Total Fishing Tackle

Total Fishing Tackle in Billericay presents itself as a large, specialist angling retailer aimed at carp, coarse and predator anglers who want a broad choice of modern equipment in one place. The physical premises combine a showroom-style layout with the scale of a warehouse, so visiting feels quite different from calling into a small local tackle shop. For potential customers this means access to a wide range of brands, but also a shopping experience that is clearly designed around serious fishing rather than general outdoor retail.

The core appeal of the store is the depth of dedicated carp and coarse gear. Anglers will recognise many of the leading manufacturers on the shelves, from big-name carp specialists to brands known for match and predator tackle. Racks of rods, walls of terminal tackle and a substantial selection of luggage and accessories give the impression that most needs for modern carp and coarse angling can be met under one roof. For anyone putting together a complete set-up, this is a convenient alternative to visiting multiple smaller shops or relying entirely on mail order.

A distinctive feature repeatedly highlighted by visitors is the in-store carp tank and the extensive bivvy display area. Having multiple shelters erected allows anglers to physically walk around and compare layouts, headroom and porch space before committing to a significant purchase. Customers can also see beds and sleep systems set up inside, which gives a clearer sense of how a bivvy will work for longer sessions than simply looking at a bagged item on a shelf. For anglers investing in overnight gear, this hands-on approach can be far more reassuring than buying from a small display or a photograph.

Another talking point is the bait boat demo pond housed in the store. This facility allows potential buyers to try different models on the water and understand their handling, range and control systems before making a decision. Given the cost of a bait boat, being able to test various options on-site is a notable advantage over many other retailers where such purchases are made purely on specification and online reviews. For some anglers this feature alone may justify travelling to Billericay rather than buying remotely.

The store also functions as a physical extension of the well-known online operation. Total Fishing Tackle’s website is widely used by UK anglers looking for deals on bivvies, rods, reels and accessories, and the Billericay shop draws on the same stock range and brand relationships. Online customers frequently comment on competitive pricing and strong product availability, with many items listed across carp, coarse and predator categories. For local anglers who prefer to see gear in person but still care about price, the bricks-and-mortar site provides a way to combine both approaches.

Reviews of the Billericay store itself frequently highlight the attitude and knowledge of the staff. Visitors describe team members as friendly, approachable and willing to spend time answering questions and offering practical advice on rigs, venue choice and tackle selection. Several customers mention specific examples where staff went out of their way to source hard-to-find items, chasing down discontinued accessories from suppliers abroad or arranging alternatives when certain products were unavailable. The overall impression is of a team that understands angling in detail and is comfortable guiding both beginners and experienced carp anglers through more technical purchases.

Alongside this personal service, there is also evidence of effective aftersales support. Customers referencing returns, exchanges and problem orders often state that issues were handled quickly and pragmatically, even when the product in question was not faulty but simply did not suit the angler. Staff are praised for helping customers re‑select rods and other high-value items better matched to their fishing, with communication described as clear and timely. In a market where some anglers feel that online-only retailers can be distant or inflexible, this willingness to resolve problems helps the business stand out.

However, the wider reputation of Total Fishing Tackle is not completely without criticism, and potential customers should be aware of some recurring themes in online feedback. While many shoppers are pleased with delivery times and stock levels, others report delays, part shipments and confusion around order updates. A few reviewers mention difficulty reaching the company via their preferred contact method, or frustration when items shown as available later turned out to be out of stock. Although these comments are more often associated with the online service than with the Billericay shop itself, they remain relevant for anyone likely to combine in‑store and internet purchasing.

Inside the store, feedback is generally positive, but there are occasional notes worth considering. Large-format tackle shops naturally focus on higher-end carp gear, shelters and accessories, and some anglers could find the breadth of choice overwhelming if they are new to the sport. The emphasis on carp also means that while coarse and predator anglers are catered for, those seeking more specialist sea fishing or fly equipment might not find the same depth of range they would see at a dedicated saltwater or fly shop. For most visiting carp or general coarse anglers this imbalance is an advantage, but it is still a factor when deciding whether this is the right shop for a particular style of fishing.

Where Total Fishing Tackle clearly performs strongly is in its selection of bankside shelters and related equipment. The company promotes frequent offers on bivvies, brollies and shelters, and the Billericay store reflects this focus with rows of current models and sale items. Anglers looking for upgraded protection from the elements will find lightweight umbrellas for short sessions and more substantial shelters suitable for multi‑day trips, along with bedchairs, chairs and other comfort-focused gear. Being able to compare footprint and build quality side by side can be especially helpful when deciding between several similarly priced options.

The business also places emphasis on modern terminal tackle and bait. Anglers will see well-known carp fishing tackle brands represented across hooks, hooklinks, leaders and PVA, alongside pellets, boilies and groundbaits that are current with contemporary carp and coarse methods. Shelves are typically well stocked, with customers remarking on the volume of bait available and the convenience of picking up everything from end tackle to larger items during a single visit. This suits anglers who fish regularly and prefer to maintain a full range of rigs and bait options for changing conditions.

One of the main advantages for potential shoppers is the way the store layout encourages hands-on comparison. Rod displays allow anglers to handle different test curves and actions before committing, and reels can be examined side by side rather than bought purely on specification. Combined with the carp tank, bivvy showroom and bait boat pond, this makes the shop more akin to a practical showroom where anglers can assess how gear feels and functions, not just how it is described on packaging. For those investing in higher value items such as shelters, bedchairs, rods and electronic devices, this approach can reduce the risk of disappointment.

For newcomers to angling, the balance of strengths and weaknesses is slightly different. On the positive side, the extensive stock and knowledgeable staff provide a strong platform for putting together a complete starter kit, and beginners can benefit from honest advice about which items are necessary and which can wait. On the other hand, the sheer volume of gear and technical language associated with carp and specialist tackle may initially feel daunting. New anglers who prefer a quieter environment or a highly curated selection might find a smaller shop less intimidating, while those who enjoy choice and personal guidance are likely to appreciate what Total Fishing Tackle offers.

Experienced carp anglers, by contrast, tend to view the Billericay store as a destination in its own right. Reviews note that it is easy to spend a significant amount of time browsing, talking to staff and checking out new products. The ability to compare bivvies, test bait boats and handle specialist rods and reels in person is particularly valued by those planning longer sessions or campaigns on demanding venues. For this group, the store’s focus on carp and coarse gear, together with the link to a well-established online operation, is a clear strength.

Overall, Total Fishing Tackle in Billericay comes across as a large, modern fishing tackle shop with strong emphasis on carp rods, bivvies, bait boats and associated bankside comfort equipment, supported by staff who generally receive high praise for their help and product knowledge. The biggest positives are the depth of stock, the ability to physically evaluate big-ticket items and the combination of store and online infrastructure. On the less favourable side, some customers have experienced delivery and communication issues through the wider business, and absolute beginners or niche specialists may find the scale and focus of the shop less tailored to their needs. For most carp and coarse anglers within reach of Billericay, however, it is a retailer worth considering when sourcing everything from everyday terminal tackle to a full long‑stay set‑up.