniently located in the heart of Oceanside Harbor. I have had the pleasure of dealing with the owners, Ken and Wes, time and time again. Every time I visit the store, I find what I need and never feel pressured to buy anything. They offer some of the best advice and reel repair services I have found in Southern California. Their prices are fair, and they carry a great selection of quality products. They don't stock junk or filler items--only products they believe in and that have proven themselves over time. If you have the chance, don't hesitate to stop by. Thank you, Ken and Wes, for providing the community with an excellent bait and tackle shop. read more

Ken was the nicest guy ever his service was amazing. The selection was all the best lures you could ever need. The prices or cheaper than online and then ken gave a free pack of lures. You can tell he loves his job and growing fishing. Pls go to this shop. read more

Stopped by Ken's Fishing and Reel Repair after Captain Calvin from the Helena recommended it. Ken greeted me right away, saw my Shimano Calcutta, and had it fixed in 10 minutes. He joked that his staff is smarter than him--which just shows how much he values his team. Great guy, great service. A really awesome experience--highly recommend! Thank you! Trish read more

First time getting into fishing, we spent a few hours learning how to use the fishing rod. Ken was gracious and got the kids extremely excited about the activity. His passion and exuberance in what he does shows and is the reason the shop has been open in their new location for the last 23 years. read more

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By far the best in the business! Ken and Wes have been working together for so long like a well oiled machine I would never take my reels anywhere else, might take a couple of months to get your reels back but that just reassured me there's a reason why because they are the best !! read more

I went into Ken's Custom Reels looking for a new reel not really sure of what to get. They were so helpful in helping me pick out a Curado, which was perfect for the type of fishing I will be doing. Not only were they helpful to me, but they're very family friendly as I brought in my children and they had a great time getting to take home a couple rubber lures to play with. read more

Ken's is the best place for reel repair hands down. While I'm able to service my own gear 90% of the time, when I get stuck, I take it to Ken's and they always fix it and the reels always freespool better than new. They have fixed issues for me that the Avet factory could not resolve. Highly recommend read more

They know reels like no one else in Southern California. And are super super friendly.

Great dudes, Nice variety of useable tackle! Thanks for the SKB tackle box, Hooks and Flat fall just what I needed to get the job done!! read more

Ken's Custom Reel - Hunting & Fishing Supplies Near Me - Oceanside, California

Ken and his staff were very good. I had installed a new handle and knob from Reel Power Handles in Southern CA For my Penn Torque 40N. Unfortunately I had a mistake trying to get the reel back together as the gears wouldnt engage/disengage. Ken told me to be cautious about aftermarket handles and knobs but nonetheless, he was excellent in providing the best quality care. Ken's Custom Reel shop has my back and will be coming back for any additional help or services I need with my reels. Thank you! read more

Ken's Custom Reel - Hunting & Fishing Supplies Near Me - Oceanside, California

On May 19th 2022 I was desperate to find a shop to put my (2) brand new Tiagra TI12 power handles on both my Talica 16 & 25. The handles came in just on time for my Overnight trip scheduled for the 19th. I called every single shop and landing in Point Loma San Diego. Most couldn't install the power handles or wanted me to leave the reels which wasn't an option. Then i posted a cry for help out to my Facebook fishing communities and Ken's shop came highly recommended. I called him up and his response was to "Come on down to his shop and he will install both power handles within 30 minutes! That's what I call good business. I'll be able to use my gear tonight thanks to Ken's Shop in Oceanside Ca. read more

Ken's Custom Reel - My Talica 25 with 135 lb spectra and 100 lb mono before getting the power handle - Hunting & Fishing Supplies Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Honestly no stars if I could, They came highly recommended from 2 of my fishing buddies. I had a couple reels I wanted serviced and decided to message them and see if I could send them down. I received a response with the address to ship them to and sent them off. After getting tracking confirmation they arrived I messaged again to confirm to which I got no response. And again about a month after to check the status. I had a card attached to each one with my name phone number and address. The most I got was they viewed my messages and didn't respond. read more

