New premises for Helmsdale’s Fishing Tackle Shop

publication date: Aug 18, 2008

 | 

author/source: Salmon Editor

In these times of financial doom and gloom it is exciting to report on a Sutherland business which has expanded rapidly since being started on a kitchen table seven years ago.

The Helmsdale Tackle Company Ltd, which sells fishing flies, tackle and accessories, moved into new premises this week, which were officially opened by top TV actor/fishing commentator Paul Young on Tuesday. The company was started by Helmsdale man Ronald Sutherland and is the result of several changes in direction as he realised where his market lay.

Ron Sutherland and Paul Young in new shop in Helmsdale.

It was in 2001 that Ronald set up Highland Pursuits, offering fishing and golfing tuition, gold panning and his own tied flies, made at his kitchen table. He learned the art from world-renowned fly-tying supremo, the late Megan Boyd of Brora. Fascinated by the various colours, shapes and sizes to be adapted for fishing in different areas of the world, Ronald was soon building a reputation for his intricate designs.

He says: “I found that the whole fishing side of the business, whether the fly-tying or the instruction, was taking over and I eventually had to drop the gold panning and golf tuition elements. I was offering fishing instruction not only on the Helmsdale, but all over the Highlands, so I was very busy.”

The kitchen table was no longer adequate for the growing business and so Ronald moved it into a shed at the rear of his house in Strath Road in 2004. At about the same time, the Tackle Shop at the Bridge Hotel in Helmsdale shut, and the demand for his services increased.

He decided in 2005 to open a shop in the centre of Helmsdale, in Dunrobin Street – River Helmsdale Fishing Tackle - where he was able to develop every aspect of the business and 18 months ago, set up a website selling the flies, tackle and accessories worldwide.

The business was given a boost when Ronald was invited by the vanguard fishing magazine Trout and Salmon to join their stand at the Tweed Angling Fair at Kelso where he demonstrated fly-tying. “I got a lot of trade through that and it put the web-site on the map.”

From that, his website was attracting customers from all over the world, particularly for his flies for the four main salmon fishing areas – Norway, Iceland, Russia and the UK. Such was demand that he realised he needed more space and earlier this year he acquired the former Spar shop just along from his premises which he has opened this week. His former shop is now on the market.

The new shop, The Helmsdale Tackle Company Ltd, is almost twice the size, with ample room for displaying tackle, clothing and, of course, a large selection of flies.

He says: “We sell literally thousands of types of flies, not just my own but international; special packages such as specifically for the Norwegian or Icelandic waters. They are high quality flies – the salmon ones can cost from £1.50 each to £4.99 each. There are flies to cover every eventuality for the fisherman.

“We have to offer the best to compete, but on our clothing and tackle side, we do have more basic items so that we cater for every client. Salmon reels, for instance, can sell from £30 to £500.”

The expansion of the business means he has also taken on two members of staff to help with organisation and packaging. His niece, Yvonne Grant from Helmsdale, has joined him and Blair Colvin, Brora, has worked with him during the summer holidays and will hopefully join the team when he leaves school soon. Ronald’s wife Karen deals with all accounts and book-keeping.

Another great asset to the business is Ron’s lifelong fishing friend and global destination  angling expert Gordon Sim. He says: “ Gordon’s great knowledge of fishing the best Atlantic salmon destinations is priceless and he will spearhead our future international sales drive especially on the Kola peninsula”

On Tuesday, they were all delighted to meet Paul Young, who is famous for his Hooked on Scotland and Hooked on Angling television series. Paul has been fishing the Helmsdale for many years and he and Ronald have often fished the Dee together.

Says Ronald: “I was ecstatic when he said he would officially open the shop. He is well known and very popular and he loves the Helmsdale.” The shop will be open six days a week from 9am to 5pm – and of course the web site (www.helmsdalecompany.com) is available 24/7.