BCF exits Ayr, local business ‘About Town Bait and Tackle’ expands

There was a lot of talk when BCF opened in Ayr, but four years later their exit was a quiet one. Here’s why a local dad-and-son fishing store outlasted the major retailer.

About Town Bait and Tackle: New employee Jesse Taylor (@stubbys_fishing) and owner Michael Detenon in store.

There was a lot of talk when BCF moved into Ayr at the peak of Covid, but four years later their exit was a quiet one from Queen St.

Despite being perfectly placed on the Bruce Hwy, blessed with a good parking lot, and located in the centre of the fishing mecca that is the Burdekin, the major retailer decided to shut its doors in 2024.

The empty building they left behind was snapped up by local tackle shop About Town Bait and Tackle.

Michael Detenon runs About Town with his father Shaun, and said they moved into the new building in November, 2024.

“It’s a bigger space, it’s just about doubled our floor space,” Mr Detenon said.

“It’s been good for us, we’ve always supported the local community and they’ve always supported us.”

Before BCF the site was the Honeycombes Kia Suzuki and Used Car dealership – hence spacious parking lot.

When BCF Ayr officially opened its doors in December 2020, people were naturally wary.

At the time, Mr Detenon told the Townsville BulletinAyr didn’t need another fishing store and believed customers would remain loyal to About Town.

About Town Bait and Tackle: With twice the space, About Town have used the opportunity to expand their boating range and stock more marine equipment.

Four years on, it appears Mr Denton was right.

Originally published as BCF exits Ayr, local business ‘About Town Bait and Tackle’ expands