Craftys Tackle Shack South WigstonBest Fishing Shop on the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line

About a 12 minute walk from the canal.

A Go-To Shop for Canal Anglers in South Wigston

(Top Gear & Expert Advice)
Craftys Tackle Shack in South Wigston offers quality tackle, fresh bait, and expert guidance just steps from the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line. Perfect for canal anglers and boaters.

Located in the lively suburb of South Wigston, just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Grand Union Canal Leicester Line, Craftys Tackle Shack has become a cherished hub for local anglers, narrowboaters, and visiting canal explorers. Known for its hands-on customer service, large selection of tackle, and consistently fresh bait, the shop offers everything an angler needs for a productive day on one of Leicestershire’s most historic waterways.

With peaceful towpaths, wide-open stretches, and fish-rich waters, the Grand Union Canal in this area is ideal for casual anglers, match fishers, and young beginners alike – and Craftys Tackle Shack sits right at the heart of the action.

A Local Tackle Shop with a Strong Community Reputation

Crafty's Tackle Shack is more than just a fishing shop — it’s a recognised meeting point for anglers across South Wigston, Leicester, Blaby, and Glen Parva. Over the years, it has built a reputation for:

• Providing reliable, high-quality gear
• Stocking fresh bait daily
• Supporting canal match groups
• Helping newcomers learn the basics
• Offering venue-specific tips for the Leicester Line

Its friendly, welcoming atmosphere makes it popular among both seasoned anglers and families trying canal fishing for the first time.

Ideally Located Near the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line

One of the biggest advantages of Craftys Tackle Shack is its proximity to the canal. Anglers can pick up bait and tackle in the shop and reach the towpath in just minutes.

Why This Part of the Grand Union Canal Is Special for Anglers
The Leicester Line near South Wigston is known for:

• Great Roach and Rudd shoals
• Strong Perch populations
• Occasional Tench in deeper pockets
• Good-sized Bream
• Regular Pike activity
• Wide towpaths, perfect for setting up poles and Feeder Rods
• Peaceful surroundings away from heavy boat traffic

This makes it a great venue for pole fishing, waggler fishing, feeder work, and light luring.

Top Fishing Spots Near Crafty's Tackle Shack

• Canal Stretch
  Distance from Shop - 5–7 mins walk
  Species & Highlights: Roach, perch, skimmers, smooth plumbing
• South Wigston Towpath
  Glen Parva Stretch
  Distance from Shop - 10 mins walk
  Good pike and perch activity
• Wigston Locks
  Distance from Shop - 5 -10 mins walk
  Wider, deeper water for bream
• Kilby Bridge
  3 Locks away 45 mins cruise
  Match angling hotspot with strong silverfish presence
• Blaby Stretch
  Distance from Shop - 20 mins cruise
  Mixed coarse species, great for beginner

These locations are popular with towpath walkers, cyclists, and boaters — creating a friendly, communal atmosphere.

What Crafty's Tackle Shack Offers

A Wide Range of Tackle for All Styles of Canal Fishing
Crafty's stocks gear tailored to canal fishing, including:

Whips & poles, Light float rods, Feeder rods for deeper stretches, Reels & spooled line, Pole rigs & ready-made floats, Hooks, feeders, shot, and terminal tackle, Landing nets & keepnets, Luggage, boxes and canal accessories

Whether you’re float fishing for roach or tackling predator species, the store has everything required.

Fresh Bait Always Available
Craftys Tackle Shack is known for excellent bait quality, providing:

Maggots (fresh daily), Casters, Worms, Pellets & groundbait, Sweetcorn & flavoured hookbaits, Deadbaits for pike and Soft lures ideal for perch on the canal.

Anglers can rely on Craftys for consistent supply throughout the year, especially during the winter silverfish season.

Local Knowledge That Really Makes a Difference
The team at Craftys fish the canal regularly and offer advice on:

Best pegs on the Leicester Line
Seasonal fish movement
Rigs that work in colder months
Predator fishing tactics
Beginner-friendly spots
Best depth and feeding strategies
Their guidance helps newcomers learn quickly and gives experienced anglers an edge.

Additional Shop Services
Club membership information
Rod licence guidance
Repairs & spare parts
Pre-made rigs for beginners
Social media updates on stock & conditions
Local match information
Everything is designed to help anglers make the most of their day on the water.

Moorings & Boater Access
The Grand Union Canal Leicester Line is popular with cruising narrowboats. Boaters frequently moor near Glen Parva, South Wigston, and Kilby Bridge, making it easy to walk to Craftys Tackle Shack for supplies.

Nearby moorings offer:

Safe, quiet towpath spaces
Comfortable bank fishing
Handy access to South Wigston’s shops and food outlets
It’s one of the best-stocked and most convenient tackle stops for boaters travelling through Leicester.

Nearby Pubs & Food Spots for Anglers
After a day’s fishing on the canal, anglers can enjoy several great nearby venues:

The Navigation Inn (overlooking the canal)
The Glen Parva Manor – perfect for pub meals
South Wigston cafes & takeaways for quick lunches
These are excellent places to unwind after a long day on the towpath.

FAQs About Craftys Tackle Shack

Q1. How close is the shop to the canal?
Just minutes away — ideal for quick bait runs before fishing.

Q2. Does it sell fresh bait?
Yes, including maggots, worms, casters, pellets, groundbait and deadbait.

Q3. Is Craftys suitable for beginners?
Absolutely — the team offers friendly, practical advice for newcomers.

Q4. What fish can I catch nearby?
Roach, perch, rudd, skimmers, tench, bream, and pike are all common.

Q5. Do boaters use the shop?
Yes — nearby moorings make it convenient for narrowboaters.

Q6. Does Craftys support match anglers?
Yes, with suitable gear, bait, and advice for competitive canal fishing.

Conclusion: A Must-Visit Store for Canal Anglers in Leicestershire

Craftys Tackle Shack in South Wigston is a friendly, well-stocked, and reliable angling centre perfectly located for anyone fishing the Grand Union Canal Leicester Line. With expert advice, great value tackle, and fresh bait always on hand, it’s become a vital part of the local angling community.

Whether you’re a visiting boater, a weekend angler, or a keen match competitor, Craftys ensures you’re well prepared for a rewarding day on the water.