Over many years angling I can't say that I have ever been in an angling shop
that has made me feel welcome. In some I have actually felt intimidated. I
have never had good advice on tackle, bait, local fishing and methods.
Sometimes I have been sold poor tackle as they have obviously wanted to get
rid of it! (I have always taken substandard products back and demanded a
full refund). With declining angling numbers and the power of the internet
its no wonder these shops are shutting down. If they just showed some
greater professionalism, cleaned up the shops, got rid of the coffee
swilling match anglers that frequent the counter and give some friendly
advice then they might stand a chance. For me after 30odd years fishing I
would be quite happy to buy all my gear off the net and breed my own bait!