Going Fishing Tackle

Going Fishing Tackle is a long-established independent fishing shop that has been serving anglers since 1978, combining a traditional bricks-and-mortar tackle store with a modern online presence aimed at everyday coarse and specialist carp fishing alike. The business began life as The Matchmen over forty years ago and remains family run, which shows in the personal attention regulars mention and in the way the owners have adapted to changes in angling over the decades. Today, it trades under the Going Fishing Tackle name and offers a mix of in-store advice and UK-wide mail order so that both local customers and those further afield can access its range of bait, end tackle and rods.

One of the clearest strengths of Going Fishing Tackle is the depth of experience behind the counter, with the shop run by keen anglers who are comfortable advising on everything from everyday pleasure sessions to more targeted campaigns. Customer comments highlight how helpful and approachable the team are, whether you are phoning for guidance or dropping in to top up on bait, and several reviewers describe conversations that feel more like chatting to a long-standing fishing friend than dealing with a retailer. This atmosphere tends to appeal to anglers who want to discuss rigs, venues and methods in person rather than simply ordering from a faceless warehouse.

The store’s product mix is designed to cover key areas such as carp fishing tackle, coarse gear and pleasure angling, with a particular emphasis on practical items at sensible prices rather than purely high-end prestige pieces. Online listings show a broad range of rods, from travel and barbel rods to longer poles, alongside smaller accessories like baiting spoons and bivvy tables, giving anglers options for everything from canals and rivers to commercial stillwaters. This focus on usable, good-value equipment means the shop can cater to newcomers looking for starter outfits as well as more experienced anglers who want a spare rod, feeder or landing net without overspending.

Pricing is another area where Going Fishing Tackle tends to receive positive remarks, with several customers noting competitive prices and fair value on both terminal tackle and larger items. Online, the shop regularly lists discounted rods and poles where the ticket price is significantly lower than the original RRP, which can make a real difference for anglers putting together a full set-up on a budget. When this pricing is combined with human advice in store, it creates an appealing proposition for buyers who want to stretch their money without sacrificing reliability.

For UK anglers searching for fishing tackle online, the shop’s website extends its reach beyond the local area, with clear product categories and an emphasis on straightforward ordering. The site offers mainland UK delivery with a simple structure: standard delivery is charged at a modest flat rate, but orders above a low minimum spend trigger free shipping, which encourages anglers to stock up on bait and bits in a single order rather than drip-feeding small purchases. Goods are typically dispatched within a couple of working days with tracking information, so customers can keep an eye on their parcel as it moves from the counter to their door.

There is also a click-and-collect option that allows anglers to reserve items online and pick them up from the shop, combining the convenience of internet ordering with the reassurance of checking over products in person before heading to the bank. This can be particularly handy for bulky or delicate items such as long poles, larger rods or accessories that you might prefer to handle yourself rather than entrusting entirely to a courier. It also gives you a natural opportunity to ask for last-minute advice on rigs or bait choices at the counter while you collect your order.

Customer feedback on external platforms broadly supports the impression of a reliable and service-focused business, albeit with a relatively modest pool of online reviews compared to some larger chains. On Google, anglers repeatedly mention friendly, knowledgeable staff, good stock levels and a tackle shop layout that makes it easy to find what you need rather than rummaging blindly through disorganised shelves. Reviewers also praise the sense of continuity and personal service, with some long-term customers highlighting that they have used the shop for years and appreciate the consistency and familiarity this brings.

Online feedback about the mail-order side is in a similar vein, with buyers referencing quick delivery and efficient handling of internet orders. Some describe their first experience ordering from the business as very positive, noting both the speed of dispatch and the helpful response when phoning for advice about which item best suited their needs. This suggests that the shop has successfully extended its in-person service ethos into the online arena, rather than treating the website as a separate, purely transactional operation.

In terms of product focus, the shop stocks many items aimed specifically at the needs of modern carp anglers, including rods, poles, bivvy tables and baiting accessories that lend themselves to longer sessions on stillwaters. This makes it an option to consider if you are searching for carp rigs, travel carp rods or heavier lines and terminal tackle suitable for pressured venues where fish are wary and rigs may need fine tuning. At the same time, the presence of lighter spinning rods, pleasure-style float rods and more general accessories ensures that coarse and predator anglers are not overlooked.

Despite these strengths, Going Fishing Tackle is not without limitations, and potential customers should be aware of them when deciding whether it fits their needs. The physical shop is a single-site operation rather than part of a large chain, which naturally restricts its floor space and stock depth; if you are looking for very niche or obscure brands, you may find that the choice is narrower than at some of the biggest national retailers. While the team add products to the online catalogue regularly, they also acknowledge that not every item in store is always listed, so you might occasionally need to contact them directly to confirm availability or ask them to source something specific.

Opening arrangements can also feel a little confusing at first glance, especially when comparing in-store hours with the separate times advertised for online service and order handling. Although the business clearly states when its physical doors are usually open and when its online operation is active, there are days when the shop itself is closed even while the team are working behind the scenes on web orders, which can be inconvenient for anglers who prefer to shop in person during early-week days. For this reason, it is sensible for new visitors to check current information before making a special journey, particularly if they are travelling from outside the immediate area.

Accessibility may be another consideration, as the entrance is not listed as wheelchair accessible, something that could pose challenges for anglers with limited mobility. While this will not affect everyone, it is an important practical factor for some customers and may influence whether they opt for home delivery instead. For a business with a long history of community links, improving physical access could be an area for future development if structural changes are possible.

As a relatively small independent retailer competing with national chains and major online marketplaces, Going Fishing Tackle does not offer the vast, warehouse-style selection or aggressive discounting that some anglers may be used to. Instead, its appeal lies in well-chosen stock, experience-driven advice and the kind of informal conversation that helps you decide whether a particular rod or reel suits the style of fishing you actually do. For some customers this trade-off is positive, but those who value endless choice over personal service might still gravitate towards larger outlets.

At the same time, the shop’s long-standing presence and adaptation to modern retail—combining a local counter service with a fully functioning website, tracked delivery and free-shipping thresholds—give it a solid foundation for anglers who like to support independent businesses. The owners’ awareness of changing trends, from shifts in bait use to the growing importance of online sales, suggests that the business is not standing still, even after more than four decades in operation. For many customers, this mix of heritage and evolution is a key reason why they return, whether they are picking up maggots and hooks before a quick session or ordering a new rod for a planned trip.

Prospective buyers considering Going Fishing Tackle will therefore find a shop that performs well in core areas—knowledgeable staff, competitive pricing, straightforward delivery and a balanced selection of everyday fishing tackle—while still carrying some of the practical constraints that come with being a single independent store. If you value conversation, guidance and the chance to deal with anglers who understand the realities of today’s waters, this retailer stands up well as a source of bait, rigs and equipment, whether you are preparing for a local match, a carp weekend or a simple pleasure trip.