The Tackle Box
The Tackle Box
4.5
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
We are a full service tackle shop located in the world's greatest fishing spot, the Florida Keys. The variety of fishing in the Keys is unsurpassed. Our business is to help you catch fish by providing the right fishing tackle plus advice from locals who fish these waters daily. We also offer Fishing Charters and have Guide Service available.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
67 reviews
Excellent
53
Very good
4
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
7
Big D
Big Pine Key, FL68 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
How rude. Walk in and was greeted by, “I hope you’re not Looking for live bait. Welcome to summer in the Florida keys“. I’ll never come back here. Take your nastiness elsewhere.
Written 9 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tarpon89
Staten Island,Ny109 contributions
Jun 2012 • Family
I am going to make this as short and sweet as possible. I came in looking for 2 dozen live shrimp. I handed him my container and then went to the register to pay. He came back and handed me by bucket. First of all they are the most expensive place I got shrimp they were over $4 a dozen with tax. Then I was walking out of the store and I looked in the bucket and it looked like their was hardly any shrip in their. I counted 3 full times myself and I counted 18. I went back in the store and I asked nicely I think you made a mistake can you recount the shrimp please. Well you thought someone committed murder. I can't believe I have to do this for 2 dozen shrimp. I said any one can make a mistake I would just like you to recount them. Then he said no way and threw the shrimp back in his shrimp pool and told the cashier to just give me my money back. I kinda stood their in shock the way he acted and of course i figured out why. If he counted in front of me, then he would have been proven wrong . So he did the only thing he could do to save face and that is to give me my money back. I recommend you go some where else or if you have to then watch him count the shrimp when he puts it in you bucket. This probably goes for all types of bait.
Written 29 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is not our intention to "short" anybody on bait, especially for 6 shrimp. It is nearly impossible to count swimming shrimp in a bucket, which is why we count each one by hand.
The price may be a little higher, the reason being is that we have a saltwater well, where it is continuously pumping clean water in, which means you get livelier, healthier shrimp that live much longer.
We stayed open late (it was a Sunday) just for this gentleman to get two dozen shrimp and listen to him complain about everything we had to offer. Sir, you are on vacation in the Keys, life aint that bad.
Written 21 July 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hector P
Miami Beach, FL1 contribution
May 2015 • Couples
I walked in with my own shrimp bucket and the lady at the counter started to scan it so I would pay for it.
I bought 2 dozen shrimp and wanted to charge me for 3 dozen....When I complained she kept saying I was interrupting her, why shouldn't I ? she was overcharging me....then she copped a weird and agitated attitude, so I told her there were plenty of bait shops in the area right in front of other customers.
My final assessment of this place: Management needs to get rid of this menopausal woman, before it can be called a successful business.
I bought 2 dozen shrimp and wanted to charge me for 3 dozen....When I complained she kept saying I was interrupting her, why shouldn't I ? she was overcharging me....then she copped a weird and agitated attitude, so I told her there were plenty of bait shops in the area right in front of other customers.
My final assessment of this place: Management needs to get rid of this menopausal woman, before it can be called a successful business.
Written 3 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Hector,
Your view on what happened is somewhat correct. If you would have assessed the situation before you decided that you where the only one in the store, you would have seen that I was in the process of helping two other customers at the counter with their live bait orders which happened to be 3 dozen shrimp and 6 pinfish. You also decided you were to interrupt once again and ask where the weights were. You interrupted me a third time as I was trying to ring up the other customers 3 dozen shrimp and pinfish and asking my fellow employee if he got the correct count for them. That is when i got "my weird" attitude. I rang you up first to get you out of the store. You are correct that there are other bait stores and I have no problem with you patronizing them.
You are also correct I am a Menopausal woman but I am also one of the owners and we run a very successful business.
Written 4 May 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jetsetter4840
3 contributions
Aug 2013
Went in to get bait, was told after we were about to pay that its cash only. Not to mention when we walked in we didn't even get a hello, just a rude stare. For running a buisness they sure arent customer friendly. Save your time and money, go somewhere else!
