Fishing Tackle Shop at 146 Spendmore Lane presents itself as a compact, traditional retailer focused on coarse and pleasure angling, with a reputation that balances solid product availability with a mixed experience when it comes to customer service. Anglers looking for a local source of essentials will find that the shop covers most day-to-day needs, though it does not aim to compete with very large warehouse-style retailers or specialist competition outlets.

For many local anglers, the main attraction is the straightforward access to core gear and bait. Regulars highlight that there is a broad selection of tackle and accessories on the shelves, covering everything from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bankside bits for a typical coarse or pleasure session. This makes it a useful stop for topping up on fishing tackle before a weekend on the bank, especially for those who prefer to see and handle products rather than relying entirely on online images.

The bait offering is one of the store’s strong points. Several customers remark on consistently good live bait, with particular praise for the quality of maggots, often described as being among the best they have bought from any local fishing tackle shop. One reviewer notes that casters are usually available when needed, which is important for match and pleasure anglers who rely on fresh bait for more demanding sessions. Having a regular supply of maggots, casters and other coarse baits gives the shop an advantage over generic outdoor or convenience stores that only stock bait on a seasonal basis.

Stock depth is generally seen as adequate rather than exhaustive. Anglers mention that the shop offers a large selection of tackle and bait relative to its size, and that if a particular item is not in stock, the team are willing to order it in on request. This helps bridge the gap between a modestly sized high-street retailer and the vast range of an online fishing tackle website. For someone who needs a specific float pattern, a certain hook size or a particular feeder, the option to have items sourced in is a practical benefit, even if it means a short wait.

At the same time, some visitors feel that the range, while decent, is not exceptional and that a few key items are missing. For anglers accustomed to very large specialist stores or browsing broad catalogues on online fishing shops, this can create the impression that the choice is limited. Comments suggest that the shop carries the essentials but may not always satisfy highly specialised demands, such as niche competition rigs, advanced carp end-tackle systems, or a wide spread of fly-fishing products. Potential customers with very specific brands or advanced methods in mind might therefore want to phone ahead or be prepared to place a special order.

Service quality is where the feedback becomes more divided. Some anglers describe the store as a “top shop” and appreciate dealing with a knowledgeable owner who understands local methods and waters. These customers value the practical advice that comes with years of experience, from choosing the right line diameter for a commercial fishery to selecting the most productive bait for nearby venues. For them, the ability to chat about rigs, pole elastics, or feeder setups in person is a key reason to keep using a local fishing tackle shop rather than relying solely on anonymous fishing shops online.

Other reviews, however, report interactions where the staff felt unfriendly or standoffish. Some customers mention that the welcome can seem abrupt and that the tone behind the counter is not always warm or inviting, particularly for newcomers or occasional visitors. In one case, an angler notes that their maggot order was prepared incorrectly, despite being a simple request, and the combination of the error and the attitude received put them off returning unless they have no other choice. These experiences suggest that while knowledge is present, consistency in customer care could be improved.

This contrast in service experiences is important for potential visitors to consider. Anglers who are confident, know what they want and are used to the straightforward style of traditional independent tackle retailers may find the shop suits them perfectly, providing a no-nonsense environment where you can get your bait, grab a packet of hooks and ask a quick question about a local water. Less experienced anglers or those who place a high value on a particularly warm welcome and detailed coaching might feel that service can sometimes fall short of expectations, especially compared with some newer fishing tackle retailers that emphasise a more relaxed, consultative atmosphere.

On the positive side, reviews emphasise the value of supporting a local tackle shop rather than chasing small savings on the internet. Regular customers point out that shopping locally keeps specialised angling services available in the area, which is particularly relevant for those who rely on last-minute live bait, forgotten end tackle or quick replacements for lost fishing rods and reels. The shop also helps connect anglers with nearby venues, with some visitors mentioning that they have picked up useful tips about local fishing spots while chatting at the counter. This kind of informal information network is something that larger online fishing stores cannot replicate.

The location on Spendmore Lane makes the shop easy to reach for those passing through or living nearby, and parking in the surrounding streets is generally manageable for brief visits. For anglers who plan their trips around work or other commitments, having a reliable local outlet for bait and tackle can make the difference between being able to head out for a quick session and having to cancel at the last minute. The shop effectively fills this role, serving as a practical stop for coarse anglers preparing for canals, ponds and small lakes in the wider area.

In terms of product focus, the store leans heavily towards everyday coarse and pleasure angling rather than highly specialised game or sea fishing. Visitors can reasonably expect to find poles and rod-and-reel setups for float, feeder and ledger fishing, together with terminal tackle such as hooks, lines, feeders, floats and weights. While the information available does not suggest a comprehensive range of high-end carp, predator or fly gear, the core of the shop’s offer lies firmly in providing functional, budget-friendly fishing gear suitable for regular sessions. Anglers looking for entry-level or mid-range kits will likely find enough options to get themselves set up.

