Tackle & Bates

Tackle & Bates is a specialist angling retailer located at Rookery Farm on Fen Road, serving visiting anglers to Rookery Waters as well as dedicated coarse and match anglers from a much wider area. The shop is closely linked to the surrounding day-ticket fishery and holiday accommodation, which means it caters not just to local regulars but also to people arriving for short breaks or one-off sessions who need reliable equipment, bait and advice on the spot.

The business is run by experienced match angler Alex Bates, and that competitive background shapes much of what the shop offers and how it is run. Customers often comment that staff are approachable and generous with tips, whether they are helping a complete beginner with a starter set-up or advising a seasoned match angler on small changes that might improve results. This blend of retail and coaching-style support is one of the strongest points mentioned in feedback from visitors, many of whom feel the staff genuinely want them to enjoy their fishing rather than simply make a purchase.

The shop is physically positioned above The Rookery Café at the fishery, which makes it a practical stopping point before or after a session on the lakes. Anglers can arrive early, collect bait, enjoy breakfast and then walk straight down to the pegs, and the same convenience applies at the end of a match or pleasure session when they need to replace end tackle or pick up extra items for the next trip. This connection with the fishery also means the team is up to date with how the lakes are fishing, which methods are producing and what baits are working at any given time.

Product range and brands

Tackle & Bates has a broad selection of coarse and match fishing gear, and visitors often describe the shop as packed with interesting products from roof to floor. The emphasis is clearly on gear that has been tried and tested by active anglers rather than purely on fashionable items, which appeals to those who want tackle that works rather than gimmicks. Shelves and wall displays are arranged to cover most aspects of modern coarse fishing, from basic terminal tackle to high-end poles and seatboxes, with little unused space.

One of the key strengths is the range of fishing tackle covering rods, reels, poles, seatboxes and accessories from major brands used widely in UK coarse and match fishing. Video tours of the shop show long runs of shelving devoted to Matrix, MAP, Browning, Garbolino and other well-known names, alongside a large selection of pole elastics, floats, method feeders, pellet wagglers and luggage. This helps anglers find compatible items for their existing set-ups while also allowing them to upgrade to competition-level kit if they wish.

The choice of smaller terminal items and "bits and pieces" is another positive aspect often highlighted by visitors. There are trays and racks of hooks, swivels, feeders, line, EVA accessories and bankware designed for commercial fisheries and natural venues alike. For many anglers, this depth of range is important because it allows them to fine-tune rigs and methods for specific lakes, whether that is short-pole work on heavily stocked commercials or more traditional float fishing on silvers-oriented waters.

Alongside mainstream brands, Tackle & Bates also promotes its own range of match-oriented products, reflecting the personal preferences and experience of its owner. These items are presented as practical choices designed to perform on real venues rather than simply look attractive in the packet, something that appeals to regular match anglers looking for marginal gains. The presence of a dedicated online platform for selected items adds another route for customers who want to buy particular hooks, floats or lines after trying them during a visit.

Bait, live offerings and match-focused support

Fresh bait is a core part of the service and is specifically mentioned as a key attraction of the shop. Anglers can obtain live maggots, worms and other coarse angling staples, as well as pellets and groundbaits suited to the adjacent pools. Stock is oriented to match the needs of the fishery, so it is straightforward for a visitor to equip themselves with exactly the bait mix that is currently producing results on particular lakes.

Because the business is closely tied to a busy match venue, a lot of the advice on bait and methods is highly practical and based on current form rather than general theory. Customers report that the team willingly share knowledge on where fish are being caught, what depths to target and which approaches are winning recent matches, which can be invaluable for those travelling some distance and wanting to make the most of a short stay. Events such as family fun days and coaching sessions run on-site underline the broader ethos of making angling accessible to newcomers, including children who may be trying fishing for the first time.

This focus on supporting matches and regular visiting anglers has advantages and some potential limitations. On the positive side, anglers targeting carp, F1s and commercial-style silverfish will find almost everything they need in one place, from specialised pole rigs to match-ready method feeders and competition-grade fishing line. However, those looking for niche predator, fly or sea-angling items may find the choice more restricted, as the product mix is clearly tailored around coarse and match disciplines and the needs of the fishery around it.

