Tararu Store and Bait Station: for all your fishing needs

Located on the beautiful Tararu beach is a little store that’s packed with everything an angler will need before heading on their fishing trip.

“We have every bait that any keen angler would require and all at a reasonable price,” says Sobhna Singh, co-owner of the store.

Along with her husband Dilpreet Singh, the new owners took over the store in October this year and continue to sell a range of top-quality bait.

“Our bait and fishing guru is Vernon Bear, who was the previous owner of Early Bird Bait and Tackle in Totara. If there is anything that he doesn’t know about fishing the firth, then it is probably not worth knowing,” says Singh.

“Our bait is premium quality from brands such as Salty Dog, Seaworks, Southern Baits, and Coastal Baits. Our huge list includes Razor Belly, Pillies, Silver Pillies, NZ Pillies, Illex Squid, Baby squid, Mullet, Bonito, Jack Mackerel, Baby Mackerel, Baby Blues, Piper, Ballyhoo, Finger Mullet, Anchovies, Bullet Tuna, and all salted baits.”

The store also sells berley, including salmon, mussel, kina, pāua, mackerel, and fish in all weights, and have a good selection of tackle too.

“Anything you are unsure of, just ask Vernon,” says Singh.

“We open early morning on Fridays (5am) and during the weekend (4:30am) for keen fishos heading out for their weekend fishing trips. And, for every $50 spent on bait, we offer a free bag of salt ice to our customers.”

And while the store closes at 7pm (except from Thursday to Saturday, when it closes at 8pm), Singh says the store hours will be extended until 9pm every day during the Christmas and New Year period.

“We’re not just a bait store but also a convenience store and offer takeaway, too,” says Singh. “You can even grab scooped ice creams during summer on your way to or back from your fishing trip.” 

The Tararu Store and Bait Station is located at 536 Tararu Road Thames.