Oakland area fishing shop

I was hoping to find a good local shop to support and was bummed to hear Outdoor Pro in Oakland closed, but today I stopped into West Marine. The employees seemed friendly, but said they were "noobs" and still learning about fishing. It is a chain, but at least its supporting a physical retail location.

They had decent stock (2 Ugly Tigers 7' medium I will buy) and said they can order anything on the website.  Prices looked MSRP.  They had a decent looking selection of refrigeratorated bait. I would rather give my money to a independently owned place.  Any other closish places to check out?

-Wolf

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Oakland is seriously lacking a good tackle shop... Mike's Bait (or whatever it's called now) is a joke. I have no idea how they even pay rent/mortgage off what they sell, let alone bring home any profit.

I like Castro Valley Sportsman's Center (in Castro Valley, obviously). I live in East Oakland and it only takes me about 10 minutes to get there. The same woman works there every day, and she's very knowledgeable and friendly. It's not a giant shop like Outdoor Pro was, but they have all the necessities for Bay Area freshwater and saltwater fishing, including tray bait for salmon.


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Oakland is seriously lacking a good tackle shop... Mike's Bait (or whatever it's called now) is a joke. I have no idea how they even pay rent/mortgage off what they sell, let alone bring home any profit.

I like Castro Valley Sportsman's Center (in Castro Valley, obviously). I live in East Oakland and it only takes me about 10 minutes to get there. The same woman works there every day, and she's very knowledgeable and friendly. It's not a giant shop like Outdoor Pro was, but they have all the necessities for Bay Area freshwater and saltwater fishing, including tray bait for salmon.


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Thanks Alex! I'm going to make a trip out there this week.  I don't mind paying premium for a knowledgable Indy shop.

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Yeah, give them a try. The prices are actually pretty reasonable for a "mom and pop" shop, I think.

I must say the shop is a little cluttered, but the woman behind the counter knows exactly where everything is. If you want something specific and don't see it, just ask.


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Yeah, give them a try. The prices are actually pretty reasonable for a "mom and pop" shop, I think.

I must say the shop is a little cluttered, but the woman behind the counter knows exactly where everything is. If you want something specific and don't see it, just ask.


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Do they have live bait?

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Bay Tackle in El Cerrito

Yeah, give them a try. The prices are actually pretty reasonable for a "mom and pop" shop, I think.

I must say the shop is a little cluttered, but the woman behind the counter knows exactly where everything is. If you want something specific and don't see it, just ask.


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Do they have live bait?

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minnows.

Yeah, give them a try. The prices are actually pretty reasonable for a "mom and pop" shop, I think.

I must say the shop is a little cluttered, but the woman behind the counter knows exactly where everything is. If you want something specific and don't see it, just ask.


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Alex they are also the same owners of Berkeley Marina Bait & Tackle.

I was hoping to find a good local shop to support and was bummed to hear Outdoor Pro in Oakland closed, but today I stopped into West Marine. The employees seemed friendly, but said they were "noobs" and still learning about fishing. It is a chain, but at least its supporting a physical retail location.

They had decent stock (2 Ugly Tigers 7' medium I will buy) and said they can order anything on the website.  Prices looked MSRP.  They had a decent looking selection of refrigeratorated bait. I would rather give my money to a independently owned place.  Any other closish places to check out?

-Wolf

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Bay Tackle in El Cerrito is my go to shop. Very knowledgeable and fun guys to talk to. George & Crew are awesome.He fishes every weekend and also invites me on his boat all the time.

Thanks folks. I'll check both shops. I'll be spending a few bucks because I'm outfitting for three. I'm over buying everything on the web.

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Yeah, unfortunately I have had to piece my gear from ordering online, Mike's (Phuy Quy) in Oakland  for bait and Bay Tackle in El Cerritto. Yeah George and his crew are helpful for most of my other store bought jigs and wherever I can get inexpensive Berkeley big Game Mono line.
Aloha,
da Bruddah

I must say the shop is a little cluttered

to put it gently 

I must say the shop is a little cluttered

to put it gently 

Bay Tackle it is. I found the shop I was hoping to. Thank you guys! Two Ugly Stik Tigers, a Trevala, two Avet MXs and a Penn Battle II.  George was helpful and friendly from minute I stepped in the door.

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