very knowledgeable. Excellent craftsmanship. Wide range of parts and supplies. Great place to learn rod-building.

the most knowledgeable person in the business , I highly recommend this guy to anyone who has problems with there fishing equipment.

I purchased an Ultra light Graphite Rod, I'm guessing, almost 40 years ago. As of this summer, fishing Lake Vermilion MN. it still handled the Walleyes. read more

I have used them in the past but my recent experience was horrible. I brought them reels to clean/service with one of the reels being a Diawa spinning reel. I drove 127 miles round trip to bring them these reels, and another 127 miles to pick them up when they were done. When I got home I found that the Diawa spinning reel had a serious problem. The whole spool assembly wobbled when the reel handle was turned. First thing I am thinking is why did no one check the reel after it was cleaned/serviced because this was a major issue and VERY obvious. So I called, and the owner tells me to bring it back in. I drove another 127 miles round trip to bring it in. Show the owner what it was doing, and he says "well that ain't right". So he brings it to the person who works on the reels that is supposed to know what he is doing, and was sarcastic to him like in "you screwed up again". So he shows this person what is going on, and they take apart the reel to see what is going on. After 1/2 hour of me standing around they tell me that they do not know what the problem is...but they will get it fixed and then ship it to me to save me the long drive. After 3 weeks I was curious about the status so I called to see if they had fixed it? Owner doesn't know that status, asks the guy who works on the reels, and apparently it has been done for awhile and just sitting around. So then I am told that the reel will be shipped. Reel arrives, and I put the handle into the reel and the spool will barely turn. So I call Corens, talk to the owner, and he tells me that I will need to bring it in again. So I drive another 127 miles, bring it in, and they find that they broke a nylon collar that provides a spacer between the reel handle and the reel. So the owner tells me that for the interim he will put a washer in its place and order the collar and send it out to me. So he puts the washer in, hands me the reel to try it, and now there is another issue as the reel was as smooth as butter when I brought it in, and now there is a grinding noise going on. I point this out to him, and he tries to tell me that the gears in the reel are worn. When I brought it in for cleaning/service nothing was ever mentioned about the gears being worn, and when I brought in before when the spool was wobbling that noise was not there. I use this reel once a year to surf fish in Mexico, and it is only 2 years old since bought new...so it is has only been used for 2 weeks total and the excuse I am given for what is going on is that the gears are worn? He was lying to me. Then he tries to tell me that "we do not get too many reels like this in". So I say "spinning reels because there is nothing dramatically different between this reel and any other spinning reel". he just stares at me after that response. Then I ask him why is it the reel has left his shop twice with obvious problems? Why did no one test the reel before it left? He just stared at me. I told him I have driven 6 hours bringing this reel back to get fixed for things that should have never happened in the first place. His response? "Sorry". The service obviously was horrible. The fact that no one tested the reel twice before giving it back to me. The reel is basically ruined now, and they take no responsibility for the crappy service and what they did to the reel. The owner made no effort to even try to make things right for all of the trouble, 6-hours of driving, tools, etc. and ruining a perfectly good reel. read more

This is a unique store, mainly because most of the other shops like it have been disappearing. Eric has put new guides on some of my favorite rods. You can't even tell they have been replaced. He added hook keepers to rods that didn't have them or replaced them with more functional ones. They have done repairs on reels and found problems I never would have noticed. For example I was having a problem with a reel, he told me the bails on spinning reels can get slightly bent, then it doesn't operate properly. They have a special tool to fix it. Problem solved! This man builds bamboo fly rods by hand, what a craftsman. Fly fisherman will love this spot. They do not have a giant selection of merchandise but this is not a giant shop, for repairs they can't be beat. They have some used reels, I think rods too. If you buy good tackle and want to make it last, for maintenance and repairs this is the place to go. read more

This little shop sells fishing gear, but specializes in equipment for the fishing rod builder. In addition, they do rod repairs and restoration as well. If you've got a vintage bamboo flyrod and want somebody to repair or restore it in the Chicagoland area, these are the only guys in town who can set you up. If you want to repair it yourself and need the tools, they can help as well. A nice, highly specialized, high-end shop run by a couple well respected guys. read more

Always outstanding service and quality products throughout the store. If you are a serious fisherman or are looking to get quality equipment for the fisherman in your life, this is the place. Most trustworthy people that will not sell, but educate. Want to get into fly fishing? This is the place to buy the gear you will need and which you will be proud to hand down to the next generation. Broken rod, missing guide or need your reels cleaned? This is the place. Lastly, want to be part of a neighborhood fishing store where you can go to learn how to fly fish, make a bamboo fly rod, tie flies... this is the place. Store is in Chicago but there is always street parking either in front on within 100 feet of shop. FYI, if you are into fishing and have not been to Corens, you should go just to check it out. People from around the world visit this shop when they are touring Chicago. This is like an Orvis shop but with better service. read more

Why give your money to the big guys? Special orders, custom rods, reel repairs, and friendly service.It's all here. Loses a star for hiring Don Chin. read more

Great Store, and great service. Came in for the first time today with a spinning reel that I thought was a bail spring problem. They immediately opened it up, and fixed it while I waited, with total professionalism and expertise. I was very impressed. They also have a good supply of muskie lures, and the raw materials to make your own lures from fly fishing to Muskie. As well, they have a great selection of refurbished rods and reels at incredibly reasonable pricing. Will definitely be back! read more

