Retail giant Angling Direct are assuring customers their stores will remain open for as long as possible amidst the uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus (CONVID-19).

For how long, we don’t know, considering most of Europe’s effectively in lock down, however there may be a short window where anglers can stock-up ahead of the tackle shops potentially closing. In a statement published on Angling Direct’s Facebook page (17/03/2020) they assured customers, “we are taking every precaution to ensure the service we provide is optimised to prioritise the health and safety of our customers, employees and their families.”

Korda Developments Ali Hamidi also posted on his Instagram account saying, “for me, fishing seems like the perfect place to be, in a bivvy, self isolating, me, the lake, nature.” He also urged anglers to support local tackle shops and, “get some essentials that you might need, that you might not be able to get a couple of weeks down the line.”

Like all small businesses, the future is uncertain and a spike in sales could help see many tackle shops through this tough time. If your local tackle shop is closed there are a number of retailers who sell fishing tackle online. So, to limit your contact with others you could order your fishing gear online and have it delivered to your door.

Advice from the UK government is, “to avoid “non-essential” travel and contact with others to curb Coronavirus,” adding, “everyone should avoid office, pubs and travelling.” However angling is a solo outdoor activity and is still recommended at this point. Many fisheries across the country, such as Bayeswater day ticket in Essex are operating a business as usual approach.

Unfortunately the same can’t be said for the angling holidays market with many holiday makers unable to travel due to the imposed restrictions across mainland Europe. 

Has the Coronavirus affected your angling holiday? Let us know in the comments on our various social media platforms.