Welcome from the Editor...

WELCOME to the latest issue of IYCF. If you ask a group of anglers what their favourite species is, tench will always come out near the top. And it is easy to understand why. Not only do they look stunning but they can provide some fantastic sport on light tackle. The only downside to the species is that the tench season is simply too short! But if you fancying having a crack at this awesome species over the next couple of month’s we’ve got all the information you need to get your tench campaign underway. We met up with top specimen hunter Paul Elt on the banks of Linear Fisheries’ Manor Farm Lake (page 24). As well as being one of the country’s best day-ticket waters, this rich gravel pit is also home to an incredible head of big tench. You’d expect anyone targeting tench to be using baits such as pellets and boilies, but Paul had adopted a far more traditional approach. His result speaks for itself and it’s certainly worth a read before you embark on a tinca session. If you’re planning on sticking to commercial fisheries this month, then you’re also set for some bumper sport. The warmer temperatures have seen match weights rocket and we’ve got loads of tactical advice to ensure you don’t miss out. England International Phil Ringer explains how to determine whether to load pellets or groundbait, or both, on your Method feeder (page 31) and reigning Fish O’Mania Champion Andy May reveals why it is so important you plumb up accurately at the start of your session (page 56). I hope you enjoy the issue! James Furness