Katherine, in the Northern Territory, is often referred to as the "Crossroads of the North" due to its location on the Stuart Highway where travellers can go north, south, east or west. Katherine Rod & Rifle Tackleworld is well placed to service travelling anglers and hunters. Just look for the big barra on their roof!
Warren and his wife Debbie own Rod & Rifle Tackleworld in Katherine. It is a long established business that they bought in 1987.
With an increasing range of fishing, camping and hunting gear, the store is a popular place among locals and tourists alike. So too is Roxy, the stores little Jack Russell that likes to “go to work” every day.
“Katherine is the starting point for a Territory fishing adventure,” Warren said. “We are within ‘easy wagon wheels’ access to the Katherine, Roper, Victoria and South Alligator Rivers”.
In February 2010, Rod & Rifle joined Australia’s largest fishing tackle stockists – Tackleworld. Being a member of the 50 strong Tackleworld buying group, has meant anglers are assured of competitive pricing on all brand name tackle, like Shimano and ABU, as well as Tackleworld’s own house brands.
Rod & Rifle is a distinctive store: it has the world’s largest barra resting on the roof. As well as offering a great range of products and service, anglers are able to get into Warren’s ear to get some local knowledge.
On New Year’s Eve, 2012, Warren made a resolution to become the first person to tag and release a 1.5m barra: “I’m still trying,” he said.
Warren, who has been president of AFANT for the past 14 years, believes in running a social business. Customers, who are members of the Tackleworld VIP club, can take advantage of discounts and specials, and every Thursday they receive a text message with the VIP Friday Frenzy Special (a reward/discount on products that changes every week).
The best thing about shopping at Rod & Rifle Tackleworld Katherine is the friendly atmosphere: a shopping experience that makes you leave thinking you have been shopping with mates.
www.tackleworld.com.au/nt/katherine.html