A Leighton Buzzard fishing tackle shop is celebrating its first year anniversary this weekend with a few giveaways.

Tight Lines Tackle, opened its North Street business in August 2025 and will mark its first anniversary with a special opening from 10am until 2pm on Sunday, August 23.

Owner Simon Foxwell said reaching the milestone was particularly significant after taking the leap into retail and opening an independent shop at a time when many traditional high street businesses are facing difficult trading conditions.

“It’s been a huge learning curve,” he said. “A year ago I was opening the doors without really knowing what to expect. Since then I’ve got to know a lot of local anglers and discovered much more about what people actually want from a modern tackle shop.

Tight Lines Tackle is celebrating its first anniversary on Sunday (August 23)

placeholder image — Tight Lines Tackle is celebrating its first anniversary on Sunday (August 23)

“The support from customers in Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding villages has been fantastic. There have certainly been difficult days, but reaching the first anniversary feels like something worth celebrating.”

Over its first year, Tight Lines Tackle has developed beyond simply stocking fishing tackle and bait, with Simon experimenting with new products and ideas designed around the needs of local anglers.

The anniversary also marks the first proper launch of Wyldfox Baits, a new bait brand being developed and produced locally by the shop.

The first range includes flavoured prepared sweetcorn under the Candy Corn name, with Bubblegum, Original Candy Corn and Caramel Latte varieties among the initial products.

Customer service - Holly, the shop’s Border Collie, has become a familiar face during Tight Lines Tackle’s first year.

Simon said: “One of the things I’ve really enjoyed is being able to try ideas that a large chain simply couldn’t. If customers tell me they want something, I can experiment with it, make a small batch and see what they think.

“Wyldfox is really an extension of that. I want to develop interesting baits that are affordable, a little different and that people can actually come into the shop and talk to us about.”

Customers spending £30 or more during the anniversary opening on Sunday will receive a free taster of the Wyldfox Candy Corn range while stocks last.

Also expected to make an appearance is Holly, the shop’s Border Collie, who has become a familiar face to customers during Tight Lines Tackle’s first year.

“I’m not entirely sure whether people come in to see me or Holly anymore, added Simon. “I strongly suspect she has the better customer-retention figures.”