Outlaw Pro Kent

Outlaw Pro Kent is a large specialist fishing tackle shop serving anglers who want a wide choice of gear, from everyday essentials to more advanced equipment for serious sessions on the bank. The business has evolved from the former Fat Fish Tackle shop at the same address, and today operates as part of the wider Outlaw Pro brand, combining a spacious retail environment with a strong focus on carp, coarse, predator, sea and fly fishing. For anyone searching for a well‑stocked venue to upgrade their carp rods, refresh their fishing tackle or pick up fresh carp bait, this store aims to provide almost everything under one roof.

The shop occupies a large unit in Stour Valley Business Park, with around 4,500 square feet of retail space dedicated entirely to angling equipment. Racks of fishing rods, walls of reels and aisles of end tackle mean that customers can compare options in person rather than relying solely on online descriptions. The store layout is designed so that carp anglers can move quickly between big pit reels, alarms and bivvies, while coarse and match anglers have their own sections for poles, feeders and terminal tackle. Predator and sea anglers are also catered for, with lures, deadbaits and heavier gear available in the same visit. This breadth of choice is one of the main strengths repeatedly highlighted by visitors.

Product range is a central selling point at Outlaw Pro Kent, with stock drawn from many major brands that are familiar to regular anglers. Big names such as Nash, Trakker, Fox, Fox Rage, Korum, RidgeMonkey, Sticky, Avid, Matrix and Drennan are all promoted as part of the line‑up, giving customers confidence that they can find mainstream items alongside more specialist products. For carp fishing enthusiasts this translates into a broad selection of carp reels, bite alarms, bedchairs, shelters and luggage, as well as a substantial range of boilies, pellets, liquids and hookbaits. Coarse and match anglers will find floats, feeders, hooks and accessories, while predator and sea anglers can choose from a variety of lures and heavier terminal tackle. The sheer number of SKUs means that shoppers can usually compare several alternatives at different price points before making a decision.

Service in store is frequently praised by local customers, who describe staff as friendly, approachable and genuinely interested in helping rather than simply selling. Several anglers mention staff taking time to understand what sort of fishing they do and then suggesting rods, reels or setups that suit their budget and experience level. One customer who had been away from angling for a couple of years commented that both staff members were welcoming, happy to talk through options for a short day session and provided advice without any pressure to overspend. Another visitor appreciated that the team were willing to give detailed guidance even when it was clear that no purchase would be made that day, highlighting a relaxed approach that builds trust and encourages anglers to return later when they are ready to buy. For many, this emphasis on conversation and shared experience sets the shop apart from larger chains where interactions can feel rushed or impersonal.

Pricing is generally viewed as competitive, particularly when the in‑store membership scheme is taken into account. Customers report receiving discounts on items such as rods compared with recommended retail pricing, and the store promotes a free lifetime membership that offers ongoing savings on purchases. For regular anglers who frequently buy terminal tackle, bait and consumables, this can represent a meaningful ongoing benefit. Although some shoppers note that supporting a local tackle shop may occasionally cost a little more than the very cheapest online options, several say they are happy to pay a small difference to maintain access to knowledgeable staff and a well‑stocked, physical shop nearby. Overall, the balance between price, range and advice is seen as a positive aspect of the Kent store.

Staff expertise covers multiple disciplines, which is important given the wide range of anglers who pass through the doors. Team members are described as experienced anglers themselves, able to talk confidently about rigs, line choices, baiting strategies and venue‑specific tips. For newcomers to carp fishing, having someone in store who can recommend a sensible setup of carp rods, matching reels and suitable fishing line can help avoid costly mistakes. More experienced anglers benefit from being able to handle new products, compare features on alarms or test the feel of heavier fishing rods before buying. This combination of practical knowledge and large stock levels makes the store a useful resource for anglers preparing for trips both locally and further afield.

Former Fat Fish Tackle customers will recognise some continuity in the way the business operates, especially in terms of the welcoming atmosphere and the emphasis on supporting local anglers. Reviews from the period when the shop traded under its previous name talk about helpful staff, good prices and a wide selection of tackle and bait, including comments that the store quickly became the reviewer’s preferred place to buy fishing gear. Another angler contrasted the experience with larger national retailers, noting that they felt less like a “walking cheque book” and more like a valued regular, with staff taking time to chat and offer suggestions without pushing for unnecessary upgrades. This focus on building relationships appears to have carried through into the present Outlaw Pro Kent operation, which maintains many of the same values alongside a much larger product range.

Bait choice is another highlight, particularly for carp and specimen anglers who rely on fresh, consistent products. The store carries a large selection of boilies, wafters, pop‑ups, pellets and liquids from several major manufacturers, supported by bags of particle and groundbait suited to both carp and coarse fishing. Having so many options in one place allows anglers to stock up on their preferred carp bait while also experimenting with new flavours or brands recommended by staff. For those planning longer trips, the ability to purchase everything from base mix and additives to hookbaits and attractants in a single visit is a practical advantage. Predator anglers can also find deadbaits and suitable oils and attractors, rounding out a bait section designed to support a wide range of methods.