I took in a Shimano Talica 16-2 speed reel to Ken's that I bought used for a very low price. As soon as I walked in the door Wes was there to treat me with a friendly smile and quickly made an assessment that my purchase price was excellent and that what I needed to service the reel would be an easy fix providing me with a great performer way below market value. A couple other locals came in to ask Wes about reel parts and what would be required to get their equipment in good shape. While the dialog was way beyond my knowledge it was easy to observe Wes was a wealth of knowledge and super helpful with free advice to assist fishing pros. While the lead-time to get my reel serviced was a couple months, I could tell I came to a place where knowledgeable fishermen come to have there equipment addressed by experts. While in Ken's shop, I found a Calstar rod I've been looking for and bought it on the spot. Instead of requiring me to pay the full amount for a rod that was to be matched w/ my Talica being serviced, Wes just asked for a $100 deposit and said I could pay the balance when I picked up my reel. Then handed me a $450+ rod and said to take it with me. Now that's trust and customer service far beyond anything I could have expected. Obviously, a "beat of class" business! read more

Best shop in SD! Ken and Wes are OG's and know how we do it in SoCal to get hooked! Whether it's the off season catching bass, or killing rock and Tunas, they will have what you need. read more

Had the opportunity to finally stop in Ken's today. It's one of those shops I have driven past for years. I do not post Yelp praise often, mainly because I can't find reason too. But allow me to say this, Ken's is a top-shelf shop with a great crew. They equally cater to the professional and respect the beginners all in a day at Ken's. If you're NOT smart enough to take advantage of Ken's work and advise that's your choice. But if you ARE one of the smart ones, maybe I'll see you there because I'm smart enough to make Ken's my shop from now on. read more

This shop is the best hands down my go to before leaving for a trip. The customer service is amazing always helpful.

Ken is the nicest and sweetest person. My kids and I love going there to get work done on our reels and get them spooled up. ken is always there to answer my kids questions. Ken and Wes are the best. We will alway recommend Kens custom reel to everyone. We will never go anywhere else. read more

If there were 6 stars, Ken's Custom Reel would deserve it. True old school customer service with a great shop with what you need, and that gear is stuff they use and stand behind. What's there works, period. The ability to repair an ancient and very important reel to me, which was inherited after my Grandfather passed was appreciated. Nobody was willing to work on it in San Diego proper. Not only did Wes and Ken take incredible care, but they also fixed almost half a dozen reels for the organization I work for. All of them are in better than new condition. Delivered ahead of schedule and better than promised. I also bought several rods from Ken and Wes. I knew what I liked, but not what I wanted. Wes did an absolutely amazing job to find the right rods and I couldn't be happier. I'll be matching them to a reel from Ken as well. The selection of gear in the shop isn't massive in selection, but its stuff that Ken/Wes have hand picked because they're fishermen and supporting the Fleet. Trust me, if its in their shop, its good stuff. Its not a small selection, its the best selection. Ken has what you need, just trust him to set you up! If you need a rod, reel, repairs or terminal tackle, a short drive to Oceanside is in order. There are two parking spots in front of the store that are usually available and clearly marked. Very convenient. read more

Best place to take your reels for yearly maintenance! Ken and Wes do an outstanding job, cleaning, replacing bearings and lubing my reels. Drop them off after my last trip of the year and pick them up before my first trip. They also replace my top shots. read more

Not your typical tackle shop. Used gear for cheap! I bought a used Penn 6/0 HLW in minty condition and a 60-100lb Penn Sabre (made in USA) roller rod for $120. Service was friendly, parking was easy. read more

Ken's Custom Reel - Hunting & Fishing Supplies Near Me - Oceanside, California

Top notch 5 star customer service ! Ken is the man. I took a few reels in to have them serviced and respooled. I can't wait to try them out this weekend off Dana Point read more

Well if you want the best info on what's working out in the Ocean they know it and will have all the right gear for you. If you need your reel fixed or maintance they are second to none. Ken's reels show their passion on what they do by hard work, and a selection of fishing products that will give you the best chance to catch fish. Thank you two for being top notch in your craft. read more

Hey Ken and Crew thanks for loading my new Tranx Reel today so I'm ready to go slay the YT or YFT tomorrow! Really appreciate you getting it done on short notice. Thanks also for all you do for fishing in Oceanside, it means a lot keeping the new generations in the game! Hope you have a great weekend and hope we have some results to add from the other end of the pole! read more

Ken's Custom Reel - A thing of beauty, new line on new reel! - Hunting & Fishing Supplies Near Me - Oceanside, California

Have used Ken's for years both for reels and gear. Then a couple years ago I had a "real" problem. Purchased a Fathom 40 from a local tackle shop, and it never properly free spooled right out of the box. Took it back to where I bought it, they said there have been problems with these reels. Great, so glad you tell me now!! and rather than give me a new one, over the next month they tried to repair it. No success. I finally got them to give me a new one, same problem, apparently there were some bad Fathom 40's produced and the original shop said I could wait for Penn to fix it. Never mind, thanks for the help. Took it to Ken, he knew what the problem was, fixed it and was ready to go for my next trip. read more

