Middlewich’s angling superstore celebrated its 45th birthday this week.

Dave’s of Middlewich, on Lewin Street, has been supplying anglers from across Cheshire and beyond with tackle, bait, and more importantly, expert advice for almost half a century.  

Managing director Ann Marie Costello said: ‘Not bad going that, for a truly family run business.’

Founded by Dave Costello in 1977, the business is now run by his daughter Ann Maria Costello, along with store manager Darren Clarke.

Darren said: ‘Dave and Ann Marie are great to work for. I’ve been here for 10 years now, and we have a pretty low turnover of staff. We have very loyal customers too, who we’d like to thank.’

The shop was originally on Wheelock Street, but moved into its current purpose-built premises on Lewin Street in 1998 when the business started to grow.

Dave’s supplies tackle to course, match, sea, and game fisherman and they are a stockist for top angling brands from all over the world.

Northwich Guardian: Dave's of Middlewich (Google)Dave's of Middlewich (Google) (Image: Google)

They are a hub for local angling clubs, selling day tickets to non-members on club waters, as well as posting match fixture results and donating prizes.

West Cheshire is a paradise for course fishermen thanks to its many canals, meres and slow-flowing rivers.

The River Dane, which rises in the Peak District and flows across the county to its confluence with the River Weaver in the centre of Northwich, is considered the cleanest river in Cheshire.  

Winsford and District Angling Association president, Brian Clarke, said: “Dave’s is a mainstay for all anglers from Winsford, Middlewich, Crewe and Northwich for 45 years. They have outlasted everybody else because they are full of commitment to the sport of fishing. They give absolutely brilliant advice to locals, and anglers from further afield.

“They are so supportive of our youth section – they provide the prizes for our youth tournaments -  and Ann Marie took the trouble to come to our last youth prize presentation at the Tin Mission.

“Though Dave lives in Spain now, he is always popping back and sticking his head into the shop. He’s even come back to attend the funerals of several of our former club presidents.

‘Dave’s of Middlewich is ever-present, ever-supportive, and there for everyone, young and old. Long may it continue!”