Fishing Tackle and Bait Industry Booming Since Lockdown
BRITAIN’S tackle industry is thriving like never before as shops and manufacturers continue to benefit from the boost in newcomers to the sport after lockdown.
Many companies and small shops feared the worst back in the spring when fishing, like other sports, was curtailed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, since restrictions were lifted in mid-May, a massive increase in demand for tackle and bait has helped companies more than make up the lost ground, with many experiencing unprecedented sales.
A few months ago we spoke to Dan Brydon of Norfolk’s Wensum Valley Angling and, at the time, he had serious concerns about the future of his business. But that’s all changed now, and he’s having to work 13-hour shifts just to keep up with orders.
“It’s been total carnage! Online orders have gone through the roof, and although we’re only doing ‘one in, one out’ in the shop, that’s also been very busy,” he tells us.
“A lot of people say that they’ve been clearing out the garage, found an old rod and want to get back into fishing, so lots of the stuff we’ve sold has been for beginners, but plenty of higher end tackle too.”
It’s a similar story with the sport’s manufacturers, as firms struggle to keep shelves stocked with the latest kit.
Daiwa’s UK marketing manager Stephen McCaveny says:
“The uptake in fishing took everybody by surprise, and our sales have been superb, with match feeder and carp tackle selling particularly well.”
The bait industry has also been booming, says Daryl Hodges, head of marketing for Dynamite Baits:
“We have had record week after record week and it shows no signs of slowing down. Sales are more than double for this time of year, and we’ve had to work around the clock for nine weeks to keep up.”
There has been a high demand for fishing tackle post lockdown
Important steps fisheries and tackle shops have taken to keep customers safe
Bosses at Lindholme Lakes Country Park, near Doncaster, have introduced a range of new safety precautions for returning anglers.
The venue’s co-owner, Aaron Grantham, says:
“We’ve included two-metre distancing markers on the floor both inside and outside our on-site tackle shop, which will also now feature a one-way system like those seen in supermarkets.
“Hands-free sanitizer dispensers are located at the front of the shop, and we’ve installed protective plastic screens at the till areas, which now have more contactless payment machines.
“We will be encouraging anglers to pre-book their fishing and make any bait or tackle orders for the session beforehand. To begin with it will be pleasure fishing only, and so there must be a free peg between each angler.
“I made a video of all the changes and uploaded it to Facebook, and it received around 12,000 hits in just two days.” adds Aaron.
Lindholme Lakes 2m distancing floor markers
Lindholme have also installed protective screens
Meanwhile, a number of tackle shop owners have come up with proactive ways of kickstarting trade again, while still maintaining social distancing between staff and customers.
One of these, Kent’s Medway Tackle, has incorporated a delivery service within an eight-mile radius of the shop, which is free if customers spend over £20.
Owner Richard Taylor says:
“The point of the delivery service is to help keep the business rolling, but it’s mostly for the safety of our customers. People just need to give us a call, place an order, and every Wednesday or Saturday I’ll jump in the car to deliver it to their doorstep.”
Historic tackle shop closes
THERE has never been a more important time to support your local tackle shop than now, as proven this past week by the heart-breaking closure of Veals Fishing Tackle in Bristol.
Trading since 1846, the family business confirmed over social media, that due to the current climate and forced Covid-19 closure, the business had to go into administration.
The shop will be greatly missed by local anglers, many of which bought their first ever seat boxes, rods and reels from the store.
Grateful for the support shown, Veals said:
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff past and present and of course all our customers, many of whom have become great friends. We thank you all for the decades of great memories.”
Thankfully, the legacy of Veals Fishing Tackle will live on, with the Veals Mail Order business founded back in 1992 still going strong.
Image from ‘Veals Fishing Tackle’ Facebook page
Bait and tackle delivered to your peg!
FORGOTTEN fishing kit can ruin your day, but two brothers are coming to the rescue with their brand-new tackle and bait delivery service!
The Mobile Tackle Box is the creation of Lee and Dan Bridger who since January have been driving to the aid of bankside anglers who have left essential tackle items at home.
Lee said:
“There’s nothing worse than arriving at your peg and realising you’ve forgotten something important – Dan even left his bedchair at home once, having planned an overnight session!
“Around six months ago we bought a tackle shop and when business was tough, we thought, ‘if they can’t come to us, we’ll just go to them’ – so the Mobile Tackle Box was born.”
If initial reactions from customers are anything to go by, the future of the service looks rosy.
“It’s been such a rewarding feeling to see so many anglers take to our idea,” said Dan.
“I recall one guy who had a 48-hour session planned and ran out of gas for his stove almost immediately.
“A quick call to us and we were on our way with a replacement bottle – you should have seen his face!
‘EBAY for anglers’ receives £500,000 cash injection
A MARKETPLACE tailored solely for buying and selling fishing tackle is certainly a superb idea, so you’ll be pleased to hear that three Suffolk brothers have just secured half a million pounds to make it a reality!
Dangler was first launched in autumn 2019 by keen hobby anglers Daniel, Kane and Harry Hughes who spent the last two years developing the idea of a selling platform uniquely for the angling community.
Now thanks to entrepreneur support group, Shout About Suffolk, a total seed investment of £500,000 has now been raised for the company – allowing the Hughes brothers to push forward with the build and development of its prototype app.
Harry Hughes, co-founder of Dangler, said:
“We are delighted to have secured this important investment and are already under way with the development of our unique platform.
“We’re really proud to be working with Shout About Suffolk for this crucial piece of work and are now looking to begin recruitment of talented individuals from across the region who feel they would be a great asset in the Dangler journey.”
For more information visit the website at www.dangler.co.uk