You probably remember from your childhood a favorite tackle shop that now no longer exists. In 2026, Goose Hummock will be entering it's 80th year in business on Cape Cod!!!! How rare a feat is reaching multiple decades in the tough fishing tackle business? Here's a look at the top 10 surviving tackle shops in the Northeast according to CHATGPT and other sources.... we are in some pretty good company.
Thank you to all you loyal Goose customers out there that have allowed us to be in business this long and still going strong!!!
1. Capitol Fishing Tackle Company
Founded: 1897📍 Freeport, New York➡️ Widely cited as the oldest continuously operating bait & tackle shop in the U.S.
2. Tochterman’s Fishing Tackle
Founded: 1916📍 Baltimore, Maryland➡️ One of the oldest family-owned tackle shops in the Northeast; original location
3. Abercrombie & Fitch
Founded: 1892📍 New York City➡️ Began as a fishing & expedition outfitter long before becoming a fashion brand
4. Orvis
Founded: 1856📍 Manchester, Vermont➡️ Oldest American fishing outfitter (mail-order → retail); foundational to fly fishing
5. H.L. Leonard Rod Company
Founded: 1869📍 New York➡️ Iconic American rod maker; central to early U.S. tackle history
6. L.L. Bean
Founded: 1912📍 Freeport, Maine➡️ Early catalog & storefront roots included fishing tackle and outdoor gear
7. Goose Hummock Shops
Founded: 1946📍 Cape Cod, Massachusetts➡️ One of the oldest surviving saltwater-focused tackle shops in New England
8. Fisherman’s Headquarters
Founded: 1962📍 Long Beach Island, New Jersey➡️ Historic surf-fishing institution with national reputation
9. Surfland Bait & Tackle
Founded: 1974📍 Montauk, New York➡️ Legendary surf shop tied to Montauk’s modern striped bass era
10. Trophy Tackle
Founded: ~1970📍 Long Island, New York➡️ Long-running South Shore institution known for striped bass expertise