BY MIKE STEVENS
WON Staff Writer
VAN NUYS— Tackle shops gain staying power by constantly delivering its customer base dependable service, selection and intel to anglers of all skill levels. In Southern California, it helps to pack a saltwater/freshwater one-two punch, and the rest is just consistency and passion.
The oldest full-service tackle shop in the San Fernando Valley, Bob Sands Fishing Tackle in Van Nuys checks all those boxes, and for that reason, its been able to not only survive but excel in a competitive space since 1970. A first timer checking out the shop might be surprised to hear Bob Sands has been in the game for 55 years given the sheer number of top shelf products and respected brands it carries including but not limited to: Accurate, Daiwa, Avet, Shimano, United Composites, Penn, G. Loomis, Okuma, Graftech and more just looking at the rod and reel arsenal.
A full suite of lures (including hard to find Japanese stuff), local products, West Coast standards, live bait, terminal tackle, apparel and accessories for both fresh and saltwater is on hand to cover all those needs, but aside from the standard, Bob Sands Fishing Tackle also deals in the custom and the specialized. Wind-on and wire leaders, kite fishing essentials, crab and lobster gear, electric reels, custom rod building and reel repair only scratch the surface of the shop’s capabilities when it comes to outfitting the most demanding and accomplished West Coast anglers.
Of course, none of that would be enough on its own which is why Bob Sands has always prided itself on having an expert staff with the know-how and experience needed to round out such a full-featured tackle shop.
Bob Sands also runs charters for its customers, and its schedule (found at BobSandsTackle.com) currently boasts five trips on the Aloha Spirit and a destination fishing adventure to Cedros Island in 2025 alone.
Stepping into Bob Sands Fishing Tackle is stepping into a shop woven deeply into the Southern California sportfishing fabric with no signs of slowing down.
A recent review posted online read, I finally had a chance to stop at Bob Sands Fishing Tackle, and I was totally amazed and could not get over how well-stocked, well-organized and amazingly friendly this place is. All my best wishes to the crew, keep continuing the friendly-family atmosphere! You guys are the BEST! – Jerry V.
Visit Bob Sands Fishing Tackle at 6743 Sepulveda Blvd., Van Nuys, Calif. and online at BobSandsTackle.com
