Ocean State Tackle

I've been shopping here for thirty years and have nothing but positive things to say about Dave and the guys who work for him. I buy mostly bait, but know enough about tackle to see that this operation, despite the "lnformal" ambiance, is first cless. Here's a hint: if you want to hit it off with Dave bring up skiing. He's a fanatic, and his stories are all true. I've crossed paths with him on the slopes- and he recognized me! And he always asks about my son, if son doesn't happen to be with me.

If you want to come somewhere to be cut down and talked to poorly this is your store. My husband and I came to the store 3 minutes early which is not unheard of when you are visiting a bait store as every fisherman on planet earth wants to get out on the water early. Jeff was extremely rude to my husband as I heard because my window was rolled down while I was in the car with our child.

He went in the store to purchase green crabs which he called the day before to confirm they would have. They did not have them which is fine, not the end of the world. However he was also going to purchase a higher end rod and reel combo for his birthday. After going in the store Jeff's hostility continued so we decided just to leave.

When running a business, a client is coming to you to give you business and entrusting you to provide them with at the bear minimum at least mediocre service. They don't come to you to be talked down to and to have you get aggressive with them for showing up early. Inexcusable and we will be taking our business elsewhere.

Excellent selection of lures, easy to get to location if you are passing through providence to go fishing. Cash only is kind of a bummer but who can blame the guy. Owner Dave is a character, NOT a bad guy. It's a tackle shop not a daycare, don't be a baby. I'll be in to spend some money any day. See you soon.

The selection at Ocean State Tackle is like nothing I have seen. They have every lure, plug, etc. imaginable. The place is just loaded with gear floor to ceiling.

The custom rod selection is again like nothing I've seen. VERY impressive.

The customer service was next level. John mapped out half a dozen striper spots in South County. He look ton of time trying to put me on the fish. Dave is an amazing guy. They sell great products at great prices and make every effort to put their customers on the fish. I can't recommend this place more highly.

Wish I could add more stars to their review, this place is that good.

I'm glad I disregarded the negative reviews on here posted by customers who didn't get a foot rub when they went into a bait shop. Having promised my 8 year old his first trip, I just needed a few basics for freshwater fishing - primarily live bait. I didn't have a shopping list or even the basic recollection of what I'd used when I last fished from shore 10 years ago. Dave was overtly helpful, corrected some of my selections (which would've made our experience less enjoyable) after he understood my objectives, and even gave me some unsolicited advice to make future trips more fruitful. While I was there, he ensured that he remained engaged with our transaction while other customers - with far more specific requests - were properly attended to and even went as far to double check one person's bait order before checking them out. I'll be returning very shortly to get both bait and advice for our future trips!!

Last visit was 5 years ago and hadn't returned due to over pricing popular lures/plugs and poor attitude of owner Dave. Visited today and was reminded why to stay away. Walking in Dave was swearing/screaming at a long time customer, followed customer to car hurling every insult imaginable! Disturbed by the incident, just wanted to get epoxy jig I was looking for and get out. Prices aren't marked, avg price for this jig is $8.00.. placed on counter with my debit card and he says "$11.00 and we only take cash". I said, oh never mind and left.. to never return.

The best bait shop in Rhode Island. They always have everything in stock and the guys there are very helpful. The walk up window makes things very easy and it is directly off the highway so it is very convenient. Great spot I recommend checking it out.

Best bait shop. Period.

Don't bother with the big box stores or large chains. They don't have the bait.

OST has the best, most consistent bait selection, for 100 miles in any direction. They have fresh, brined pogies (menhaden) when everyone else is out. They charge less for their eels and shiners than anyone between CT and the Cape. They got worms. Clam bellies. Tongue... you name it.

It SMELLS like a bait shop.

They know their fish and are happy to share it. In fact, there are usually so many anglers hanging around that you can usually walk right into a conversation about "where they are hitting".

No pretense. No BS. Just bait, gear, and info. Oh, and a little attitude to go along with your coffee at 5am.

If you haven't been, do yourself a favor and stop by. The owner, Dave Henault will have you in stitches.

5 stars.

This place was great when the older gentleman worked there. Now this young kid is working and he always over charges u and doesn't give you the Wright amount of shiners. Then he charges u 25.00 for a small bucket. Then he tells ours he is out of big shiners only has little ones honest will never go back again.

You know your in a bait shop when you smell one. Best bait shop around. Ocean state tackle has everything from frozen squid, clam tongues, fresh pogies, live eels, night crawlers, and shiners. They are my to-go-to spot. in and out. I can get everything I need to fish for any new england species.

Might I add they are super informative about their products and David knows exactly where the fish are. I bring all my fishing friends here from in-state and out of state before we go out on our fishing expeditions.

My friends and I go there because they are very culturally diverse.

Ocean state tackle is the place to be if your a no BS kind of fisherman. I must warn you... Dave has plenty of hilarious jokes and this shop is definitely not for the easily offended ladyboys.

Ocean State Tackle. Two thumbs up. And will be there again for more pogies.