The store layout includes an upstairs mezzanine with clothing, footwear and comfort items that matter during longer sessions. Anglers can try on waterproofs, thermal suits, waders and boots, as well as inspect bedchairs, sleep systems and luggage before committing to a purchase. This hands‑on experience can be especially valuable for those who fish multiple nights at a time, where comfort and durability are as important as price. Being able to match a carp rod and reel with an appropriate rod holdall, barrow bag or rucksack in one location simplifies preparation for trips. The presence of everything from cookware to shelter accessories reinforces the shop’s role as a one‑stop venue for modern session fishing.

For travelling anglers, one practical advantage of Outlaw Pro Kent is its position relative to major transport routes. It is within a reasonable drive of both the Eurotunnel terminal and ferry ports, making it a convenient stop for those heading to European carp venues and wanting to check or top up their fishing tackle before crossing. The store emphasises that it caters for such trips by holding large volumes of end tackle, spare line, leads and other consumables that are easy to overlook when packing at home. Local anglers also benefit from this level of stock, as they can rely on the shop to carry even less common items such as specialist rig components or more niche bait combinations. This logistical convenience adds another layer of appeal for regulars who fish both domestically and abroad.

While the in‑store experience attracts positive feedback, online reviews for the wider Outlaw Pro brand highlight some important drawbacks, particularly regarding distance sales and after‑sales support. Several customers describe delays in resolving issues with faulty or unsuitable products, including bivvies and clothing, with repeated emails and calls sometimes required before a resolution is reached. In some cases, buyers report feeling dissatisfied with how returns and refunds have been handled, including disputes over whether items could be returned after use on the bank and delays in reimbursing postage on damaged goods. There are also accounts of orders being cancelled or refunded after long waits when stock could not be supplied as originally advertised. These experiences suggest that, for online purchases, communication and customer service can be inconsistent and may not always match the high standard found in the Kent store itself.

Balanced against these negative experiences, there are also online customers who praise the company for fast delivery times and good pricing on branded products. One reviewer, for example, notes that a thermal suit arrived quickly and at one of the lowest prices available at the time, and states that they would happily order again. This contrast between very satisfied and very dissatisfied customers indicates that reliability can vary, possibly depending on stock levels, time of year and the complexity of the product being ordered. For potential buyers this means that ordering simpler items such as fishing line, small terminal tackle or clothing may carry less risk than more complex products where sizing, fit or components may be an issue. Anglers who live within range of the Kent store may prefer to collect higher‑value items in person, where they can inspect them and discuss any concerns face‑to‑face with staff.

The local Google reviews specifically targeting the Kent shop are largely positive, reinforcing the impression of a friendly, helpful team and a comprehensive selection of gear. Visitors refer to the store as their “go‑to” tackle shop, often mentioning that they continue to support it even when they could buy slightly cheaper elsewhere. The ability to get genuine advice, combined with the chance to handle carp rods, test reels and compare fishing tackle brands in person, is a key reason given for returning. Customers also appreciate that the shop holds plenty of stock, reducing the chance of wasted trips when they need bait, terminal tackle or a last‑minute replacement item. The tone of these reviews suggests that, at ground level, Outlaw Pro Kent functions as a dependable hub for the surrounding angling community.

At the same time, prospective customers should be aware that no retailer is perfect, and that the broader online reputation of the brand shows room for improvement in communication and after‑sales processes. When issues occur with distance orders, some anglers feel that responses have been slow or that promised solutions have not materialised as quickly as they expected. Those planning large purchases from afar might therefore consider factors such as payment protection, returns policies and availability of alternative suppliers before committing, especially for big‑ticket items like shelters or alarms. For local anglers who can visit the Kent store in person, many of these concerns are mitigated because they can discuss problems directly with staff and inspect replacements on site. In practice, the in‑store experience seems to outperform the brand’s online feedback, but both perspectives are relevant for a rounded view.

Overall, Outlaw Pro Kent offers a sizeable, well‑equipped environment for anglers seeking a broad choice of carp rods, reels, fishing tackle and carp bait, backed up by knowledgeable staff and a membership scheme that rewards repeat custom. The shop’s strengths lie in its range, in‑person service and the convenience of being able to handle equipment and ask questions before buying, making it particularly attractive to anglers who value personal interaction. On the other hand, the wider company’s online reviews show that after‑sales communication and handling of certain returns can be inconsistent, which is an important consideration for those who mainly shop via the website. For local and travelling anglers who can visit the store, Outlaw Pro Kent stands out as a comprehensive destination for modern tackle and bait, offering a mix of choice and advice that many find more satisfying than anonymous online ordering. Weighing these strengths and weaknesses helps potential customers decide whether to shop in person, order online or combine both approaches depending on the type of gear they are buying.