Customer experience and service quality

Feedback from visitors points to consistently strong customer service, with many reviewers describing staff as friendly, helpful and quick to resolve problems. One angler noted that when a newly purchased feeder rod turned out to be missing a tip, the shop replaced or rectified the issue immediately, which demonstrates a practical and customer-centred approach to after-sales support rather than a rigid attitude to returns. Others mention that every visit includes some useful advice on tactics or product choices, even when the purchase itself is quite small.

For holidaymakers staying on the adjacent campsite and lodges, the shop and café combination contributes to an easy, self-contained angling break. Visitors speak of tranquil surroundings with wildlife and good walking opportunities, while being able to step straight onto pegs with access to tackle, bait and refreshments nearby. Family-oriented events, including children’s fishing lessons and pond-dipping sessions, show that the wider complex is set up to cater for mixed groups, where some members may be less experienced or even non-anglers.

From a critical perspective, the location that makes the shop ideal for those fishing Rookery Waters can be less convenient for casual passers-by. Because it is situated on a farm track rather than in a town centre, it usually requires a deliberate journey by car, which may discourage someone who only needs a small item. The shop interior is densely stocked, and while that appeals to many anglers who like to browse, it can feel overwhelming for newcomers who are not yet familiar with different brands and product names. In those cases, the quality of staff guidance becomes especially important to ensure that first-time customers leave with suitable, not overly complex, gear.

Strengths and potential drawbacks for buyers

As a tackle shop connected directly to a multi-lake coarse fishery, Tackle & Bates offers a combination of product range, venue-specific insight and personal service that many anglers appreciate. The presence of experienced match anglers behind the counter helps bridge the gap between product choice and on-the-bank performance, and the stock list is anchored in items that are used regularly in competition. For a regular coarse angler, this means there is a good chance of finding the right fishing rods, reels, pole elastics and end tackle without needing to visit several shops.

The emphasis on live and prepared bait is also a strong positive, especially for those staying on site who want to buy fresh fishing bait each day rather than store it at home. Being able to discuss current conditions on specific lakes and pick up bait accordingly gives visiting anglers an immediate advantage over turning up with a generic selection bought elsewhere. The café downstairs, combined with on-site accommodation and events such as family days and coaching sessions, creates a broader destination that goes beyond a simple retail unit.

There are still a few points that potential customers may wish to consider. The focus on coarse and match fishing means the shop is less of an all-round fishing tackle shop for specialist predator, carp-only or sea anglers who might need very specific gear outside the match scene. Space within the shop is finite, and although it is used well, some very niche or low-demand products may not be stocked, so anglers with rare or highly specialised requirements could still need to look online or to larger multi-discipline outlets.

Opening times are geared towards anglers, with early starts to allow bait and tackle purchases before the first casts of the day, but closing in the late afternoon. While this suits most who are already planning a session, it might not be ideal for someone wanting to visit in the evening after work during winter months. Also, as with many popular venues, busy match days and holiday periods can create crowded periods in the shop, so those who prefer a quieter browsing experience may wish to choose their timing carefully.

Who Tackle & Bates suits best

Tackle & Bates is particularly well suited to coarse and match anglers who value practical advice and a focused selection of gear tailored to commercial and mixed fisheries. Anglers travelling to fish Rookery Waters itself will probably find it especially convenient thanks to the on-site location, venue knowledge and the ability to buy everything needed for several days of fishing in one place. Those who enjoy browsing a dense, specialist fishing tackle shop full of commercial-focused floats, feeders, lines and hooks are likely to see the concentration of products as a major attraction rather than a drawback.

For families, newcomers and occasional anglers, the combination of shop, café, holiday accommodation and organised events offers an accessible introduction to the sport. The availability of guidance on suitable starter gear and the opportunity to join lessons or family days can reduce the uncertainty of a first angling experience and give children a positive introduction to coarse fishing. At the same time, experienced match anglers benefit from up-to-date information on winning methods, access to high-end match fishing tackle and a shop that actively supports local and regional competition scenes.

Overall, Tackle & Bates stands out as a destination-style fishing tackle retailer embedded within a busy coarse fishery, combining a deep, competition-oriented product range with attentive service and strong links to the surrounding lakes. Its strengths lie in its match and coarse focus, helpful staff and comprehensive stock for these disciplines, while the main considerations for prospective customers are its rural, fishery-based location and the narrower coverage of non-coarse angling categories.