Get yourself ready for some superb tench fishing
THERE’S something special about tench. I know every fish is unique, but there are species to be found all over the world which look similar to a carp or barbel for example. There are also those that could be mistaken for one of our silverfish, and a whole host of species whose body shape and behaviours aren’t too far away from perch and pike.
But there really isn’t anything else on our planet which looks like a tench. With their stunning green flanks, paintbrush-like tails, and teddy bear eyes, they’re a fish which always puts a smile on our faces.
I don’t know of anyone who has ever been disappointed when the fish on the end of their line turns out to be a tench, even when they’re fishing for something else.
The other day my pal asked me if I’d ever seen a baby one, or were they like pigeons where you only ever see them adult sized!
I’ve seen juveniles in pond fish stockists’ tanks, but I can only recall catching a fish that would fit in the palm of my hand once, and that was decades ago.
They’re are also a fish which can lift the spirits, just like the first swallows of summer. The onset of tench season coincides with spring, better weather and, this year, the end of lockdown. And, what better way to celebrate than with a trip in search of them? We have some lads on our team who have caught some seriously big tench over the years on quite technical tactics and others, myself included, who simply enjoy the thrill of catching them on the float with corn or worms on day-ticket waters.
We’ve pooled our knowledge and in this week’s issue you’ll find the best tactics, rigs, and places to head for to catch your first tench of 2021. The world is waking up and so are the fish – enjoy your week.