Hey Guys Thanks Again. Had more guides replaced on one of my rods and also, had Wes tune up and repair my Shimano Reel. Great job in both cases. Highly suggest using these guys especially reel repair way better than Shimano. Take Care, Thanks Sam read more

Great Guys,, you can get tide calendars, they come in handy fishing, boating, or diving, they have the free ones too read more

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Only place I will bring my fishing gear. Ken and the crew have more knowledge about fishing and fishing equipment then any other store I've been in; in southern california. Before every trip I stop in to get advice from Ken and every trip I have been on has been a great trip. I'm usually the one getting bit while the rest are soaking their baits. Turn around time on reel service is great as well. Trust me once you go inside Ken's you will keep coming back for more great service and great fishing knowledge from a PRO! read more

Awesome tackle shop conveniently near the harbor. Ken was recommended to me by a customer and fellow angler. Ken took one look at my blown up reel and informed me they don't make parts for this model any more. Then with in 60 seconds he had my reel back together and had explained what happened and how to prevent it in the future. Prices are very reasonably fair for what is expert service. Any and all future tackle needs will be taken here. Tyvm Ken for your help with my Shimano Calcutta. read more

Simply put by far the best. If you want your gear to perform at its very best Ken's custom reels is by far the best choice

This is the spot. You found it. I take all of my fishing reels into Ken's for service and repair. This includes all of my AVETs and Accurate gear. He knows his stuff and uses the best bearings which will outlast anything else. He has a top of the line used reel section which HE personally services prior to putting it up on the shelf. I got a great deal on an Accurate a few years ago. I make this my stop before hitting the landings and setting off for my long-range fishing trips. 5 stars from Phish- read more

Went in with a few questions about drag parts for an older Penn. They answered all my questions and sold me the parts I needed at less than internet price! Very friendly too. read more

Ken and Wes are two of the best reel repair guys in all of So California. They are always friendly and willing to help. The shop caries the right amount of tackle. What they have in the shop is what's working. They don't have a bunch of shelf filler junk that is no use. read more

This is the place to go for your fishing gear and tackle ! . You will get a "fair price and good advice" on the latest in fishing equipment ! Buy the right gear the first time from the people that know fishing equipment and service it. A repeat customer for over 15 years . Capt. Don Nelson read more

Pretty upset with the work they did on my Reels. Paid 100 bucks only to get my reel back with a missing guide. Without a notice asking me if they should continue fixing it. Still fixed it and then The guy told me to use my thumb. That's ridiculous. Very disappointed after hearing good things. Definitely not going back. read more

We have used Ken's for years. They are excellent! It's a bit of a drive from Dana Point but worth it.

In a word...Integrity! First let me start by praising Ken's Custom Reels in Oceanside even though I have done little business with them. I took my "blown up" favorite reel (Calcutta 400 that I have abused for 20 years) with me to the Fred Hall show. I went to Ken and asked if he could rebuild it, and he was a little reluctant due to its age and availability of parts. However, he said he would certainly be able to figure it out but told me to talk to Shimano first, as he thought they could do better. What?!? "Take it to my competition and get a better price?" Who does that? I took his advice and honestly Shimano treated me fantastic as usual, but I won't forget the real hero here. Kudos to Ken for integrity, it is a pleasure to do business with rare individuals like him these days. Shoe read more

I recently inherited a custom lure that needed a skirt- everyone pointed me Ken's. They did an artful job and the lure is now even more a keepsake. Wes got to be the most laidback but enthusiastic guy in the industry read more

I was not planning to buy anything here, but after looking fore a few minutes, I found a near brand new reel for $50. The reel is much more powerful than the one I had that I wanted to repair. It was possible to repair it, but it would be very $$$ since a new metal spool would cost about $50-$55. The reel I bought has an aluminum spool not plastic. and has a higher gear ratio of 6-1. The one that broke on me was very old, and had a gear ratio of 3-1. In short, quality used gear for good prices. read more

Unreliable. I had to have a rod repaired on a timely basis and they said it would be a couple days. Which is why I drove from OC to have them repair it. But when I called 4 days after promised they said their rod guy is "independent" and to call back later and would not offer me a time. They seem nice and knowledgeable but I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. At least my local shop - Hogan's tackle, is more on top of things. They were honest and said 3 weeks at least. Which is why I will continue to go there instead. Go to Hogan's!!!!! read more