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The Story of Long Beach Island's Oldest Tackle Shop...
"The one stop headquarters for all of your saltwater fishing needs!" For over 50 years, Fisherman's Headquarters helps generations of anglers prepare and enjoy their time on the water. Fish Heads (as most call us) is the premier full service bait and tackle store serving the needs of saltwater anglers around the world with first class service, top quality fishing tackle brands and competitive prices. We are commended and recommended for excellence in experience and service by local, regional and national fishing organizations.
It all started long ago... Our roots date back to the early days on Long Beach Island. In 1962 the massive "Great Storm" hammered LBI for three days. The Island was breached in many areas and the destroyer the USS Monssen was aground on the beach in Holgate. It was the most destructive storm to ever meet the mid-Atlantic states.
Shortly after the vicious storm, an avid angler Russ Walls commissioned an LBI native and neighbor Art Cox to clear the lot at the entrance to LBI just a short distance to the east of the causeway bridge. Fisherman's Headquarters was born and still stands today at the same location. Russ Walls established a successful store that anglers loved throughout the 60's. After years of service, Walls sold the business to Vince Goddard and then over time it changed hands again. Bob Dodds ran the business for a number of years, up until the early 80's.
In 1984 a passionate inshore and offshore angler Stan Cudnik bought the business. For the next thirty plus years Fisherman's Headquarters has supplied anglers across the globe top quality fishing tackle with expert knowledge.
Jennifer Brower's 1972 Fluke – 14 lb 10 oz
This iconic 1972 fluke proudly shows the second owner’s name, Vince Goddard, etched into its record. Weighing in at 14 lb 10 oz, it’s a standout piece of angling history that captures decades of tradition and memorable catches.
1964 – John B. Kelly’s 55 lb Striped Bass
This remarkable 1964 surf-caught striped bass, weighing an impressive 55 lbs, was caught by John B. Kelly on Long Beach Island. Notice the historic sign in the background — Russ Walls was the founder of the shop, and the shop’s name spelling evolved over time. A true piece of LBI angling history, showcasing classic surf fishing at its finest.
1987 LBI Surf Fishing Classic – Grand Prize Weakfish
This impressive 12 lb 2 oz Weakfish took the grand prize at the 1987 LBI Surf Fishing Classic, caught by Albie Jordan. A long-time employee and master rod craftsman, Albie was widely known in the broader region as a top builder and skilled angler.
LBI Fishing History
The history of Long Beach Island (LBI) is rich in love for the water. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east side and the Barnegat Bay on the west, LBI's narrow 18 miles of sand is surrounded with beauty and great fishing.
For many years LBI has been considered the top fishing destination in New Jersey and one of the best on the eastern seaboard. It was well documented in history. In 1864, author of The American Angler's Book, Thad Norris wrote about LBI, "I consider the fishing the surest and best on the Jersey coast." In George B Somerville's 1914 publication The Lure of Long Beach the Island's fishing was detailed. "Long Beach Island is indisputably New Jersey's Mecca for fishermen and the lover of bluefish, striped bass, weakfish, croaker, will find himself on ideal fishing grounds along this section of the coast. To the angler Barnegat Bay is the fisherman's paradise."
Long Beach Island is home to two of the oldest fishing tournaments in the country. The Beach Haven Marlin Tuna Club's White Marlin Tournament is the oldest White Marlin tournament in the country, started in 1969. Started back in 1954, the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic is one of the oldest surf fishing tournaments in the country. Today both tournaments are very popular and produce amazing winning catches every year.
Store Location & Hours
On the Rt 72 Causeway
280 West 9th Street
Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Current Winter ’26 Hours (EST)
Mon – Sat: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am – 5:00pm