As with many industries the online retailers have become dominant, but there's nothing like going to a decent store and getting hands on before you buy. I wish I had done that as it's 4am and I've barely slept on my new and uncomfortable bedchair.

Anyway, my bad back aside, where's the biggest physical shop with the best range that someone can go to and check out all the fishing kit porn?

In reply to Post #1
Johnson Ross carry a large amount of stock but things like bivvys generally need setting up in the car park. Browns in Leighton buzzard have a large indoor area with several bivvys set up inside with bedchairs in them. Harefield tackle has a decent upstairs with a lot of stock on display but its currently closed due to covid restrictions, customers can go to the counter only.

Good suggestions. I'll have a look. Coronavirus has certainly put an end to the ability to browse properly before we buy.

In reply to Post #3
angling direct stores are usually quite big worth trying out in and then go and buy from your local tackle shop

In reply to Post #1
NOT bobco, leeds
Awful service

Ive found bobco ok...last year i was looking for some carbon spray to build up my spigots on one of my sets of rods, and they were the only shop that has any in stock... they kept a couple of cans to once side for me until i was in Leeds with work and i was able to pick them up....

I generally order online from Johnson Ross and there service is excellent, but i have also had a good service from England angling, walkers of trowel is also a good friendly shop.

I work in construction as a contracts manager so i go to a lot of sites all over the country, so for larger items i phone up, ask them to keep to onside and collect when i am in the areas, most shops I've rang are happy to oblige...

Used The Tackle Box in Dartford today for the first time, as it was one of the few places I could get everything I wanted without having to order from multiple sites. Trucked 1hr 30 mins each way to do click and collect and it was all seamless. Very slick setup and decent prices. Would recommend.

Can also recommend Browns in Leighton Buzzard, but they are slightly more expensive. They know their stuff though.

In reply to Post #1
Johnson Ross every time for me. Friendly and Informative Staff and shop is stuffed to the rafters with tackle etc.

Johnson Ross or
Tackle Box👍👍

Johnson Ross

In reply to Post #1
it's interesting watching Alan Blair's travels in Europe on Instagram and seeing the quality of some of the shops he visits in Europe. I'm sure they need to be located in areas with lots of fishing but somewhere like the Cotswolds/Oxford area for example would surely support a decent shop where as you say you can look and touch a good range?
Otherwise I guess it's visit the big carp shows to see and then buy online.

Not easy operating a physical retail store these days for sure.

In reply to Post #11
If you are visiting a show the chances are you'll get a deal better than online.

In reply to Post #1
Best shop I know is Ann Summers
on a Serious note TIM at England Angling is a great man that matches prices and often beats them too

In reply to Post #1
Todber manor fishery in Dorset has a very impressive shop with a lot of gear on display. Maybe not the best prices but nevertheless you can see what your looking at beforehand.
(And there's a few lakes to fish on after you have bought)

For me it's the tackle box, been using them since lee had hair. Not the cheapest, but they know their stuff and will sell you what you need not what makes them the most profit. They stitch you up, but they don't f@%# you up.😊.

In reply to Post #15
Hundred percent agree. Using them for years. Not sure about the stitch up comment though.

Johnson Ross or the tackle box yeah you sometimes pay a little more for big ticket items but their customer service is worth that alone

Just wanted to say thanks for all the pleasant and positive responses!

I'm going to get myself to a few of the places mentioned as they're clearly worth the effort and getting to lie on a bedchair is key. I'll just call beforehand to see if they have ones I fancy in stock and they're ok with me getting hands on it in the current climate.

Then hopefully my next overnighter will be disturbed due to screaming takes and not back ache!!

Johnson ross for stock and customer service but not the cheapest .

In reply to Post #16
In reply to Post #15
Hundred percent agree. Using them for years. Not sure about the stitch up comment though.

Probably because their sales spiel is so good you end up buying more than you need...

I have used Johnson Ross and Tackle Box quite a bit and I know a few of the guys in Johnson Ross from my time on Nazeing, they treat all customers well, they know their stuff, and will sell you right.

Tackle Box, I have driven down a few times to have a proper look at items I needed, and browsed round the shop, yes, you can easily end up with more than you went in for. Again they know what they are doing. A retail store with staff who can talk the talk.

I have been in a few Angling Direct stores and it feels like they are just 'stick it through the till and next', almost like a fishing tackle Primark, but at premium prices

Johnson Ross for me. Sent me some tempest skull cap clips, so I can use the cap on both of my tempests.
Someone got off there bum sorted them then sent too me all for free 👌

In reply to Post #20
So good business all round then

In reply to Post #22
I have just purchased some end tackle, spombs, leads, pellets and particles from Blakes and received it the next day with a load of advice from one of the lads there. Mega impressed.

Walkers of trowell. Always have stock

In reply to Post #24
Walkers of Trowell is a good shout always pop in when I'm that way, great traditional fishing shop.

Billy Clark's at Sheffield,Nathan's of derby And wickersley angling are good friendly general fishing shops

Online Johnson Ross Are my go to.

In reply to Post #23
Blake's is top draw, can't fault the place.

In reply to Post #26
England Angling and Hull Angling are worth a look

In reply to Post #1
Bankside in Gloucestershire isn't to shoddy, free spirit stockists and always have stock, couple of good guys that have been there and done it, yet always willing to offer advice and help

In reply to Post #13
Avoid Ann Summers at all costs. it is owned by the same porn barons that own West Ham. The sooner they go bust and sell up the better.

In reply to Post #28
Don't tell Knickerwetter that one of them won the British carp championships - he will have them down as a noddy shop.

Big shout out to Gardner. Had bought a v2 deluxe receiver from Johnson Ross, who then didn't receive it in their Gardner order. They asked Gardner to send directly to me. Rang Gardner who said they were working on 7 day shipping. Explained the urgency (having ordered 2 weeks before at JR) and it was on my doorstep the next morning. Judging by the voice I think I spoke with the lad from their promo videos.

I know not a shop, but was amazing customer service. Also not a criticism of JR, as it was all out of their control.

Whilst I am at it, England Angling. Getting stuff through quickly when others struggle.

In reply to Post #1
Simpson's of Turnford, but when Jack shut up shop, it's then became Johnson Ross for me

In reply to Post #32
Agreed Bankside near Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire- Great shop

In reply to Post #1
Tackle box or Johnson Ross for me, price normally depicting which one I will use

In reply to Post #13
Yup... this is my local. Tim and the other guys at England Angling are great in York.

Edit: The website is shockingly bad from a user experience view so I tend to go in store.

In reply to Post #1
Johnson Ross without question

YAC

In reply to Post #30
Carp Championship you say? Well Noddy...