Ken&#x27;s Custom Reel

Probably the best tackle store in north county overall. Generally a pretty good selection of…read moreeverything. Priced better than most places around. Staff is generally pretty good and friendly. Would give it a 5 star but they do run out of things on occasion and their staff can sometimes get caught up in conversations instead of helping customers on the floor.

Great service and good selection of tackle. The open early (0600 - 1900) !!…read more Easy place to pick up bait in the morning.

It's a fish that was just caught from a fishing pole

15 Earth Worms!!

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Misleading on time of store hours

West Marine

2.8(19 reviews)

2.1 mi

I love West Marine in Oceanside. The older guy( my age) was so helpful. I find t get his name but…read morehe took me back and showed me the exact paint i needed. Told me how to do it because i know nothing about fiberglass boats as I own three Chris Crafts and have been working with wood forever. His good attitude was rivaled only by his sense of humor. And his sidekick, Austin was as much of a gem and was probably 40 years younger. Austin ran out to my car with the rollers i left in the store. Great guys, GREAT experience!

If I needed something for my boat, they probably know what they are talking about. If you want…read moreadvice on fishing lures and the like, you'd be better off many other places. The guys who even worked there told me they knew nothing about fishing.

Paddle boards

Kayaks,paddle boards, inflatables, ask your boating needs!

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John and Dave are shopping for their best value, me too.

DICK'S Sporting Goods

2.7(67 reviews)

3.2 mi

Meh. Pretty sad selection depending on what you actually need and the prices are really high…read more Mostly this place has a massive selection of tumbler cups, shoes for various sports and licensed padres gear at full ballpark pricing high enough to knock your socks off. $200 jersey? Yup. 136 colors of Stanley cups? Also yes. A sun shirt with a hood? No. Not a chance. Running shorts with a pocket? Absolutely NOT. They do have 50 flowy shorts with built in underwear though! I say stick with online retailers or if you absolutely do not care how much padres gear costs.

Deceptive practices called and asked if they had an item still in stock that was available for…read morepickup they said yes and the website was saying yes. Not even two seconds go by I process my order. I receive and email 20 minutes later saying item is unavailable.

The basketball Christian recommended

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Oceanside Pier Bait Store

3.7(23 reviews)

1.0 mi

If you are near Oceanside with the family and looking for something to do that is relatively…read moreinexpensive, renting some poles and buying some bait is the way to go. We spent $60 for two poles with hooks and weights already set up, bait, a knife, and I paid $2 extra for a rag - all in all we fished for about three hours and had a great time. Some suggestions: go earlier in the day to find a good spot nearish the end of the pier by the sinks or bathrooms so you can wash your hands when needed. Ask for hot water to help defrost the squid. Bring your own chairs, and a a rag, and if you are really prepared some sanitizing wipes or soap. If you don't bring it, it won't be a big deal- it just makes things easier. I'd also recommend sun screen and a hat with a visor. Other than that- just have fun. It was a blast. On a side note- I read amazing things about the owner and was hoping to meet him but the guy who was working that day was less than friendly or helpful. I would not avoid this place because of him, but he was clearly annoyed by my questions or anyone that stopped him from listening to his podcast.

Fishing used to be good but since the fire it isn't good here anymore and consistently sucksread more

Charlie is a real Pelican with his own perch right outside the store!

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Oceanside Pier Bait Store

Turner's Outdoorsman

3.1(184 reviews)

16.6 mi

first time california firearm purchase…read more Andrew was very knowledgeable and helpful! 10/10 would recommend this place for first time buyers.

Trust me when I tell you. Don't waste your time with a business that doesn't care about you. Go to…read moreany local gun store. Even if it's a drive. They genuinely couldn't care less about what they do and are extremely lacking of knowledge.

My son caught a bass fish at San Marcos lake

Last years holiday sale. Shottys!

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REI

3.7(259 reviews)

12.6 mi

First time here... I needed new walking shoe's... I tried on several pairs and Topo's are the shoe…read moreI bought... REI has a great return policy... if you become a member... you have up to a year to return items that don't work or last... I like that policy... I used my shoes now for two weeks and I like them so far...

Jason in the footwear department at REI Carlsbad was outstanding. He spent nearly two hours with us…read moreand was incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable. He took the time to answer all of our questions, explain the differences between shoes, and never made us feel rushed or pressured. Even though we didn't buy shoes that day, the excellent service is exactly why we'll be back. REI is fortunate to have Jason on their team!

REI new address: it's between to 24 Hr Fitness and Petco 3415 Via Montebello Carlsbad, CA 92009 United States

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Oceanside Sea Center

4.5(66 reviews)

0.1 mi

This charter was spectacular. We have been celebrating our late dad's birthday for the past 20…read moreyears with fishing charters in San Diego, and this one was by far the best. The crew was incredibly attentive. I never had to ask for assistance because someone was always there before I even had the chance. It was unexpected and very much appreciated. The woman serving food and beverages also made a point to check in throughout the trip, which really stood out. We caught a lot of fish, and the experience was seamless from start to finish. The briefing at the beginning was quick, clear, and efficient, so we had our poles in the water right away. Highly recommend this charter and crew. An unforgettable experience.

