Introduced by Andrew Kennedy

Anglers around the Derbyshire village of Tibshelf were this month finally given the local tackle shop they have longed for.

Tibshelf Angling Centre opened its doors to the public at the beginning of April, and it's already proving to be just what locals have been waiting for. With several popular day ticket fisheries in the area, hundreds of anglers must pass the prominent main road location of this shop each week (it's even on my way to work!).

Step inside and you won't be disappointed. The bait selection is vast, and besides the every day maggots and casters, you'll find comprehensive groundbait, pellet and boilie ranges from the likes of Dynamite Baits, Sensas and Mainline. Tackle to cover all aspects of coarse angling is stocked - from match rods, to pike tackle, to bivvies and bite alarms. Expect to find items from the Fox, Drennan, ESP, JRC, Shakespeare and Mustad stables.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the owner, Mark Marriot, places a strong emphasis on helping youngsters and novices; offering both guidance and practical assistance to anyone who asked. I have visited too many tackle shops where the shop assistants show no enthusiasm towards helping their customers, so it was refreshing to note the open approach taken by Tibshelf Angling Centre staff.

So if you're looking for quality brands at competitive prices, you've forgotten your day's bait, or if you're just starting out and need a few helpful pointers, call in and speak to Mark or one of his staff at Tibshelf Angling Centre.

Tibshelf Angling Centre is open from 8.00 until 17.30, Monday to Saturday and 8.00 until mid-day on Sundays.

UPDATE - September 2007
Mark now informs me he shall soon be stocking fly fishing tackle to complement his range of coarse, match, carp, predator and specimen gear.

Contact:
Tibshelf Angling Centre, Enterprise House, Newton Road, Tibshelf, Alfreton, Derbyshire. DE55 5PH
Tel: 01773 872280 / 07976 895751

Andrew Kennedy