Local Tackle Shops

[BlueSaab]

Hi
I see lots of comments about supporting your local tackle shops and all things being equal I would endorse that statement but for one thing; they don't always support you.
Admittedlly I live away from the coast but our local tackle shops are just not interested ask for sea gear you get a blank stare.
I'm more than thankfull for Gerry's and Veals and others like them who give prompt courteous service.
Credit where credit is due.

Cheers Dave

[big guy]

you can't phone up veals and chat for hours about loadsa c**p, mainly about fishing but not always. you can pick some really good info by chatting to the shop owner and the other customers.

but yes, it is good for the mail order companys to be there to offer the service they do. i think if you lived on the coast you would appreciate the small local shops.

[worm dangler]

but yes, it is good for the mail order companys to be there to offer the service they do. i think if you lived on the coast you would appreciate the small local shops.

Defo I love going into the local tackle shop for a bit of banter and a catch up with what is happening locally,and it helps when to have a rapour with them when i am off on a last minute session and am after just a quarte of rag,then they stay open for an extra 45 mins for about 4 quid!!

But in the same breath I use the mail orders shops for bulk terminal tackle buying.

[sallysludgebucket]

Yes Mr Saab, they all thought I was mad when I mentioned the same thing on a recent thread. I mean 60lb shock leader is not exactly a specialist bit of kit is it ? Well out of 4 shops locally I tried when I was short or sommat to rig make with in the winter, only one had some 10 year old tack that was as thick as rope ! LOL

Mail order is a must, although when at the coast I have regular shops that I buy from, do like the tackle shows as well for bulk bargains.

[Rob]

My local shop, the owner is in to coarse fishing, the young guy working for him is in to sea fishing, between the 2 of them they stock just about the most comprehensive range that it's possible to pack into a tiny shop.

I have never gone in there and asked for something to be told "Whassat then!", fair dues they always have it in stock. Bought a new tripod from there last week, more expensive than mail order, but I did get it assembled to spec, mail order don't do that.

Nowt wrong with a bargain, I do buy stuff mail order, but I'd be stuffed without a local shop, so support them by all means, but only if they are worth supporting. Mine is worth supporting, stuff in stock, fresh bait, up to date info (Always tell them where I've been and what was caught, they do the same for me) that is worth it in my humble opinion.

[diamond dave]

I wish everyone thought that way Rob

[Rob]

What goes around comes around Dave, customers are happy with bargains initially, but the time comes when they look for something more. Read the archives on mail order tackle shops, all the threads read the same, but they all lack one thing, and that's the personal touch, it's never mentioned. We're a social race of animals after all.

[blankerman]

obviously,living miles from the coast,my local dealer has limited stock.but to give them credit (husband and wife),they do try and keep a bit of sea stuff to keep us few sea fishermen happy.he has rods and reels,albeit low end stuff,lures,weights,rigs,line,most things actually,it's just the choice is small.they even keep frozen sea baits,which is'nt bad seeing as it is a minimum 50 miles to the nearest bit of sea

[wilba]

obviously,living miles from the coast,my local dealer has limited stock.but to give them credit (husband and wife),they do try and keep a bit of sea stuff to keep us few sea fishermen happy.he has rods and reels,albeit low end stuff,lures,weights,rigs,line,most things actually,it's just the choice is small.they even keep frozen sea baits,which is'nt bad seeing as it is a minimum 50 miles to the nearest bit of sea

where's this then blanker

[Bass-ic Instinct]

How awfull would it be to turn up at your local tackle shop to then find out that it was closing due to being outpriced by mail oreder companies? I am lucky in that i live near Hartlepool and that there are several good tackle shops including North East Tackle Supplies and Spotty Dog on my doorstep. These guys will move heaven and earth to make sure they can give you the best advice, help and prices in the land. I can appreciate that everyone likes a bargain from eBay or a mail oreder company, but is it worth loosing your local tocal shop for a few quid on rig bits and bait? USE it or LOSE it I'm affraid