We chartered the SoCal and couldn't be happier. Our group has done this a few times now and whether…read morewe get on the bite or not, the crew gives us an epic experience from Brian in the wheelhouse to Ava cookin' grinds in the galley. The deckhands (pinhead included) were awesome. Especially helping the kids and less experienced anglers. Love this boat and this crew! Also much appreciation to the squad behind the counter at Oceanside Sea Center as well. We are grateful for the availability, flexibility, and ease of setting up and running this trip. Can't wait until next year. And we did get on the fish this time. Every angler got bent

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Chubasco 2 Sportfishing

4.7(141 reviews)

0.1 mi

Great boat and crew! We did the 3/4 day and the twilight and had a blast! The crew is very helpful…read moreand keeps the whole boat going. The captain kept moving us and making sure we were on the fish. Highlight of the day, 3 yellowtails were caught! Great trip, thank you all!

Took the evening trip 5 PM to 10pm me and my kids caught 20 some fish had a good time. Highly…read morerecommend this boat. The mates were extremely great with my kids. The Cook was great as well. Captain seemed nice also.

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Ramona Shootists' Emporium

4.7(12 reviews)

32.5 mi

Great little shop hidden off Main Street. I came in with a ton questions and all the guys were…read morepatient, knowledgeable and helpful each time I've been there which isn't always the case with other shops. It's my go to now.

Highly recommend Ramona Shootests' Emporium for everything gunsmithing. Gabriel, the Gunsmith,…read morewolrked on several long guns that were at last 50 years old. He restored them to their original condition. Gabriel is by far one of the best Gunsmiths in San Diego!

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Pat O.

0

3

0

13 years ago

THE go-to rod, reel and tackle store in San Diego and especially north coastal San Diego. Ken, Wes and Mario are exceptionally knowledgeable about all facets of salt-water sportfishing and very willing to share their insights. While they do not carry an extensive inventory, they are able to get any equipment an angler needs quickly and at a price that is the best around, especially compared to the waterfront tackle stores. They have a wonderful in-store selection of lures, hooks and clothing as well as a representative selection of rods. There are always quality second-hand reels for sale that will likely fit your needs at a bargain price. Nobody, repeat nobody, can do a better job servicing and/or repairing your reels and putting on spectra and line. Wes is the reel maestro. Ken is a walking encyclopedia of salt water fishing expertise and will give you penetrating insight on equipment, fishing techniques, what boats to go fishing on and any other topic that you bring to his attention. Ask them about the Oceanside Anglers Club. In sum, a great place to spend your time and your money getting friendly advice and top-notch gear. Very highly recommended. read more

Adam A.

0

4

0

15 years ago

I came across this shop from Quantum's website as an authorized Quantum service center. It was quite a bit out of my way from southern San Diego but definitely worth it from the moment I called them up. He knew exactly what was wrong with my reels' anti-reverse and how to fix it (though the part itself will forever be an imperfect part and subject to the same problem). Angler's Choice would have been my first choice for a service center but they did not sound like they knew what they were doing when I called them up so that was my major deterrent from there. This shop is primarily for reel repair and seeing how busy they were with so many reels it took a while to get my reels back but I definitely wanted to get them fixed correctly the first time. I am greatly satisfied with their work and the knowledgeable staff. I will definitely go out of my way to bring my reels here for repairs or maintenance. Though unfortunately one of my reels that got repaired broke soon after with the same problem but I do not blame the shop, just Quantum's defective anti-reverse gear in their spinning reels. read more

Joseph K.

0

1

0

13 years ago

Hands down one of the BEST reel/rod shops in San Diego. Two years ago I was planning to buy my first rig and had ideas for a hefty PENN set up. Ken spent time with me and talked me into a newer technology Shimano Talica 12 that was smaller BUT much, much more suited to what and how I fish, rather than buying a huge rig that was overkill and much heavier. Extremely satisfied with KENS's entire staff. helpfull, smart, fun, and easy to do business with!!!!!! read more

Connor P.

0

2

0

14 years ago

Best experience i have ever had in any tackle or reel shop in my life. The gentleman at the counter was very polite, smart, and answered ever question I had and he knew what he was talking about. They took a week to service my reel and now its back to new. They put new line on it and now I am ready to hook that big Bluefin. read more

Anthony D.

0

5

1

9 years ago

Ken's custom reels always does superior quality work and service. Wes and the rest of the gang are always helpful and willing to share a fish story and/or provide a recommendation. All staff are experienced fisherman with hands on experience that counts when preparing for your next trip. read more

Valerie R.

5

6

0

2 years ago

The manager or owner of this place constantly has their dog unleashed roaming around out front, it's a safety issue for all dogs and people . He refuses to leash the dog and thinks it's funny that people with leashes dogs have to walk around the building into the street to get by safely. read more

Car R.

0

12

0

11 years ago

These guys were helpful and informative. No attitudes like some Newport tackle shops we all know.......Great service and they obviously love what they do......I will be back to buy some more stuff...!!! read more

Gilbert C.

0

10

0

4 years ago

Great find. Super knowledgeable. Big selection for such a small shop. Very helpful with questions. read more

Ken's Custom Reel - huntingfishingsupplies - Updated October 2026

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