Specimen Secrets Dai Gribble’s quick tips for catching bigger fish

PINPOINT THE HOTSPOTS

TENCH love to feed in areas where there’s a distinct change in depth, whether it is a marginal shelf, gravel bar, or old stream bed in a reservoir.

If you can find a clean gravel patch then you’re on to a winner, as these areas are tench playgrounds.

Even though some gravel humps and bars can be seen from the bank, by using a marker float you can get a far more detailed picture of what is present under the water.

Time spent with a marker float in a new swim is never wasted and, in my experience, tench do not seem to be too bothered by the disturbance caused.

It is far better to take time to work out exactly where to place your bait than worry about the disturbance.

HEAVY BOBBINS

I like to use heavy bobbins of 10g to 15g when tench fishing with feeders because this helps to keep the line tight, resulting in a better hooking rig and more positive bites.

I also point my rods to where I’m fishing and leave the tips set just above the water so I can watch the line too.

This is a great way of spotting those little knocks and liners which don’t show up on the bobbins.

Liners are good – they let you know there are fish in your swim and help to keep the spirits up!

GET A CASTABLE RAKE

Castable fish-finders are useful gadgets and can save a lot of time, but I always like to make at least a couple of casts with a small weed rake to find out how much weed is present and clear out any spots I want to fish.

Fine silk weed doesn’t often show up on a fish-finder, and you’re looking to find the cleanest patch you can to put your bait on. Otherwise you end up having to fish with popped-up baits and also run the risk of the hook point getting fouled in the weed.