Live bait reliability is another factor that sets this shop apart from more general retailers. Regular mentions of “always having casters in stock” and supplying very good quality maggots indicate that the shop takes bait seriously. For anglers, this matters just as much as rods and reels; lively maggots, well-kept casters and fresh groundbait can transform a day’s sport, and consistently good bait is often one of the first things regulars look for when choosing their preferred fishing tackle shop. On this front, feedback suggests that Fishing Tackle Shop performs well, with only isolated complaints about specific orders.

Price-wise, the comments tend to focus more on value than on raw cost. Some customers emphasise that buying locally may not always be the cheapest option when compared with large discount online fishing tackle outlets, but they see the difference as minor relative to the benefits of having a convenient physical shop. The value added through local knowledge, immediate availability of bait and the option to have items ordered in offsets the small savings that might be found by searching for every item on the internet. Still, budget-conscious anglers who habitually compare prices online may feel that certain branded items can be obtained for slightly less elsewhere.

From a practical perspective, the shop is straightforward rather than glossy. There are no indications of elaborate displays or extensive lifestyle branding; instead, customers seem to encounter a more traditional set-up, with racks of rods, shelves of small tackle items and bait fridges taking priority over presentation. Anglers who appreciate a simple, functional layout and the ability to quickly locate what they need are likely to be comfortable here, while those who prefer the showroom feel of some larger fishing tackle stores might find it a little basic. However, the core purpose – to equip anglers effectively – appears to be met.

For beginners, the shop can be a useful starting point, although the mixed feedback on friendliness suggests that the experience may depend on timing and staff on duty. A newcomer who arrives with a clear idea of their budget and target species should be able to leave with a practical starter kit, live bait and enough advice to get them fishing. Yet, those who expect a more structured introduction to the sport, with lengthy explanations or step-by-step coaching, might find better support from some larger stores or from specialist coaching services advertised through fishing tackle communities and clubs.

More experienced anglers, particularly those who fish frequently, may find Fishing Tackle Shop most valuable as a reliable source of day-to-day essentials rather than as a destination for large, occasional purchases. It works well as a place to pick up top-up bait, extra hooks and line, or a new float pattern before a session, while big-ticket items such as high-end poles, specialist carp reels or cutting-edge bite alarms may still be purchased from broader online fishing shops or major brand outlets. This kind of mixed buying pattern – core items locally, specialist gear online – is increasingly common and fits well with what this shop appears to offer.

Overall, Fishing Tackle Shop blends the strengths and weaknesses typical of a small, independent fishing tackle shop. On the one hand, it offers good-quality live bait, a respectable range of coarse tackle, the ability to order in items and the benefit of local knowledge shared over the counter. On the other, some customers have experienced service that feels distant or unwelcoming, and the product range, while solid, does not match the depth of the biggest fishing tackle retailers or expansive online fishing shops. Anglers deciding whether to visit should weigh the convenience of a nearby, knowledgeable bait and tackle source against their own expectations of customer service, range and price.

Strengths of Fishing Tackle Shop

Consistently well-regarded live bait, particularly maggots and casters, which many anglers consider crucial for successful coarse sessions.
Good everyday choice of fishing tackle, with enough rods, reels and terminal tackle to cover most coarse and pleasure angling situations.
Willingness to order in products that are not in stock, helping to bridge the gap between a small shop and large online fishing stores.
Useful source of local angling knowledge, from productive venues to effective methods and baits for nearby waters.
Convenient for last-minute purchases and top-ups, especially for anglers who do not want to wait for online fishing tackle deliveries.

Areas where improvement is possible

Customer service can feel uneven, with some visitors reporting unfriendly or standoffish attitudes during their visit.
Product range, while decent, may not satisfy anglers looking for very specialised or niche tackle, particularly at the high end of the market.
A clearer focus on welcoming newcomers and less experienced anglers could make the shop more approachable for those starting out.
Presentation and layout are functional rather than polished, which may disappoint customers used to large, modern fishing tackle showrooms.
Those who are highly price sensitive may still favour large discount online fishing shops for specific branded items.

Fishing Tackle Shop ultimately fits the role of a traditional local fishing tackle shop: reliable bait, a solid base of coarse tackle, and a store of local knowledge, all delivered from a compact premises that prioritises practicality over polish. For many anglers, that combination is enough to keep them returning, while others will weigh it carefully against the ever-growing choice presented by bigger retail chains and online fishing tackle platforms.