After my father passed away I had several of his old reels that I decided to have cleaned, greased and spooled with new line. I looked into the big chains like Dick's and Bass Pro and they did not offer this complete service. After a lot of research I found Corens and although they are not conveniently located, I'm in the western suburbs and they are in NW side of Chicago, it was definitely worth the drive. They sat down and inspected each reel and recommended which ones were worth getting "tuned-up" vs. just taking all of them and charging me for all eleven reels. We agreed on six reels, they quoted me a price and told me when they would be ready. When I went to pick them up they ended up charging me less than what they quoted. Who does that? Great guys - super knowledgeable - and fair and honest pricing. If you need reels or rods fixed this is the place! read more

Great service and excellent work. Taken care of while I waited.

Awesome shop! Had my tiptops fixed while I waited and talked fishing with guys. I could have stayed all afternoon. True experts. Thank you

What a great little shop. Eric the owner is one of the nicest men I have ever met. Gave him old reels that had not been used in decades to clean up and get working again. All I can say is magnificent. One reel was Dad's and the other Grandpa's. One bought in '55, the other is even older. You would think they were brand new. New and used rods and reels and always quality stuff. Teaches rod building classes and fly tying. What an art. Look forward to my next visit. read more

I have been bringing my reels here for years when in need of repair. Very fair price, timely turnaround and very efficient. I have also bought some nice rods for a great price off of the refurb racks. Great store and much easier to get to since they moved years ago from the inner city. I have also bought parts to make my own cowgirls which have turned out nicely and do work well, especially the smaller versions for bass. read more

This is the place to go in Chicagoland if you need anything rod/reel related, whether it's a cleaning, repair or some new equipment. Eric is extremely knowledgable, does expert craftsman work, has extensive travel fishing experience and can set you up with everything you need. He does fly, spin and conventional equipment but is a fly fishing expert. If you normally shop at a Bass Pro or Cabela's, this might not be your place because it's much more specialized, but they'll have what most guys need and the advice to go along with it. read more

Greatest place in Chicago to fix repair all your fishing rods and reels! Need a fly fishing rod this is the place to go! or order from! lots of parking and famous restaurants within a block if you need it done fast! read more

Corens is the best rod / reel repair site in Chicagoland. Period. They also have quality merchandise (new and used) for sale at the store in Norwood Park. Although specializing in the fly fishing arena they regularly repair my musky rods and reels and are more knowledgeable than the manufacturer's repair people. Their personal touch makes dealing with them a pleasure and they get things done quickly and at a fair price. Eric and Jeff take pride in their work and it really shows. Coren's is a must for any serious angler. read more

I don't know much about fishing, but I stopped in to ask a few questions. The man behind the counter was super helpful even though he knew I wasn't going to buy anything. Based on customer service alone, I have to give this store five stars. If I ever take up fishing, I'll be back! read more

This place is an absolute rip off. To start, the guy who runs it is probably the most arrogant human being I have ever met in my life. If he is on the phone when you walk in - normally with personal calls about fishing trips hes returned from - you have to wait until he gets off to get served. He has a comment for anything/everything you ask of him, especially as it pertains to reel repairs. For example, I was told once "you must have leaned on it, or stepped on it" like a disappointed father when I asked him to fix a spool. Recently, I dropped 3 reels off to be "cleaned" - no repairs needed. Just a simple once over with some lube because I am busy at work, and have a tournament this weekend. Someone else picked them up for me because I didn't have time to get there, and it was $30/reel. I have been calling non stop with no answer to let him know what an absolute joke I find that. Don't waste your time in here unless you want to talk to an old man about his fly fishing experiences, while paying handsomely for being in his presence. This gets better: The spinning reel was returned without the handle. After I spoke with him on the phone, he said "I made a note on the form that it didnt have a handle." - he claims the note was written after I left, since it wasnt while I was there. I was with him when we wrote the form. He looked at all three reels (all had handles), and asked what I needed done. He then wrote the ticket, and told me to pick them up 9 days later. He cleaned a reel I wasnt able to use for my tournament, and returned it missing a piece. Save your money, and go anywhere/everywhere else. read more

Nice shop ... repaired a broken rod for me no problems. Nice folks, nice stuff.

Can't say enough good things about Coren's. Eric and the whole crew are outstanding!

Great place and everyone in there was extremely friendly and helpful. I highly recommend. It seems like they mostly specialize in fly equipment but definitely know what they are talking about with reels as well. I took my rod in to get repaired and they took care of me in a half hour and a very reasonable price. They know their stuff about local and midwest fishing as well. Definitely would go there before one of the corporate stores. read more

Fantastic shop! The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and very responsive to your needs. While the service and repairs are above reproach, the stores best attribute is their willingness to listen to your questions and make suggestions based on what is needed (rather than the typical upsell experienced at big box stores). read more

Wow. I miss the days when there were more shops like this and more people like the ones at Coren's. I took a "squealy" baitcasting reel in just before a big Canada trip. They took care of me better than a heart surgeon. Very thorough. Very honest. I will DEFINITELY go again. They have awesome products for sale as well. Fly-fishing, musky baits,...rods, reels, tackle, gear, etc. read more