North East Tackle Supplies
BackNorth East Tackle Supplies is a long‑established fishing tackle shop that aims to serve both local anglers and those who prefer to order online. The shop focuses on providing a broad range of equipment for coarse, carp, sea and game fishing, appealing to hobbyists and more serious anglers alike. Its combination of a physical store and an ecommerce operation means customers can handle gear in person or choose the convenience of delivery, although experiences with that service vary considerably.
The core attraction of North East Tackle Supplies is its extensive range of specialist products for different angling styles. Shoppers can typically find fishing rods, fishing reels, terminal tackle, lines, lures and accessories from well‑known brands as well as more budget‑friendly options. For many visitors, being able to compare different models of carp rod, spinning reel or feeder rod on the same shop floor is a practical advantage, especially when trying to balance performance with price. This breadth makes the store relevant both for anglers putting together their first basic kit and for those upgrading to more technical gear.
Another strength is the emphasis on sea‑fishing equipment suited to the surrounding region. Anglers targeting cod, whiting or flatfish from piers and beaches are likely to find heavy‑duty sea fishing rods, robust multiplier reels, shock leaders and rigs put together for local marks. Having a physical shop that understands the demands of rough‑ground and clean‑ground venues can help newcomers choose appropriate lines, leads and traces instead of relying solely on online descriptions. For regular shore anglers, this creates a convenient source of consumables such as hooks, swivels and weights that are needed frequently.
Carp and coarse anglers are also catered for with a variety of baits and hardware. Shelves typically carry boilies, pellets, groundbait and additives alongside essentials like carp hooks, rigs, leads, alarms, bite indicators, unhooking mats and landing nets. This allows an angler to stock up for a weekend session at a commercial fishery or a longer stay at a larger venue in a single visit. For those wanting to refine their presentation, having different patterns of hooks, rig components and line strengths in one place can be helpful.
The shop’s role as a general angling outfitter means it also sells clothing and accessories designed for long sessions by the water. Waterproof jackets, thermal layers, boots, waders, caps and gloves appear alongside luggage such as rod holdalls, seatboxes, rucksacks and tackle boxes. This kind of one‑stop approach is useful for new anglers who might not yet realise how important comfort and organisation are during a full day’s fishing. Being able to see the size and layout of a carryall or the build of a tackle box in person can make for better purchasing decisions than relying on pictures alone.
Where North East Tackle Supplies divides opinion most sharply is its online ordering and after‑sales service. Several customers report placing orders for items shown as in stock, receiving instant confirmation and then hearing nothing for an extended period. In more than one case, buyers mention waiting around two weeks or more without updates, only to discover later that the products were never actually available. These experiences can be particularly frustrating when the order was time‑sensitive, for example for a birthday gift or a planned fishing trip.
Stock accuracy on the website appears to be a recurring problem in these negative experiences. Some reviewers describe items being clearly advertised as available, yet later being told that they were out of stock and might arrive in a week or two. In certain instances, that follow‑up date passed without further communication, leaving the customer to chase for information again. For anglers who carefully plan sessions and need specific end tackle, clothing or a new fishing reel, unreliable availability can undermine confidence in placing future orders.
Refund handling is another area where dissatisfied customers express concern. A pattern in some reviews shows buyers being promised a refund when their items could not be supplied, but then waiting significantly longer than expected for the money to reach their account. In at least one situation, a customer states that only after phoning again did it become clear the refund had not been processed in the first place. This perception that the onus is on the buyer to chase their own money back understandably damages trust and may deter repeat business.
Delivery expectations also play a role in the criticism directed at the business. There are accounts of customers choosing a premium or next‑day option, only for the parcel to arrive several days late. When they raised this with the shop, some felt that responsibility was simply passed on to the courier rather than the store acknowledging its part in setting and managing delivery expectations. For anglers paying extra to ensure a rod, reel or terminal tackle arrives before a particular session, such delays can mean missed opportunities on the bank.
Service at the physical counter receives very mixed feedback. Some anglers appreciate being able to talk directly to staff with practical knowledge of tackle, tides and methods, particularly those who are newer to the sport and benefit from clear advice. However, other reviewers describe interactions with staff as unfriendly or disinterested, using words like rude, lifeless or unhelpful. In retail, especially in a niche passion‑based sector like angling, the quality of face‑to‑face service can be as important as product range, so this disparity in experiences is notable.
For potential visitors to the shop, the implication is that the in‑store experience may depend heavily on which member of staff happens to be behind the counter and how busy the shop is at the time. On a good day, customers may receive practical recommendations on rigs, lines and bait for local venues, benefitting from first‑hand knowledge. On a bad day, they might feel that questions are being brushed off, or that problems with faulty items and delayed orders are handled without much empathy. This inconsistency is something discerning anglers will weigh against the convenience of having a specialist tackle retailer nearby.
Despite the criticisms, the shop remains a recognised name among anglers in the wider area and beyond. Its online presence means it attracts orders from across the country, and the variety of fishing tackle on offer continues to be a draw. Some customers are clearly satisfied enough with the products received to use the shop repeatedly, though those positive experiences are overshadowed online by strongly worded complaints when things go wrong. This imbalance is common in retail, as unhappy customers are usually more motivated to write public reviews than those whose orders proceeded without issue.
For anglers considering using North East Tackle Supplies as their main supplier, a balanced view is important. On the positive side, they can expect a broad selection of gear and the potential to get regionally relevant advice on methods, rigs and baits. The ability to buy everything from fishing line and hooks to clothing and luggage from the same business can simplify the process of gearing up for the season. On the negative side, the track record of delayed online orders, stock inaccuracies and slow refunds suggests that anyone ordering on a tight timeframe should do so with caution.
Those thinking about ordering online may find it sensible to check availability by contacting the shop directly before committing to a purchase, particularly for more expensive items such as high‑end fishing rods or carp reels. Clarifying whether an item is physically in stock rather than simply listed on the website could prevent disappointment later. Likewise, if fast delivery is essential, confirming realistic dispatch times and courier options in advance may help align expectations with reality.
For local anglers able to visit in person, the store can function well as a practical resource for everyday consumables and last‑minute needs. Popping in for extra leads, rigs, bait or a replacement landing net head before a session is often easier than waiting for a parcel. Seeing rods and reels on the rack also gives a better sense of weight, balance and build quality than any online description. At the same time, being aware that not every customer finds the service welcoming allows visitors to judge their own experience and decide whether it meets their expectations.
The combination of strengths and weaknesses at North East Tackle Supplies mirrors challenges many specialist tackle shops face as they try to serve both walk‑in customers and a national online audience. Maintaining a wide range of brands, keeping stock data accurate, and delivering consistently good service across both channels demands time and attention. When these elements work, anglers benefit from a comprehensive source of fishing gear tailored to their needs. When they do not, delays, miscommunication and frustration can overshadow the benefits.
Ultimately, North East Tackle Supplies presents itself as a significant player in the regional angling retail scene with the ambition to reach customers further afield. Its depth of stock, particularly in sea, carp and coarse tackle, is likely to appeal to many anglers looking for a single shop where they can assemble a full kit. At the same time, the number and consistency of negative accounts relating to communication, refunds and staff attitude make it clear that this is not a friction‑free option. Prospective customers who take these factors into account and approach the shop with realistic expectations will be best placed to decide whether it is the right source for their fishing tackle and accessories.