Thomas Tackle & Seafood

Thomas Tackle & Seafood has been a roadside stop on NC 50 since 1955, and it’s still family run, now in its third generation. In one stop you can buy dinner, the bait to catch tomorrow’s, and the tomatoes to go with both.

• Surf City (mainland)
• Seafood & produce
• Bait & tackle
• Family owned since 1955

What stands out

Repeat visitors talk about coming back for 10, 20 and even 30 years. They praise the variety, the freshness and the family’s advice on how to cook each catch. Seafood-boil shoppers fill coolers with snow crab legs, shrimp and scallops. The seasonal tomatoes and boiled peanuts have their own fans. It’s also a working tackle shop with bait, rods and fishing gear.

What to pick up

• Seafood-boil makingsSnow crab legs, shrimp, clams and bay scallops in one stop.
• Fresh fishTuna, mahi, grouper and flounder, depending on the season.
• Crab cakesVisitors call them full of crab, and they make an easy dinner.
• Local produce in seasonTomatoes especially, plus seasonings and sauces.
• Boiled peanutsA roadside favorite for the drive.
• Bait and tackleEverything for a morning on the pier or the surf.

Before you go

• It’s on NC 50 on the mainland side of Surf City, on the approach to the bridge.
• Ask about deals when buying in bulk for a big group.

Plan your visit

• Where: 14210 NC Highway 50, Surf City, NC 28445 (mainland)
• Hours: Hours change with the season. Check with the business before you go.
• Phone: (910) 328-4361
• Updates: Thomas Tackle & Seafood on Facebook
• More nearby: grocery stores and markets near Surf City

Staying nearby? Browse our Surf City vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.

Based on the business’s own website and social posts and on recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Hours, stock and prices change, so confirm with the store before you go.