The Environment Agency lifted the close season on Friday, which has been in place since March 15 and sees coarse fishing prohibited in rivers, streams and certain stillwaters across the country to protect vulnerable fish stocks while they are spawning and help fish populations to recover.
We’ve trawled Google Reviews to bring you the top-rated angling shops in our area. Other shops not rated on Google Reviews are available.
Click on the pages below to find out more.

. Angling Direct, Church Street
Previously known as Ted Carter's, this shop gets 4.6 out of 5 on Google Reviews. Customers said: "Great service and good response from staff on following up on order - well done!" Another said: "Really good variety of products and amazing prices." Photo: Google

1. Angling Direct, Church Street
Previously known as Ted Carter's, this shop gets 4.6 out of 5 on Google Reviews. Customers said: "Great service and good response from staff on following up on order - well done!" Another said: "Really good variety of products and amazing prices." Photo: Google

2. Waynes Tackle, Blanche Street
This well-established shop in Ashton scores 4.8 out of 5 on Google Reviews. One customer said: "Brilliant shop....huge range of tackle for all your fishing needs. Great staff too very polite and helpful." Photo: Google

3. Lostock Tackle Shop, Watkin Lane
This scores 4.3 out of 5 on Google Reviews. One customer said: "Excellent shop plenty of advice and as a lot of knowledge worth a visit." Photo: Google

4. Go Outdoors, Deepdale Retail Park
Preston's Go Outdoors shop sells fishing equipment alongside outdoor clothing, camping and climbing equipment and bikes. It rates as 3.7 out of 5 on Google Reviews. One person wrote: "Alison was very helpful when I came in shopping for fishing items for my husband's birthday. Alison was very helpful and gave fantastic advise and ideas with no pressure into buying anything. Very friendly and attentive. 10/10 for customer service." Photo: Google