The Rusty Hook

I’ve been to the rusty hook twice recently to pick up some tackle for a San Diego fishing trip, and to have my fishing pole repaired. I needed advice on what tackle to pick up, which Alex was knowledgeable about and gave me good advice. He also did a nice job repairing the broken guides on my ugly stick, so five stars for that.
However, I was a bit shocked when I walked into the shop. It look like something out of «Hoarders».’! There were piles of tackle everywhere, in no apparent order. If I had wanted to browse around and find things for myself, there would have been no way. Also, when I returned to pick up my pole, although it was 15 minutes after opening time the shop was still locked up tight. I had to return the following week to retrieve it. Also frustrating was that over a two week time period, I called a total of three times and left messages asking for a return phone call to make sure my fishing pole was ready. Alex never returned my call. I was sure he had gone out of business, but when I returned the following week Alex was there and my pole was ready. When I asked him about the lack of a return phone call, he said that he often forgets to check his answering machine. So there you have the three star review. I must add that his reputation around town is very good, that he is super knowledgeable, puts together goodbfishing trips, and is a very nice person. So despite a bit serious lack of organization, I will also be back.

The Rusty Hook has a home town feel with professional products and customer service. The owner is super friendly, helpful, and skilled. If you live within 20 miles of this place, this should be your go-​to tackle shop.

Rusty Hook is a small tackle shop in San Pedro. It not as large as your typical big box retailers, but they everything you really need to go fishing. Owner is super knowledgeable and the prices are good.

Great store has all you can possibly need. Owner is very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend this tackle shop

Forget Big 5, Dicks Sporting Goods, or any other sporting good retailer for that matter. If you’re looking for fishing gear, this is the spot. I took down a bunch of old fishing gear and tackle to the shop to learn more about it. Alex, the store owner, helped me out and taught me everything I needed to know about the equipment. He then set me up with all the necessary rods, line and tackle to start fishing on my own. Lots of respect for a store like this in a world of big box stores and online retailers.