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?
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.
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
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
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...
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.
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 every time for me. Friendly and Informative Staff and shop is stuffed to the rafters with tackle etc.
Johnson Ross or
Tackle Box👍👍
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.
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.
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
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)
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.😊.