There’s something timeless about the Capitola Wharf—the sound of waves underfoot, the salty air, and the laughter of families learning to fish for the first time. At the heart of it all is Capitola Boat and Bait, a beloved local business where generations of visitors and locals alike have discovered the simple joy of being out on the water.
Today, siblings David Morris and Tina Morris-Williams proudly run the shop, continuing a family legacy that began nearly three decades ago.
A Wharf Full of Stories
For David and Tina, the best part of running Capitola Boat and Bait is the people. “There are so many highlights,” Tina says. “I love watching kids learn to fish—teaching them how not to get hooked, what’s biting that day, and answering their questions like ‘Are there sharks out there?’”
She smiles as she describes the daily rhythm on the wharf: locals who stop by just to chat, vacationers who come back year after year to say hello, and families making memories together by the ocean. “It truly is like a family out here,” she adds. “When visitors return and make a point to come see us, that’s really special.”
A Family Legacy on the Wharf
Capitola Boat and Bait has been part of the family since 1998, when Tina and David’s mother, Sally John, purchased it from longtime owner Karin Nevis. Recently, Sally passed the torch to her children so she could enjoy a well-earned retirement, spend time with her husband, and travel.
The siblings have kept the same name that locals know and love. “It’s a perfect name—why change a good thing?” Tina says. Behind the scenes, though, the business operates under TDD, LLC, named for the three of them: Tina, Delbert, and David—a quiet nod to their shared commitment to keeping the family tradition alive.
Why Capitola is One of a Kind
For Tina, Capitola’s charm goes far beyond its postcard views. “It’s a quaint little village with so much life,” she says. “There’s shopping, great restaurants, and beautiful scenery—but it’s the people who make it what it is.”
She especially loves seeing families stroll the Esplanade, stop along the wharf to watch the boats come in, and light up when they see fish being caught. “Kids get so excited when they realize you can catch fish right here in Capitola Bay,” she says. “Sometimes they’ve never held a fishing pole before. Watching their faces when they feel that first tug on the line—that’s the magic of this place.”
Sunsets, Whales and Simple Joy
When she’s not helping visitors on the wharf, Tina enjoys the quieter side of Capitola. “I love nature,” she says. “Watching the sunrise and sunset never gets old—I probably have too many photos of both. And seeing the whales jump right outside the marina? It fills my heart every time.”
More than Just Boats and Bait
Visitors come to Capitola Boat and Bait for all kinds of reasons: to rent boats, borrow fishing gear, get tips on what’s biting, or simply spend a few peaceful hours on the bay. “We have people who’ve never fished before,” Tina says. “They tell us how much fun they had—and how their kids’ faces lit up when they caught their first fish.”
In the end, that’s what keeps the family devoted to their work. It’s not just about fishing—it’s about connection, discovery, and sharing the beauty of Capitola’s coast with everyone who stops by.
So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local, take a stroll down the wharf, drop a line in the water, and say hello to the family behind Capitola Boat and Bait. Chances are, you’ll leave with more than just a good catch—you’ll leave with a story worth telling.
Capitola Boat & Bait
1400 Wharf Rd
Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 462-2208
https://www.capitolaboatandbait.com/