Jack Frost Tackle began as a small shop in the main precinct of Crawley town centre. Originally, it was known as the Town Angler when it was opened in 1977 by Arthur Smith (pictured left).
Arthur retired in 1985, selling the business on to Jack Frost (pictured right), who gave his name to the current business. After running another business in Middlesex, Jack fondly imagined that a little fishing shop in Crawley would be a nice 'wind-down' as he approached his retirement. Nothing could have been further from the truth! His own enthusiasm meant that the business grew, until in 1996 it was bought by Stephen Mugridge and Jack could finally retire!
Stephen (pictured below) had grown tired of the travel and pressures involved in his successful career as an IT consultant, particularly as he has a young family, so he had been looking for opportunities closer to home. A keen match fisherman himself with a mantlepiece covered in trophies, Stephen could see the potential for a business like Jack Frost if run efficiently and managed using the latest technology.
This website is just the latest innovation for a business that has increased its turnover more than fivefold since 1996. So rapid has been the expansion, in fact, that it became necessary to move to brand new purpose-built premises in March 2002, where the enormous range of stock covering all aspects of coarse,carp, fly and sea fishing is housed. The business continues to expand into different sectors, including insurance, which has proved extremely popular with customers and has impressed the insurance industry by demonstrating high levels of expertise and professionalism.
Stephen is still planning ahead, and the coming months will see many new developments. keep an eye on our Latest News page!