Bill van Wulven Sells Barnacle Bill’s, ‘the Biggest Little Tackle Store in San Diego’

LEMON GROVE一 I never knew a day of fishing could change my life. Those words, written to Bill van Wulven more than 40 years ago by a wounded soldier van Wulven saw on the shore of Lake Murray and invited fishing, inspired and fueled a legacy of giving back to the community through dropping a line in the water. “And I don’t know why I said this but I felt compelled to say hey do you want to go fishing with me,” said van Wulven. “… and about a year later I get a letter from the guy… that’s why I started doing more charity work.” Van Wulven is the owner of Barnacle Bill’s Bait and Tackle in Lemon Grove and after 20 years of greeting customers by name, doling out fishing advice, and giving back to the community, van Wulven is retiring and selling the store to Dana Landing, a bait, tackle, and sportfishing charter business in Mission Bay. “It’s kind of known as the biggest little tackle store in San Diego,” said van Wulven. Bill Van Wulven displays a photo of a soldier’s combat boots on the checkout counter. He has been deeply involved in contributing to charities...