Katherine is at the crossroads for travelling anglers and hunters, so Rod & Rifle Tackleworld, with the big barra on the roof, is well-placed to service anglers and hunters as they disperse north, south or west. Warren and his wife Debbie own Rod & Rifle Tackleworld in Katherine. It is a long-established business. Originally located on the corner of Katherine Terrace and the Victoria Highway in the early 1970s, the shop moved in 1986 into the then new Woolworths shopping complex. In those days the shop was owned and run by Greg Chan and George Voukolos in partnership with Ian (slug) Winstanley. Warren and Debbie bought the business in 1987.
In August 2003, with a very small space to run an ever-growing business, Warren and Debbie expanded the size of their store by relocating to their current address on the corner of Giles and Second Streets.
With an increasing range of fishing, camping and hunting gear, the store is a popular place among locals and tourists. So too is Roxy, the stores little Jack Russell that likes to “go to work” everyday. “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 12 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 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.