Big Fish Little Fish at 10 Fore Street is a compact specialist fishing tackle shop that has steadily built a loyal following among local and visiting anglers who value personal service and practical advice over glossy displays. The shop is run by an owner who is widely described as friendly, approachable and deeply knowledgeable, particularly about carp fishing and local waters, which gives customers confidence when investing in new fishing rods, terminal tackle or bait. At the same time, a small number of online customers have reported problems with delayed deliveries and refunds, which introduces an element of caution for those considering ordering remotely rather than buying in person.

One of the main strengths of Big Fish Little Fish is the expertise behind the counter. Regular customers highlight that the owner really knows his stuff when it comes to carp and coarse angling, taking the time to understand each angler’s experience level, preferred venues and budget before recommending specific carp rods, line strengths or rigs. Instead of pushing the most expensive gear, the emphasis tends to be on value for money and suitability, which is particularly useful for newcomers who might otherwise be overwhelmed by the sheer range of tackle available in larger chains or online.

The shop carries a focused selection of core tackle and accessories so that anglers can put together a complete setup without needing to visit multiple retailers. While the range is not as vast as large online platforms, customers can typically find essential items such as fishing reels, landing nets, unhooking mats, bite alarms, end tackle and a choice of baits suitable for both short sessions and longer campaigns. For carp specialists this can include pellets, boilies and groundbaits chosen to work well on local venues, while coarse and pleasure anglers can usually pick up the basics for float and feeder fishing without difficulty.

Another appreciated feature is the willingness to source products that are not currently on the shelves. If a particular brand of line, a certain test curve of carp rod or a specialist item like a marker float or spod reel is not in stock, the owner is often happy to order it in for the customer. This personalised ordering service helps bridge the gap between a small high street tackle shop and the almost limitless choice of online catalogues, allowing anglers to support a local business without feeling constrained to a limited selection.

For many anglers, local knowledge is as valuable as the products themselves, and this is another area where Big Fish Little Fish stands out. Shoppers often comment that they can ask for up‑to‑date advice on where the fish have been showing, which baits have been working and what rigs are proving effective on nearby lakes, rivers and canals. This real‑world feedback, combined with the right fishing tackle, can make a tangible difference to catch rates, especially for those who are new to the area or returning to angling after a break.

The atmosphere inside the shop tends to be relaxed and informal, with anglers chatting about recent sessions, new products and upcoming trips. Details such as a friendly welcome and even a resident shop dog contribute to a sense of community that can be hard to find in bigger retail environments. For some regulars, dropping into Big Fish Little Fish is as much about catching up and talking through ideas for rigs or bait approaches as it is about buying more hooks, weights or a new fishing reel.

Customer reviews frequently mention good pricing, which is an important consideration in a market where anglers can easily compare costs online. While a small independent store cannot always match the very lowest internet prices, Big Fish Little Fish is often perceived as fair and competitive, particularly when the additional benefit of tailored advice is taken into account. Anglers who appreciate value rather than simply chasing the absolute cheapest deal are likely to feel that they get solid returns on their spending here, especially when investing in mid‑range carp fishing setups that need to be reliable rather than just budget‑friendly.

However, the business is not without its drawbacks, and it is important for potential customers to be aware of these. Most positive experiences relate to in‑person visits and purchases, whereas some of the most critical feedback relates to online or distance orders. At least one customer has described placing an order, being told twice that the parcel had been forgotten, and then having to wait for a refund that did not arrive as promptly as expected. Incidents like this suggest that, at times, back‑office processes and communication around mail order and refunds may not be as robust as the in‑store service.

These issues highlight a common challenge for small, owner‑run tackle shops that try to juggle day‑to‑day shop duties with managing online orders and shipping. A single person may be responsible for serving customers, maintaining stock levels, responding to messages and packing parcels, which increases the risk of delays or oversight when things become busy. For anglers who need equipment delivered by a certain date, such as just before a holiday fishing trip or competition, this can be frustrating. As a result, Big Fish Little Fish is likely to be a better option for those who can visit in person, while remote buyers may want to confirm stock availability and timescales clearly before placing an order.

