Alan’s Fishing Tackle

Alan's Fishing Tackle is a long‑established specialist shop focused entirely on angling equipment and bait, attracting both beginners and experienced anglers who want hands‑on advice and a broad product range rather than a generic sporting outlet.

The shop has been trading for several decades, and that continuity shows in the way staff talk about local venues, tactics and seasonal conditions, giving customers more than just a basic sales conversation when they walk through the door.

One of the main strengths of Alan's Fishing Tackle is the depth of choice across key categories such as fishing tackle, fishing rods, fishing reels and terminal gear, which helps customers compare options side by side instead of relying on online guesswork.

Racks are stocked with a wide selection of waggler, carp, feeder, match and game rods, alongside poles and a large assortment of hooks, lines and end tackle, so anglers targeting everything from small commercial fisheries to big rivers can usually find something that suits their style and budget.

For carp specialists, the shop dedicates significant space to carp fishing tackle, including rods, alarms, terminal bits and larger items of luggage and bankside equipment, reflecting the growth of modern carp angling and the demand for more technical gear.

The business carries recognised brands such as Fox and Shimano among others, which appeals to anglers who prefer investing in trusted names for their carp rods, spinning reels or advanced bite indication systems rather than purely budget options.

Alongside hardwear, Alan's Fishing Tackle offers a broad range of bait and consumables, including maggots and casters that can be ordered in advance, allowing match and pleasure anglers to secure fresh bait for specific sessions without worrying about last‑minute shortages.

The shop also makes an effort to support all‑round anglers, stocking accessories such as seat boxes, nets, banksticks, umbrellas and a well‑filled clothing section with waterproof and thermal garments suitable for long days on the bank.

Customers looking for fishing clothing and outdoor wear benefit from being able to try on jackets, bib and brace suits and other layers, which can be difficult to size correctly when buying from online fishing shops or general retailers.

Price is a recurring positive theme mentioned by visitors, with many describing the shop as competitively priced and noting that it offers a price‑match promise on certain items, which reassures customers who want the convenience and advice of a physical store without feeling they are paying a large premium over internet retailers.

Some reviewers highlight that they have been able to put together complete set‑ups, including rod, reel and associated terminal tackle, at what they considered very fair overall cost, which is particularly encouraging for newcomers investing in their first proper kit.

Service consistently stands out as one of the strongest aspects of Alan's Fishing Tackle, with staff frequently described as friendly, approachable and willing to take time to answer questions, whether about choosing the right line strength, selecting the best feeder for a venue or matching a rod to a specific style of fishing.

Several customers describe the team as extremely knowledgeable, and note that they receive advice not only on products but also on local waters, pegs and methods, turning a simple trip to a fishing tackle shop into an opportunity to refine their approach on the bank.

Those new to angling, or returning after a break, tend to appreciate being guided towards balanced combinations of rods, reels and lines rather than being pushed towards the most expensive gear on the wall, which helps build confidence in both the purchase and the store itself.

The shop also supports local angling by acting as a point of contact for memberships, with St Johns Angling Society annual subscriptions available over the counter, which is convenient for regulars who want to sort venue access at the same time as topping up on bait and terminal tackle.

As with any retailer, there are a few areas where potential customers should be aware of limitations, and the most commonly voiced frustration relates to closing times, with at least one visitor commenting that the shop locked up a little earlier than the advertised closing time on a particular day.

For anglers travelling a distance or working tight schedules, it may be wise to arrive earlier in the day to avoid disappointment, especially near the stated end of trading hours, as smaller independent shops sometimes adjust their closing routines depending on footfall and staff availability.

Another point for consideration is that the premises are very much set up as a traditional bricks‑and‑mortar tackle shop rather than a large modern retail warehouse, so while the range of stock is broad, some items may occasionally need to be ordered in rather than taken off the shelf immediately.

On the positive side, staff are generally willing to source specialist products where possible, which is helpful for anglers seeking more unusual rigs, specific hook patterns or less common line diameters that might not justify permanent space in the display racks.

There is no emphasis on online checkout or nationwide shipping; instead, the business focuses on order‑and‑collect arrangements and direct contact, which suits local customers who value face‑to‑face conversation but may not be ideal for those who prefer the convenience of purely digital purchasing.

For anyone searching for fishing tackle in the area, Alan's Fishing Tackle functions as a one‑stop option, combining a substantial selection of fishing rods, carp fishing tackle, terminal gear, bait and clothing with genuine advice from people who spend a lot of time both in the shop and on the bank.

The overall impression from a wide spread of feedback is that regulars return because they feel welcomed and looked after, and that problems or questions are dealt with in a straightforward way rather than being brushed aside.

Potential customers weighing up where to purchase their next rod, reel or bait supply can expect a traditional angling retail experience here: shelves densely packed with tackle, conversation about local waters and methods, and the chance to compare products physically before making a decision.

While the shop may not suit those who rely on late‑evening shopping or who prefer large online warehouses, it offers a focused, angler‑driven environment that places personal service and practical knowledge at the centre of every visit.