Best Times
Tench are typically most active during the warmer months, particularly from April to August when the water is calm, and the air temperature is cooler as this is when they feed most actively.
In Summer tench are most active during the cooler parts of the day (dawn and dusk). They tend to retreat deeper during the midday heat.
Common Baits
Worms: Redworms are highly effective for tench, as they are a natural food source and tench find them particularly appealing. They can be used individually or in a combination with other baits for a more attractive offering.
Sweetcorn: Sweetcorn is a popular bait as it is colourful and provides a noticeable scent trail that attracts tench. It is often effective when fished on the hook or in a feeder.
Pellets: Fishmeal and Halibut pellets are commonly used as both bait and groundbait for tench fishing as they release oils and particles into the water which attracts the tench.
Maggots: Maggots are another effective bait for tench, especially during the cooler months. Maggots can be fished in the hook or used in a feeder to entice tench into the area.
Fishing Techniques
Ledgering: A bottom fishing technique where the bait is placed on the lakebed using a weight (ledger). This is a popular method for targeting tench that feed near the bottom.
Float Fishing: A traditional and simple method where a float is used to detect bites. This is most effective in shallower waters or around weed beds.
Feeder Fishing: One of the most popular and effective techniques in which a feeder releases bait, attracting fish to the area. This method is effective all year, especially during feeding times when tench are on the bottom searching for food.
Tackle and Equipment
Rods and Reels: Medium-action rods (2.5 to 3 lb test curve) are ideal for catching tench. These rods offer a good balance between sensitivity and strength, allowing anglers to feel bites while still being able to handle the fight of a tench. A front drag reel is often used in tench fishing as it provides better control over the fish.
Hooks: A wide gap hook is ideal for tench fishing as these hooks provide a better hook-hold, especially when using baits like sweetcorn or worms.
Feeder (For Ledgering): A method feeder is very effective for tench fishing, particularly for targeting fish on the bottom. It is filled with groundbait or pellets and releases particles when submerged, drawing tench to the hook.
Night Fishing
Night fishing for tench can be highly effective, especially during the warmer months, as tench are often more active at night. As the water cools during the night, tench often become more comfortable feeding near the bottom without the disturbance of other anglers or daytime heat.