Stock depth is another area where expectations need to be realistic. Being a relatively small high street shop, Big Fish Little Fish may not hold a full spread of brands and ranges in every category. For example, an angler looking for a highly specialised spod rod, the latest digital bite alarms or a very specific model of high‑end fishing reel may find that it has to be ordered in rather than purchased off the shelf. On the other hand, for most everyday needs – from hooks, swivels and leads to basic carp, coarse and predator gear – the shop’s range tends to be adequate, especially when supported by the owner’s willingness to order specific items on request.

Where Big Fish Little Fish is particularly strong is in supporting anglers who prefer guidance over guesswork. Someone starting carp fishing, for instance, can walk in with a budget and walk out with an entire setup – rod, reel, line, terminal tackle, banksticks and bite alarms – put together logically rather than piecemeal. The owner can explain, in clear terms, how to balance rod test curves with mainline strengths, how to choose hook patterns and sizes, and how to set up simple but effective rigs. This practical help gives newcomers a better starting point than buying random items online purely based on pictures or promotional claims about carp fishing gear.

More experienced anglers can also benefit from this approach, especially when fine‑tuning rigs or adapting to specific waters. For example, a specialist carp angler wanting to adjust hooklink materials, change to a different pattern of hook, or refine lead arrangements for weedy or silty lakes can discuss options in detail. Having a knowledgeable adviser can save both time and money, as it reduces the trial‑and‑error of buying and testing multiple products without guidance, and means that any investment in higher‑quality fishing tackle is more likely to pay off in terms of performance.

Customer service, in person, is generally described in very positive terms. Visitors talk about an honest approach where the owner is clear about what each product can and cannot do, rather than overselling features or promising unrealistic results. If something is not suitable for a particular type of angling or venue, he will say so and suggest alternatives that may be cheaper or more effective. This transparency contributes to trust and encourages repeat visits from anglers who feel that their interests are being prioritised over short‑term sales of fishing rods or high‑ticket items.

On the downside, the shop’s reliance on one individual means that the overall experience can vary depending on how busy things are. At peak times, customers may need to wait for personalised assistance if others are already being served. Additionally, because the business is focused on angling, non‑fishing outdoor enthusiasts might not find much of interest beyond a few items that could cross over into general outdoor use, such as headtorches, waterproofs or small accessories. The shop is designed primarily for anglers looking for targeted fishing tackle, not for those seeking a broad outdoor or camping range.

Accessibility is relatively straightforward, as the address places Big Fish Little Fish on a central street that most local anglers will already recognise. For those travelling by car, parking may depend on nearby public spaces rather than dedicated customer parking, which is typical for a town‑centre tackle shop. Once inside, the layout is generally functional and focused on getting anglers quickly to key categories such as fishing rods, reels, terminal tackle and bait, with displays used more for practicality than elaborate merchandising.

When weighing up whether Big Fish Little Fish is the right choice, potential customers should consider the balance between personalised in‑store service and the limitations that can accompany a small independent retailer. For anglers who enjoy talking through their plans, asking questions and building a relationship with a knowledgeable shop owner, the strengths are clear: tailored product recommendations, honest feedback, fair pricing and a sense of being part of a local fishing community. These qualities are particularly valuable when selecting core items like fishing reels, rods and terminal tackle that need to perform reliably over many sessions.

For those who primarily shop online and expect rapid dispatch, detailed order tracking and call‑centre style support, the shop’s less formal approach to mail order may be a drawback. While many customers have smooth experiences buying in person, the occasional reports of delays and slow refunds suggest that the remote purchasing experience may not yet match the high standard of face‑to‑face service. Anglers in this situation might choose to use the business primarily for in‑store purchases and advice, while relying on larger online retailers when they need complex orders delivered under tight timeframes.

Overall, Big Fish Little Fish presents itself as a traditional angling shop where knowledge, conversation and trust still matter as much as the products on the shelves. Those who value expert guidance on carp fishing, local water insight and a straightforward, down‑to‑earth atmosphere are likely to view it as a reliable place to equip themselves for their next session. At the same time, potential customers should remain aware of the reported issues around online orders and take a practical approach, making full use of the shop’s strengths while allowing for the limitations that come with a small, highly personal fishing tackle business.