Finding the best fishing stores in Gisborne comes down to who stocks the right gear for the East Coast, from surfcasting off the beaches to jigging and game fishing out past the breakwater. A good fishing shop in Gisborne carries rods, reels, line, bait and berley alongside boating electronics and safety gear, and its staff can match a setup to the species and the water you plan to fish. On Gladstone Road, Discount Fishing Supplies and Hunting & Fishing Gisborne both cover saltwater and freshwater anglers.
1Discount Fishing Supplies
Discount Fishing Supplies is a Gisborne tackle shop and online store run by Captain Colin Kerr, who grew up near the Gisborne wharf and has spent decades fishing the East Coast for tuna, broadbill and groper. The Gladstone Road shop stocks fishing, boating, diving and camping gear, and the team offers advice on tackle, fishing locations and safety at sea. It suits anyone from surfcasters to offshore boat anglers.
Services
- Saltwater rods, reels and combos for surfcasting, softbait, jigging, and boat and game fishing
- Freshwater trout gear, including fly lines, tippets, trout flies, lures and waders
- Bait, berley, berley dispensers and mincers
- Whitebait set nets, scoop nets, drag nets and screens
- Marine electronics, including fish finders, GPS plotters and radios
Highlights
- Managing director Captain Colin Kerr has fished off Gisborne for more than 20 years
- Has supplied specimens to Te Papa, including two broadbill in the national fish collection
- Walk-in shop on Gladstone Road plus a nationwide online store
- Full New Zealand manufacturer warranty on all products
Location & Contact
Name: Discount Fishing Supplies
Address: 439-441 Gladstone Road, Gisborne 4010
Phone: 06 863 2902
Website: discountfishingsupplies.co.nz
2Hunting & Fishing Gisborne
Hunting & Fishing Gisborne is the local store of the Hunting & Fishing New Zealand network, found on Gladstone Road in central Gisborne. Its fishing range covers saltwater and freshwater rods, reels and line, terminal tackle and boating gear, with hunting, camping, diving and outdoor clothing sections alongside. It suits anglers who want to fit out a fishing trip and the rest of their outdoor kit in one visit.
Services
- Saltwater rods, reels, combos, braid, mono and leader
- Freshwater rods and reels, flies, lures, softbaits and waders
- Terminal tackle, nets, gaffs and tackle storage
- Longlines and kontikis
- Boating gear, including depth sounders, life jackets and PLBs
Highlights
- Part of a network of 40 Hunting & Fishing New Zealand stores, the first opened in Palmerston North in 1986
- Stocks fishing brands including Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, Berkley and Simms
- Finance Now and Q Card payment options available
Location & Contact
Name: Hunting & Fishing Gisborne
Address: 310 Gladstone Road, Gisborne 4040
Phone: 06 867 3981
Website: huntingandfishing.co.nz/store-locator/gisborne
How to Choose the Right Fishing Store in Gisborne
- Match the store to your fishing: surfcasting, softbaiting from the rocks, trout fishing and offshore game fishing all need different rods, reels and line, so check the store carries depth in your style.
- Ask for local advice: staff who fish the East Coast can recommend rigs, sinker weights and lures that suit the local beaches, rivers and reefs.
- Check brand range and warranty: look for the reel and rod brands you trust, and confirm that warranty claims are handled in store.
- Think about boating and safety gear: if you fish from a boat or kayak, a store that also stocks life jackets, radios, PLBs and fish finders saves a second trip.
- Consider online ordering: a store with an online shop lets you browse the full range and order items that are not on the shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gisborne Fishing Stores
Where are the fishing shops in Gisborne?
Gisborne’s fishing stores sit on Gladstone Road in the city centre, within walking distance of each other, and are easy to reach from Kaiti, Whataupoko, Te Hapara and Elgin. Anglers heading out from the marina or Waikanae Beach can pick up bait and tackle on the way.
What gear do I need for surfcasting in Gisborne?
A typical surfcasting setup is a long surfcasting rod with a matching reel, mono or braid line, sinkers, a surfcasting rig and bait. A fishing store in Gisborne can match the rod length and sinker weight to the beach and conditions you plan to fish.
What are the recreational fishing rules in the Gisborne area?
Daily bag limits and minimum legal sizes apply to species such as snapper, kahawai and kingfish, and they vary by fishing area. Check the current rules for the Central fishery area on the Fisheries New Zealand recreational fishing rules page or the NZ Fishing Rules app before you go.
Do I need a licence to fish for trout near Gisborne?
Yes. Freshwater sports fishing for trout requires a Fish & Game licence, which can be bought online from Fish & Game New Zealand. Saltwater recreational fishing does not need a licence.
What safety gear should I carry when fishing from a boat or kayak?
Every person on board needs a correctly sized life jacket, and you should carry two waterproof ways to call for help, such as a VHF radio and a personal locator beacon. Maritime New Zealand sets out the recommended safety equipment for recreational boaties.
Can I buy whitebait nets in Gisborne?
Some Gisborne fishing stores stock whitebait set nets, scoop nets and screens during the season. Whitebaiting rules changed nationally in recent seasons, so check the Department of Conservation’s whitebaiting regulations before you set a net.
Is it worth buying fishing gear locally rather than online?
Buying from a local fishing store lets you handle rods and reels before you buy, get advice on local rigs and handle warranty claims face to face. Many local stores also run their own online shops, so you can often compare both options with the same retailer.