Finding the best fishing stores in Nelson helps anglers equip themselves for the diverse fishing opportunities in Tasman Bay and the region’s rivers and lakes. These stores provide quality rods, reels, tackle and local expertise to support both saltwater and freshwater fishing adventures. Top options include Hunting & Fishing Nelson, Big Blue Dive and Fish and Burnsco Nelson, with Latitude Fly Gear covering fly tackle.
1Hunting & Fishing Nelson
Hunting & Fishing Nelson is a locally owned store that forms part of New Zealand’s largest outdoor retail network. It offers an extensive selection of fishing gear along with expert advice tailored to conditions in Tasman Bay and nearby rivers. The team supports anglers seeking reliable equipment for local waters.
Services
- Rods and reels from premium brands including Shimano and Daiwa
- Lures, tackle and soft baits for various fishing styles
- Fishing clothing, waders and outdoor apparel
- Reel spooling and setup services
- Camping and outdoor gear alongside fishing supplies
Highlights
- Part of a nationwide network of 40 stores, all 100% locally owned and operated
- Established in 1986 with a focus on making the outdoors accessible
- Premium brands such as Shimano, Daiwa and Penn
- Expert advice from staff passionate about regional fishing
- Comprehensive range covering saltwater and freshwater needs
Location & Contact
Name: Hunting & Fishing Nelson
Address: Tenancy E, 99 Cadillac Way, Annesbrook, Nelson, 7010
Phone: 03 548 1840
Website: www.huntingandfishing.co.nz
2Big Blue Dive and Fish
Big Blue Dive and Fish is Nelson’s longest-running dive and fishing retail store and service centre, 100% locally owned since 1996. It supplies premium fishing and diving gear, reliable tank fills, and a wide range of bait and berley, backed by hands-on local knowledge for Tasman Bay anglers and divers.
Services
- Fishing rods, reels, lures, tackle and marine accessories
- Dive equipment, regulators, BCDs and tanks
- Bait, berley and fishing electronics
- Reel servicing, rod repairs and respooling
- Tank fills, tank tests and gear checks
Highlights
- Founded in 1996 and 100% Nelson owned
- Longest-running dive and fishing retailer and service centre in the region
- NZUW Approved fill station with qualified service technicians
- In-store repairs for reels, rods and spearfishing gear
- Free gear checks and extensive parts stock
Location & Contact
Name: Big Blue Dive and Fish
Address: Corner Akersten Street and Wildman Avenue, Port Nelson, Nelson, 7045
Phone: 03 546 7411
Website: bigbluediveandfish.co.nz
3Burnsco Nelson
Burnsco Nelson is the local branch of New Zealand’s largest boating, sailing, fishing, motorhome and outdoors gear retailer. It stocks a broad range of fishing equipment and marine accessories, supported by expert advice for anglers targeting species in Tasman Bay and surrounding waters.
Services
- Fishing rods, reels, lures, tackle and soft baits
- Bait, berley, rod holders and marine electronics
- Boating accessories, lifejackets and safety gear
- RV and motorhome equipment alongside fishing supplies
- Click and collect and delivery options
Highlights
- Over 140 years of history serving New Zealanders since 1882
- National network with a dedicated Nelson store
- Price match policy and AfterPay available
- Free standard delivery over $99 for club members
- Expert advice and guides on fishing techniques
Location & Contact
Name: Burnsco Nelson
Address: 5 Vickerman Street, Port Nelson, Nelson, 7010
Phone: 03 539 0909
Website: www.burnsco.co.nz
4Latitude Fly Gear
Latitude Fly Gear is a fly fishing specialist on Brook Street, tied to the Latitude Guiding operation run by guide Mike Kirkpatrick. Worth being clear about the format: it trades primarily online rather than as a walk-in shop, so ring or order ahead rather than turning up expecting a counter. It carries backcountry gear and its own BackcountrySkinz wet-wading apparel.
Services
- Fly fishing gear and tackle
- BackcountrySkinz wet-wading apparel
- Backcountry trout equipment
- Guided trout fishing trips
Highlights
- Fly fishing specialist rather than general tackle
- Runs alongside a guiding operation, so the gear is chosen by working guides
- Sells its own wet-wading apparel line
- Trades primarily online rather than as a walk-in shop
Location & Contact
Name: Latitude Fly Gear
Address: 1/135 Brook Street, Nelson 7010
Email: na**@*************ar.com
Website: latitudeflygear.com
Fishing Stores in Nelson at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting & Fishing Nelson | Annesbrook | Part of a nationwide network of 40 stores |
| Big Blue Dive and Fish | Port Nelson | Founded in 1996 and 100% Nelson owned |
| Burnsco Nelson | Port Nelson | Over 140 years of history serving New Zealanders since 1882 |
| Latitude Fly Gear | Nelson | Fly fishing specialist rather than general tackle |
How to Choose the Right Fishing Store in Nelson
- Seek stores with staff who have local fishing experience in Nelson’s waters like Tasman Bay or the Motueka River.
- Choose retailers offering both saltwater and freshwater gear to cover coastal and river fishing needs.
- Look for in-store services such as reel spooling, rod repairs, and tank fills for convenience.
- Consider stores carrying a wide range of trusted brands for durability and performance on the water.
- Visit locations convenient to popular fishing areas or with easy access for locals and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelson Fishing Stores
What type of fishing gear do most stores in Nelson carry?
Fishing stores in Nelson typically stock rods, reels, lures, tackle, bait and berley for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Many also carry marine electronics, waders, clothing and accessories suited to local conditions in Tasman Bay and nearby rivers.
Do Nelson fishing stores provide advice on where to fish?
Yes, staff at these stores often share practical tips on local hotspots, seasonal species, and techniques based on their experience fishing the region’s coastal waters and rivers.
Can I get my reel spooled or rod repaired at local fishing stores?
Several stores offer in-store services including reel spooling, rod repairs, respooling from bulk spools, and tank fills or tests to help prepare or maintain your gear.
Are beginner anglers able to get help choosing the right equipment?
Absolutely—many stores have knowledgeable staff who assist newcomers with starter kits, brand recommendations, and guidance on gear suited to target species and local conditions.
Do fishing stores in Nelson sell local bait and berley?
Yes, stores stock fresh and frozen bait along with berley products selected for species common to the Nelson-Tasman area, such as snapper and blue cod.
Which areas of Nelson do these fishing stores serve?
The stores are located in Annesbrook, Port Nelson and the Vickerman Street area, serving anglers across central Nelson, Richmond, Tahunanui and surrounding suburbs with easy access for day trips or boat launches.
What brands are commonly available at Nelson fishing stores?
Common brands include Shimano, Daiwa, Penn, and others for rods, reels, lures and tackle, with selections varying by store to suit different fishing styles and budgets.
How We Chose the Best Fishing Stores in Nelson
Every business in this guide was found by searching for fishing stores in Nelson, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Nelson, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.