McDermotts
BackMcDermotts is a long-established independent fishing tackle shop serving both sea and coarse anglers from its base on Station Road in Ashington. Drawing on years of experience, it has developed a reputation as a practical, down-to-earth place to get kitted out for a session on the pier, the rocks or the local ponds. The focus here is on substance rather than show: anglers come to sort bait, tackle and advice in one visit, and most leave feeling better prepared for the water.
One of the strongest points in favour of McDermotts is the expertise and attitude of the staff. Regular visitors describe them as genuinely friendly and easy to talk to, with none of the intimidating atmosphere that can put off beginners in some specialist shops. New anglers mention that they feel comfortable asking basic questions and that the team takes time to walk them through options rather than pushing the most expensive gear. That kind of patient, one‑to‑one guidance is hard to find online and is particularly valuable if you are just getting started with fishing rods or looking to refine your set‑up.
The product range leans heavily towards sea angling, which reflects the local coastline and the needs of many of their regulars. Anglers report a good choice of sea fishing tackle such as beachcasters, shore fishing reels, weights, rigs and terminal gear aimed at targeting cod, flatfish and other common North Sea species. There is also an emphasis on quality saltwater fishing line and terminal tackle that can stand up to rough ground and strong tides. For someone planning to fish nearby beaches and rock marks, having a shop that understands local sea conditions and stocks the right gear is a clear advantage.
Although the sea side of the business is more prominent, coarse and pleasure anglers are not forgotten. Customers note that McDermotts usually carries live bait such as maggots and also offers boilies and groundbait suitable for float and feeder work on stillwaters. One beginner describes going in with a list of rods for float and feeder fishing and coming away with a clear explanation of what each type of rod was for, along with the right terminal tackle to match. That hands‑on help, combined with access to essential coarse items like hooks, wagglers, feeders and ready‑made rigs, makes it a useful stop if you are targeting perch, roach or other freshwater species with coarse fishing tackle.
The quality and reliability of bait is another point that anglers often highlight. Shore anglers mention being able to pick up fresh rag and other sea baits that helped turn planned sessions into successful trips, which is particularly important when you are travelling some distance and need confidence that what you buy will fish well. Having access to dependable live and frozen bait, along with additives and oils, is a key part of any serious sea fishing set‑up, and McDermotts appears to deliver consistently in this area. However, like any small shop, availability can vary with conditions and demand, so it is sensible to be flexible or phone ahead if you need specific bait types.
McDermotts is also more than just a place to buy hardware: it functions as a small local hub for angling information. Several visitors mention that staff willingly spend time talking through local shore marks, suggesting productive areas to try and even sketching simple maps to help anglers reach less obvious spots safely. For newcomers to the area, or those attempting their first steps into night sessions or rock marks, that local knowledge can be as valuable as any piece of kit. Combined with practical tips on rigs, tide states and basic safety, it reinforces the sense that this is a shop that cares whether its customers actually catch fish.
On the administrative side, McDermotts offers services that make life easier for local anglers. Customers note that certain local angling licences, such as WACA permits, can be arranged on site, which saves a separate journey or online search. Being able to sort paperwork while picking up bait, fishing hooks and other essentials is convenient and reinforces the role of the shop as a one‑stop point for getting ready for a trip. This kind of service also underlines the shop’s connection to local clubs and waters, something that can be particularly useful if you are thinking of getting more involved in club matches or organised events.
Price is always a concern when specialist gear is involved, and feedback suggests that McDermotts generally sits in a competitive bracket. While you may occasionally find a cheaper item from a large online warehouse, visitors commonly remark that prices in the shop are fair, especially given the level of support and after‑sales advice available. When you factor in the ability to physically handle fishing reels, check the action of fishing rods or compare different brands of fishing lures side by side, many anglers feel that any small difference in price is offset by confidence in what they are buying.
In terms of atmosphere, McDermotts offers the kind of traditional tackle‑shop experience that is becoming less common. Shelves of fishing bait, trays of terminal tackle and racks of rods create a practical, slightly cluttered environment focused on function rather than style. Some anglers find this reassuring, as it reflects a shop that prioritises stocking what people actually use instead of devoting space to non‑fishing gifts or unrelated goods. Others who prefer a more modern, showroom‑like layout might see it as old‑fashioned, but for many, it fits well with the hands‑on, conversation‑driven nature of the business.
There are, however, some limitations that potential customers should consider. The most obvious is that McDermotts operates with traditional daytime hours and is closed on Sundays, which can be awkward if you are only free at the weekend or need last‑minute bait for an early session. Unlike some larger chains or web‑based retailers, there is no around‑the‑clock ordering or late‑night collection. For anglers who plan ahead and can visit during the week or on a Saturday, this may not be a significant issue, but it does reduce flexibility compared with purely online options.
Another drawback, particularly for those used to shopping on the internet, is that the range of brands and high‑end specialist products will naturally be more limited than a vast online catalogue. McDermotts focuses on carrying a sensible selection of proven fishing tackle rather than every possible variant, which works well for most everyday needs but may disappoint if you are seeking a very specific, niche rod model or a rare specialist lure. In those cases, you might still need to combine visits to the shop with online orders, using McDermotts for core gear, bait and advice and turning to larger retailers only for unusual items.
The shop’s physical size and layout also mean that browsing can feel busy at peak times, especially if several anglers are discussing rigs or local marks at the counter. While many regulars enjoy that chatty, communal feel, someone who prefers a quieter, more anonymous shopping experience could find it a little overwhelming. Additionally, because the staff devote generous time to helping beginners and answering detailed questions, there may occasionally be a short wait before they are free to serve the next customer. On the other hand, that same willingness to spend time is exactly what makes the shop appealing to those who want proper guidance on fishing gear.
For beginners, McDermotts offers a particularly valuable combination of accessible advice and practical fishing equipment. People new to the sport mention leaving with a basic yet well‑matched set‑up for float fishing or feeder fishing, along with a clear understanding of how to use it. Staff explain differences between rod types, line strengths, hook patterns and rig components without resorting to jargon, which helps reduce the risk of buying unsuitable kit. That means a novice can walk in with little more than an interest in angling and walk out with a complete starter package, from rod and reel to bait and a few spare hooks.
More experienced sea anglers also have reasons to call in. The shop’s focus on local shore fishing is reflected in the choice of leads, rigs and terminal tackle suited to rough ground, piers and open beaches. Advice is often tailored to specific marks, taking into account tide, weather and target species, rather than generic recommendations. If you already have your own preferred fishing rod and reel, you can still pick up fresh bait, additional rigs, shockleaders or specialist lines and top up your box with items that match the way you fish the Northumberland coast.
McDermotts’ commitment to supporting local angling is reflected in the way regulars talk about the shop. Some question what would happen to accessible shore fishing if independent tackle shops like this disappeared because everyone moved their spending online. That feeling underscores one of the shop’s broader roles: it not only supplies angling tackle, but also encourages people to get out, try new marks and stay involved in the local scene. While that might not matter to someone who only wants a quick online purchase, many anglers value having a physical place to ask questions, share catches and stay up to date with local conditions.
For all its strengths, McDermotts is not trying to compete with big‑box retailers on presentation or with global websites on sheer variety. Instead, it offers a focused mix of sea and coarse fishing tackle, solid bait, practical prices and genuinely helpful staff who know their waters and are happy to share that experience. If you prioritise convenience of late‑night ordering, a huge stock of niche brands or a polished showroom, it may not tick every box. If you value honest advice, local knowledge and the ability to walk out ready to fish from shore or stillwater with the right fishing gear, McDermotts stands out as a realistic, balanced choice.
