Our Story

 

Our Story: Built on the Bankside

Soar Tackle is a small, family-run business in Kegworth, positioned right on the Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire borders. We pride ourselves on providing quality fishing tackle and bait, backed by real help and advice—whether you’re visiting us online or stepping into our shop.

A Legacy of Experience

Scott Johnson, founder and owner of Soar Tackle, has been fishing for well over 30 years. His journey began on the local match circuits of the East Midlands, picking up a number of trophies along the way.

In the early 2000s, Scott and Katharine began their business journey by running a fishery, where providing the right bait and tackle to help anglers catch more became a daily passion. By 2009, this grew into a full-time venture on Loughborough Market, before finding a permanent home in Kegworth in 2011.

Throughout those years, Scott stepped away from the "commercial" match scene to focus on traditional river skills and specimen fishing. It was during these decades of mastering the technical nuances of the River Soar that he earned the nickname "Stickfloat"—a name that still follows him today.

Competing at the Highest Level

While Scott took a break from the scene for a time, he is far from "retired." Today, he is more involved than ever, competing at the highest level of the sport.

From the Angling Trust Division 1 National and Winter Leagues to RiverFest qualifiers, Scott regularly tests himself against the best in the country. This competitive drive is what fuels our shop. We don’t just sell tackle; we sell confidence. Every float, hook, and bag of groundbait on our shelves is there because we know it performs when a National title is on the line.

A Tradition of Knowledge

Scott’s journey was shaped by legends like Ivan Marks and Ian Heaps, and he carries that legacy forward today. As a qualified Angling Trust coach, his goal is simple: to pass on the technical "fine-tuning" that turns a difficult day into a memorable one.

"My aim is to pass my knowledge on to fellow anglers, young and old. I enjoy nothing more than helping someone on the bank and seeing that, with just a few slight changes, their angling can improve massively. After all, if it wasn't for people like Ivan Marks and Ian Heaps helping me, I wouldn't have learned half of what I know now." — Scott Johnson

Whether you’re a traditional river angler or a dedicated match angler looking for a competitive edge, we provide the real-world insight you won't find at a faceless online giant.

Join the Community

You can follow Scott’s progress through his blog or find him on Instagram. You can also stay up to date with the shop via Facebook and YouTube.

Why not pop into our shop in Kegworth for a browse and a chat over a brew? The kettle is usually on.

Tight lines,

Scott and Katharine Johnson