Hook Line & Sinker

Try to avoid this place at all costs. The customer service was absolutely deplorable, as both employees let me stand at the counter for several minutes before acknowledging my presence. I then asked the employee if he could spool my fishing reel, and he immediately scoffed that I didn’t buy my reel in the store. I said I knew that, and I was willing to pay for the service. He then asked where I bought the reel, so I walked out of the store. Hopefully the context and detail of this post will give users a true representation of this business and the people who run it.

Great selection and affordable prices on tackle, friendly and willing to offer plenty of tips.
However, I was forced to warranty a brand new rod that I bought here through the manufacturer due to misaligned guides and a no return policy on rods and reels. I should have meticulously inspected the rod before walking out the door with it (an assistant pulled the rod off the shelf for me after I had decided on brand and price point) but placed a little too much faith in both the reputation of the maker (Shakespeare) and the magnanimity of the shop owner (Tiffany).
The rod directly from Shakespeare was almost as poorly made.
As a result, Tiffany offered to sell both rods at well marked down prices in order for me to recoup my costs. I had to spend a little too much of my time to make all this happen, and it would have been nice to have the shop owner fight that battle with her distributor in my stead — or offer an exchange on a product I had never used.

When you need quality line, tackle or local information, H L & S has it. This is Santa Barbara, you will pay slightly more for it but you know it’s quality. I am a part time commercial fisherman and appreciate the quality and knowledge you get here rather than going to a big box store.

Went to the store not sure what I was looking for. Found the staff to be friendly and helpful. Lots of stuff to choose from, seem to focus on local stuff which is great. Huge selection of tackle, a few different bags to choose from and a good amount of poles. They carry big hammer products.

Captain Dave runs a first class operation. Yes it is small but very much oriented to the local fishing scene. No big box crap.
Why would you want to look through tons of unnecessary garbage to find maybe the right stuff.
A real fisherman’s tackle store and very friendly.

My son and I came from Northern California on a family trip for 5 days to Santa Barbara. We went to the store twice, and I think he called there about 3 times! My son loves fishing more than just about anything. Tiffany was amazing. She patiently answered all of my son’s questions, taught him how to read a tide chart, recommended the best tackle for the kind of fishing he wanted to do, and gave him plenty of tips (plus trouble-​shooting advice when he didn’t catch fish on the first day out). I really appreciated the kind and full attention she gave us. I’d go back there any time we come to town.

The selection at this store is big, these guys are super knowledgable about local fishing (and picking the right gear for it) and they’re also a fun bunch of folks with just the right dose of sassiness to make you feel like you’re with friends.

I am a manufacturer’s rep, so my review should be taken in context. But I can tell you that when I dropped in on my way down the 101 to pay the store a visit, I was met with an understandably suspicious, then friendly and open smile by Tiffany. She happily shared with me their focus on tackle, bait, and equipment focused on local species only. Yes, their retail strip square footage is tight, but they cram a lot of product on their shelves for the local angler. If you want box store, then drive however many miles @ $ 3.75 a gallon to save $ 2 on a $ 12 lure. If you’d rather spend that drive time FISHING, then support this local business, maybe ask for a tip/​pointer (which I suspect she’d gladly give), and get out on the water! Since I’m not a customer of the shop I will mitigate my rating accordingly with a solid 3 star…