Tom's Bait and Tackle — Local services in New York

I had an incredibly disappointing and offensive experience at this shop on June 5, 2025. As someone new to fishing, I visited the store to ask for advice and purchase supplies for an upcoming trip. At first, the staff member—who I believe was the owner—seemed helpful. However, when I asked a few clarifying questions regarding how to tie a sinker to a lure, his demeanor changed drastically.

To my shock, he responded with, “Is there something wrong with you? Did you ride the short bus to school?” I was stunned and initially thought it must be a joke. Unfortunately, it was not. He proceeded to berate me further, asking, “What do you even do for a living?” before refusing to sell me any products.

In my 45 years, I have never encountered such an appalling level of disrespect. Making derogatory references that mock individuals with special needs is not only inappropriate—it is deeply offensive and entirely unacceptable.

I am in the process of filing a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau. I urge anyone considering a visit to this establishment to take your business elsewhere. Respect and basic human decency should be the minimum standard in any customer service interaction.

I am open to continuing this conversation transparently should the store...

Didn't tell my husband last time when we were here that we couldn't fish off the beach during the day, yet still sold us $30 of overpriced.bait. The bait was great quality, but from our accents we were clearly outsiders. Seems like the miserable guy charges you what he thinks he can get away with, Would maybe have bought beer and sodas from there if he'd been nicer, but chose to shop elsewhere. Clearly not friendly to POC.(One of us). A great bait shop owner would maybe have asked where we were planning on fishing, or at least of asked? Better luck next time I hope. Will specify time and place of fishing to him so we don't get ripped...

i've got type 1 diabetes and was out on a long 25-30 mile bike ride. i was low on snacks, my blood sugar began to drop, and the double vision began to kick in. luckily, i was going down beach channel and stumbled upon tom's. they had all the snacks i needed and even let me keep my bike in the shop and looked after it while i went to use the porta potty. thanks so much for existing and being an unintentionally ally of type 1 cyclists. i don't fish and probably won't be getting bait or tackle at any point in my life, but i'll always stop at tom's when i need...