Written 14 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
To say that this week is stressful is a understatement. We got to the shop Sunday morning a discovered we had been broke into. Merchandise was stolen, along with some personal items. All of our computers were trashed, which means no cash register, no inventory records, or credit card machine, which is why it was cash only. We are trying to re-coup data, buying new computers, figuring out what has been stolen.
No excuse for being rude, and I am sorry. We are basically in a zombie state at this time.
Written 16 August 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Miona B
New York1 contribution
Jan 2015 • Business
I went to Tackle Box to get a reel cleaned and was met by courteous people, but when I went back to get the reel I found out that it appeared to not be cleaned. I ask the lady behind the counter if I could get a card and talk to the person that did the work. Her response was "he works in here but talk to him"......Naturally the wasn't there, so I ask for a card so I could call him. Well, then when I paid for it which was supposed to be $35.00......she charged me tax on the labor. When I questioned her on taxing labor which was against the law.....she got mad, blew up and then some man came up and said "I would have charged tax also....WHY?
First she was beautiful when you buy something, but definitely don't question the ripping off that you will definitely get in the business....If you go in the store price everything before and definitely check what you get before you leave the store....SHE GOT HOSTILE WHEN QUESTIONED!!!!
First she was beautiful when you buy something, but definitely don't question the ripping off that you will definitely get in the business....If you go in the store price everything before and definitely check what you get before you leave the store....SHE GOT HOSTILE WHEN QUESTIONED!!!!
Written 5 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sir,
First and foremost I assure you that your reel had been cleaned and lubed. We have not been in business for 10 years by taking advantage of people. Secondly I told you that your reel was tight because it probably needed new bearing(s) that would not have been cost effective to replace. You brought it to us to clean and lube and that is exactly what you got. As far as tax on labor goes, in the State of Florida if you use a part, then you tax labor not just on the part but the entire repair. We replaced a missing screw from the housing. I adjusted the price to make you happy.
My attitude comes from the way I am treated. When a customer is rude and loud, I respond the same way. When they yell as they are going out the door "I'm getting on the internet" I cant help but laugh.
I'm sorry that we did not meet your expectations but do assure you that the job was completed as asked.
Written 9 January 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RangeleyCruiser
Oquossoc51 contributions
Jan 2014 • Business
My friend a I drove up to Marathon (from Key West) for a fishing trip with another friend that lives in Marathon. We decided to purchase live shrimp in Marathon rather than transport them from KW. We didn't search TA before we left KW, so as we passed The Tackle Box, we pulled over and went in to purchase 3 dozen live shrimp. The gentleman greeted us and went to get our 3 dozen shrimp. While scooping out the shrimp, the lady that was behind the counter (on the phone) commented that "we aren't going to be able to get more shrimp today". Thinking nothing of it, we paid for the shrimp ($3.90/doz) grabbed our live bucket of shrimp and drove the 2 miles to our friends boat slip. When we went to empty the shrimp into the boat live well, there were EXACTLY 25 shrimp (not 36). I guess I should have counted them as he scooped them out...but that seemed a little overbearing....I mean 3 dozen is 3 dozen. I meant to stop into the "Box" on our way back to KW, but figured it wouldn't have made a difference.....anyway, next time I guess I'll count them!!! One more thing...the live shrimp worked GREAT....but we ran out when the fish were biting!!
Written 3 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I remember you guys coming in. I am not sure what happened, the only thing I can think of is that the shrimp dipper heard 2 dozen and I heard 3. You were defiantly charged for 3 dozen and I apologize. We owe you a dozen shrimp next time you come up this way.
Written 8 February 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
George M
Novi, Michigan, United States1 contribution
Jun 2013 • Friends
I recently purchased a home in Marathon and like to fish. All of the local bait shops seem to have an attitude toward newbies. The tackle box is the worst. I tried to buy the 6 dozen shrimp deal as advertised on the sign outside. My bucket looked like maybe 3-4 dozen tiny shrimp. When I mentioned my disappointment, the woman told me that was the way it was take it or leave it. I told them I didn't want the shrimp.Then her attitude became abusive. I will not return.
