Welcome to The Surfcaster
We would like to thank our loyal customers who continue to make The Surfcaster their source for their surf fishing tackle and accessories. We would particularly like to thank those who tell their friends and fellow fishermen about us. We truly appreciate the good words. We are striving to make The Surfcaster the premium source for surf fisherman all over the world with unequaled quality, service and a selection of products that will make us your one-stop source for all your surf fishing gear and supplies. If you would like to make recommendations on things you would like to see from our company- don't hesitate to tell us. E-mail us at or call us at 203-610-6965. We value your comments.
Our History
The Surfcaster had its humbling beginnings located in Darien, CT back in the 1970's. Started by Bill Preinsberger in his retirement after a career in the oil industry, he grew this outlet out of his home, eventually publishing a popular retail catalog for over two decades. Not only did he provide the best in available surfcasting gear, he also innovated many pieces of useful gear that are unknowingly duplicated today. A copy of The Surfcaster catalog in the 1980s will quickly display pieces of equipment that have come and gone, with many of their late model cousins in use today.
Bill and his family eventually decided to ultimately retire and the business was passed along to Doug Wells and his partners in 2004. The business was moved to a small retail/industrial space in Stratford, just steps away from the original Van Staal factory on Sniffens Lane. It was from here where the team migrated the store from the paper catalog to a full on retail website. Although partners changed over the last decade, Doug was a constant part of the shop, leveraging his over fifty years of fishing experience all along the East coast from both shore, boat, and offshore alike to provide sound advice and many a tale to his customers and business partners.
Unfortunately Doug fell ill with cancer in late 2014 and succumbed to the disease in Spring of 2015. Alongside his father for his entire life on the water and many years in the shop, Doug "Jr." as he's known to many, took the reigns of The Surfcaster from him after he fell ill and continues to run it today.
After a few years of running “online only”, the decision was made to find a new retail space, and in October 2024, The Surfcaster has a new home to welcome their customers in Shelton, Connecticut.
We hope to see you soon in store or on the shore.
Our Commitment
The Surfcaster is committed to providing the saltwater shore fisherman with the finest fishing equipment available. We strive to maintain inventory of all products displayed in the catalog 365 days a year, if at all possible. We aim to ship all orders within 1-2 business days and if there are any stock issues, we communicate that quickly back to you so you can be informed of the status.
Special Attention
If you are on a fishing trip and you forgot something or need an item that you don't have, call and we will ship the item out the same day for arrival at your motel, home or business. Delivery can be scheduled for the next day. No need to be left out of the action.