Strike-Zone Fishing — Local services in West Melbourne

Update: i had to update my review as recently (the last year or so), they have been a solid go to for tackle! The friendly facws are back and so are the smiles and greets! Enough to go from 1 to 4 stars!

I hate pulling the race card...I reeeeaaallly hate to do it, but the vibe in this place is a little off putting to people of color like myself. The service is different when they deal with me. I can tell because they go from being super friendly to the white guy in front of me, to being real sharp, to the point, blunt, and all within a centimeter of absolute rudeness. I thought this place was legit when I first came to Melbourne a few years back. Bought a rod and reel from them, dropped like 600.00 day one. I was greeted with smiles and friendly fishing banter, and the gentleman behind the counter offered his guided fishing charter to help me get a swing of things on the water as I came from Colorado. THAT WAS THE ONLY TIME I FELT WELCOMED IN THIS STORE! Since then it is the same bland customer service. I will watch them greet white folks the whole time I am in there, ask them if they need help while they're perusing the aisles, and offer fishing tips and banter, but for me....none of that. I have to seek someone out to ask them for help. That part would not bother me in the slightest if I watched them do that with everyone in the store. I am not fully accusing them of being partial to the Caucasian persuasion, but go and see for yourself if you are a person of color and good judge of character. Pay attention to the vibe in there and if they actually reach out to you and offer help, great, if not...just know that you aren't the only one...

Went in looking for a new pole for my baitcast reel. This shop has some great equipment but it costs. I thought I'd be going back to Walmart for a more affordable pole but the guy working asked could he help in any way and i told him I was looking for a more affordable pole to use with my new baitcast. I didn't want an expensive pole as I'm new to the baitcast reel and just needed something that didn't cost too much as it was going to be more of a practice rod. I ended up being offered a really nice pole that he had in back from his surplus. He priced a nice rod with a baitcast reel, but i didn't need the reel. So he priced just the rod for me. It was a great beginner's rod! Thanks for the effort to find me something that worked for me. The combo was actually a pretty penny (approx. $200), but he offered a great price on the combo, or that he could break it up and sell me just the pole and I took the rod only deal and walked out with a nice rod for a great price! I'll just say I paid less than half of half the price pictured for the pole. ...

Stopped by this store at 3pm today. Was the only customer there No one asked if I needed anything, or even a friendly greeting. there were about 5 youngsters milling around doing their own thing. Wandered around the store for about 20 mins and found what I needed. went to the front to pay and ask the kid at the front about a couple of fish traps I need and a spearfishing rig. he was on the phone and completely ignored me other than to occasionally look up and smirk at me. After 5 minutes standing and waiting politely and none of the other children in the store wanting to help I left. Went down to Harry Goodes outdoor shop on 1231 New Haven and was treated like a human. They had everything I needed at better prices and it was a great experience. dont know how that other place can have a business model like that in these times of online shopping. Harry Goodes is the...