Written 9 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear George -
Just wanted to clear up a few things.
The keys are a tourist destination, so 75-80% of the people who go to any local shops are 'newbies". We do not have attitudes against them, we treat them as we are treated.
You ask for 6 dozen shrimp, you get 72 shrimp. If you would have counted I am pretty positive that is what was in your bucket. Shrimp do come in different sizes depending upon the season, moon phase, etc. sometimes they are very small and sometimes they are very big, we have no control over this. They are delivered every morning from Miami. We are at the mercy of the Shrimpers. In other words "it is what it is", I can not change it.
As far as irate, I believe I said "ok, we are playing nice" took the shrimp back and gave you your money back.
I apologize if you felt that you were treated badly, it is not our intention at all.
Written 24 September 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
daltondon
Dalton1 contribution
Jan 2011
I went fishing with Capt. Dave Herberholz on the Rode Runner Charter out of The Tackle Box in Jan 2011 and it was great. Fantastic Fishing and the wide beam of the boat keeps the boat from rocking so anyone that worries about getting seasick let your fears be gone it was like fishing on a lake so just cast your line and get ready for some action.
Capt Dave is a very skilled Captain and fisherman and has the secret spots to keep the fish coming in and in and in. LOL I had to take a break a couple of times because my arms got tired and some of the fish were bigger than the cooler. WOW is all I can say.
I will be back in the Keys soon and will definitely be going booking another fishing trip. Is just doesn't get any better. Oh yeah did I mention it was sunny and 80 degrees in Jan.!!!
For the do it yourself fishermen the Tackle Box has everything you need to fish in the Keys and catch the big ones but my choice is to book the charter and just enjoy the day.
Capt Dave is a very skilled Captain and fisherman and has the secret spots to keep the fish coming in and in and in. LOL I had to take a break a couple of times because my arms got tired and some of the fish were bigger than the cooler. WOW is all I can say.
I will be back in the Keys soon and will definitely be going booking another fishing trip. Is just doesn't get any better. Oh yeah did I mention it was sunny and 80 degrees in Jan.!!!
For the do it yourself fishermen the Tackle Box has everything you need to fish in the Keys and catch the big ones but my choice is to book the charter and just enjoy the day.
Written 19 February 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
608cusb
Michigan10 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
Someone in our group when to The Tackle Box everyday of our vacation! All of the staff was very helpful in determining types of bait, tackle, etc for us tourists. They had everything we needed with fair prices! Great store!
Written 1 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review and for shopping with us! Please come back again!
Written 13 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maria H
12 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Provided me with the right tackle and bait to have a fruitful fishing day. Thanks for making my vacation wonderful.
Written 22 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review!! We appreciate you shopping with us.
Written 13 July 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are renting a boat along with a condo in Marathon. Can we hire a guide for 1/2 day fishing outings on our boat, in mid February 2017? Any ideas as to whom to contact would be appreciated.
Are their good restaurants at some of the Marathon and Islamorada marinas?
Are there restaurants who will cook our catch?
Thank you,
Miguelacho
Written 27 December 2016
We are flying into Marathon for 3 weeks in October 2015. Do you rent reel and poles? If so, what do they run? Who would you recommend for a small boat to fish the canals and gulf side? Just something small? Thanks in advance. We will be sure to get bait, tackle and so forth with your business.
Written 24 August 2015
Yes! We do rent rods and reels. they rent anywhere from $12 - 20/day depending on what your need is. I would check out Vacation Boat Rentals 305-395-1639 . See you soon!
Written 25 August 2015
Hrstar6273
Fair Play, Missouri
What does it cost for a private snorkeling charter? Two adults, two children, ages 8 and 6. What do you do with your stuff while snorkeling? Cameras, phones, purse, billfold? Can you bring a lunch with you on the snorkeling charter? Do you provide life jackets?
Written 3 June 2015
Hi, I think you confused us with a snorkeling company. We are The Tackle Box, we see Fishing Bait and Tackle, clothing, etc. I would contact spirit snorkeling in Marathon for more information.
Thanks
Written 3 June 2015
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