I've been here at J&M Tackle on Canal Road a number of times over the years, but I got to be honest…read moreit's not normally my first stop. My neighborhood bait shop usually has what I need for most my fishing trips, and J&M is a 20-minute drive in the opposite direction from where I normally fish on the Gulf or Bob Secour River. Still, when my local place comes up short or I need something specific, J&M is where I go.
The place is a big resource for us anglers with a massive selection of gear, from live bait and frozen shrimp to rods, reels, lures, and fishing clothes. They even have stuff like pier nets and sandals, which I've actually picked up before. The staff indeed know their stuff and is always ready to help.
One time, I was looking for a better setup for surf fishing, and a guy there walked me through some options for pompano rigs. He didn't push me toward the expensive stuff, just pointed out what would work for the kind of fishing I do. I ended up with a couple jigs and a new line that did the job.
I've also had them fix a couple of rods for me. Last spring, my go-to rod got banged up pretty bad and the tip was shot, and I that it might be done for. I took it to J&M's rod shop, in the back, where they build custom rods. The person I talked to asked about how I used it and what happened, then said they could repair it. About a week later, I got it back, and it was good as new with a rebuilt tip. The repair cost was a little more than I hoped, but it saved a rod I didn't want to replace, and it wasn't that crazy.
I wouldn't say J&M blows me away, like Bass Pro Shop, but It's absolutely a solid tackle shop with a lot to offer, and the biggest around. The staff is friendly and quick to answer questions, whether I'm asking about what's biting or how to tweak my gams for redfish, trigger, flounder, etc. The place is organized, and I like that they carry brands I know plus some new ones I've tried out. I've been to other shops around, and J&M has more options than the rest, period.
Beyond fishing gear, some of the fishing clothes, like the fancy shirts, can be a bit overpriced. But for tackle and gear, the prices are fair, and I've never left empty-handed. In addition they have gas, diesel and non-lead fuels for your boats!!
Bottomline: J&M Tackle is a reliable spot when I need more than my local shop can offer. If you're in Orange Beach and serious about fishing, it's worth a visit for the gear and the know-how. Recommended!