TAK Waterman Surf n Fish — Local services in Long Branch

Im an otr truck driver and I had the weekend to spend in the area. Im an avid fisherman from wisconsin and I wanted to do some fishing while in the area. Iv never fished salt water before. I didnt bring any gear with me to fish. I stopped into the shop and met Dimitri. He was extremely helpful, and knowledgeable about fishing in the area. After talking a little bit he offered to take me out fishing that night. I purchased a rod, reel, a handful of lures and a few items from the shop with their logo. I was all set up to go fishing. He also gave me a great recommendation for where to go for dinner that night for fresh seafood. He went above and beyond his duties to make my weekend amazing. We met up and he even brought me a pair of waders, boots, and a coat to use. We tried 4 spots that night with no luck, it looked like we were gonna be skunked and we were gonna give up for the night, I told him it didnt matter to me if we caught fish or not, I was just having a great time fishing the area and learning so much from him. We decided to try one last spot and it was just what we were looking for. The stripped bass were stacked up and he put me on them. I caught 3 strippers in about 30 mins and he caught his pb blue fish. I couldnt thank him enough. A new species of fish iv never caught, a smart, outgoing guided trip from a local fisherman and we had a great time together telling stories and jokes all night. I look forward to the day im able to come back to new jersey and meet up to fish with him again. Top notch bait shop employee and all around great guy. Thank you Dimitri! You really made an unforgettable...

TAK Waterman is not just a shop! it’s a full-blown experience for anyone who loves the ocean lifestyle. Whether you’re into fishing, surfing, or just repping premium coastal gear, this place nails it.

The staff is legit: super knowledgeable, always down to help whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend beginner. Their fishing gear selection is top-tier, and they carry some of the best rods, reels, and tackle in the game. If you’re hitting the surf, they’ve got quality boards and wetsuits that rival the bigger names, but with way better service.

What really makes TAK Waterman stand out is the vibe. The store feels like a community hub, you’ll see local legends dropping by, kids getting into fishing for the first time, and everyone in between. It’s a staple in Long Branch that represents the soul of the Jersey Shore, local, authentic, and built...

Walked into the store at 4pm on 5/9/2023 with my reel and told owner that I hadn't fished in 20+ years. I also told him the beach/street location where I'll only be surf fishing. He changes my spool line so I can cast further; gets me three different lures for three different depths. Owner teaches me two knots to tie. At 8:15pm on 5/9/2023 (same day) I landed this 37 inch Stripe Bass. Just 4 hours after entering his store and listening to his advice - I land the largest fish I've ever caught. You can't get that on Amazon, and very happy that I shopped...