Home / Fishing Tackle Shop / Something catchy

Something catchy

Back
New Smithfield Market, Whitworth St E, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ, UK
Fishing store Store
10 (2 reviews)

Something catchy is a small independent shop located inside New Smithfield Market in Manchester, focused on selling assorted goods with a noticeable appeal for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who are looking to build or upgrade their fishing tackle on a sensible budget. While the information available about the shop is still limited, a combination of online feedback and its setting within a traditional wholesale market suggests a straightforward, no-frills experience aimed at people who prefer personal contact and practical deals over large, impersonal retail chains.

The shop sits within a busy market environment rather than on a conventional high street, which immediately sets expectations about how it operates. Customers are more likely to find an informal layout with stock displayed in a practical way instead of carefully curated designer shelving. For buyers of fishing gear, that can actually be an advantage: you can see a wide range of products, ask direct questions, and often negotiate or find offers that are harder to match online. On the other hand, anyone expecting a polished showroom, premium decor or a boutique-style shopping experience may find it basic compared with specialist high-end retailers.

Online comments highlight that the staff are described as really helpful, with shoppers feeling that they are listened to and assisted rather than rushed. That is particularly useful if you are new to buying fishing rods, fishing reels or basic accessories and are unsure which set-up might suit local waters or your level of experience. Friendly service matters in this niche: when someone takes the time to explain differences between types of line, suitable hooks or practical accessories, it can prevent costly mistakes and make a first outing much more enjoyable. The positive tone of feedback indicates that this is one of the strongest points of Something catchy, especially when compared with larger outlets where advice can feel generic.

Another recurring comment is about pricing, which is described as good or great value. For anglers watching their budget, especially those who regularly replace consumables such as hooks, swivels or line, fair pricing can be the deciding factor when choosing where to buy. In a market-based shop like this, visitors can reasonably expect competitive prices on core fishing tackle shop items rather than premium positioning. However, the limited number of reviews means that value for money is still based on a small sample of experiences, so it is sensible for new customers to compare prices with established online fishing shop retailers and other local suppliers before committing to a bigger purchase.

In terms of range, the store is reported simply as a general shop within the market, so the exact depth of fishing equipment and outdoor stock is not fully detailed online. Potential customers should anticipate a selection geared more towards everyday and practical items rather than an exhaustive wall of specialist brands. If you are looking for basic fishing tackle such as simple float sets, general-purpose rods and reels, terminal tackle or entry-level accessories, it is likely that you will find suitable options. Those searching for highly specialist carp setups, ultra-light lure gear, or a very specific high-end sea reel may need to accept that availability could be more limited than in a major nationwide retailer.

One clear operational point is that Something catchy keeps restricted opening times. The business appears to trade principally on Sundays within the wider New Smithfield Market schedule, while being closed on the other days of the week. For anglers, this has both benefits and drawbacks. It can be convenient to combine a Sunday shop visit with other market errands, but it also means that if equipment fails midweek, or you decide at short notice to pick up new fishing lures or a spare spool, you may not be able to visit until the next weekend. Time-sensitive buyers, such as those planning an early trip away, will need to plan around this limited accessibility.

The setting within New Smithfield Market brings its own atmosphere. Instead of a quiet retail park, customers encounter the livelier environment of a large trading complex with multiple stalls and units. For some, this makes the experience more enjoyable: you can browse, chat, and feel part of a local community of regulars, including other anglers and traders. The market location can also help with parking space and access to fresh food or other goods in a single visit. For others, the noise and bustle may feel a little hectic, especially at busy times, and those who prefer a calm, dedicated fishing tackle showroom might find it less comfortable.

Another aspect to consider is the level of online presence. Something catchy currently appears with minimal digital information, limited photos and only a small collection of reviews, which makes it more difficult for new customers to form expectations from home. There is little detail about dedicated brands, stock lists or whether it holds specialist items such as high-end carp fishing gear, sea rigs or competition-ready match accessories. This low digital footprint can be a disadvantage when compared with large online fishing tackle retailers that provide full catalogues, user reviews of individual products and detailed specifications. Anglers who like to research thoroughly before buying may find themselves relying more on in-person visits and conversations with staff.

The small scale of the business has natural pros and cons. On the positive side, a compact independent shop can adapt more quickly to customer requests, bringing in specific items for regulars and adjusting its stock to match what local anglers are actually using. If you become a familiar face, you may benefit from personalised recommendations about new fishing baits, seasonal tactics or suitable gear upgrades that suit your usual venues. The downside is that stock volumes and variety are constrained by space and budget, so you may see fewer options in niche categories and occasional gaps if popular items sell through quickly.

Customer service expectations should be framed realistically. Reports of helpful staff suggest a genuine willingness to support customers, but online feedback is still limited and does not yet present a complete picture of the experience over time. As with many smaller shops, service quality can vary depending on who is present on the day and how busy the market is. During peak times, you may need to wait for assistance, and because the premises are not dedicated solely to fishing tackle, staff may split their attention across different types of products. Prospective buyers who value long, detailed technical discussions about rods, reels and line may consider contacting or visiting during quieter periods.

In terms of who is most likely to benefit from shopping at Something catchy, the profile seems well suited to casual and intermediate anglers who appreciate a straightforward place to pick up essential fishing gear at sensible prices. If your main goal is to restock basic tackle, upgrade a general-purpose rod and reel, or pick up a few accessories while doing other market shopping, this store may be a convenient option. More specialised anglers, such as dedicated carp enthusiasts seeking multiple branded bivvies and alarms, or lure anglers looking for very specific high-performance models, may still need to use larger dedicated fishing tackle shop outlets or online catalogues as their primary source.

It is also worth noting that, because Something catchy operates inside a market environment, product turnover can be influenced by seasonal patterns. As warmer months approach and more people head out to local canals, rivers and coastal marks, you may see a stronger selection of basic fishing equipment and relevant accessories. During quieter periods, stock may be leaner, and some lines might only be brought in on request. Regular visitors often benefit from building a relationship with the shop, which makes it easier to ask for particular items or to be informed when new stock arrives.

From a practical perspective, there are several points potential customers should keep in mind. First, plan your visit around the restricted trading day so you do not arrive to find the unit closed. Second, be ready to make decisions based on in-person examination rather than lengthy online descriptions: this can be a positive for those who like to handle rods, check reel smoothness and compare tackle packs side by side. Third, consider using the shop as one part of your overall fishing tackle buying strategy: it can be helpful for immediate essentials, bargains and personal advice, while more specialised or rare items may still be sourced through larger online fishing shop platforms.

Overall, Something catchy presents itself as a modest but friendly option for anglers who value face-to-face contact, simple pricing and the informal atmosphere of a traditional market. The limited number of public reviews and absence of detailed product listings mean that expectations should stay measured: this is unlikely to be the largest or most technically specialised fishing tackle shop in the region, yet it may serve local and visiting customers well for straightforward gear needs. For those comfortable with this balance of strengths and limitations, the shop can be a practical stop within New Smithfield Market when looking to add a few new items to their fishing gear collection.

Other businesses you might be interested in

View All