Natural baits used to dominate the tench fishing scene but, in recent years, more anglers have turned their attentions to targeting them with far more ‘modern’ offerings.
Pellets and boilies are often called into action, and while there are plenty of venues where that style of approach will succeed, there are others that will produce more bites if you go down the traditional baits route.
Stillwaters with low levels of angling pressure fit the bill, and if you’re fishing such an idyllic place then worms must come into the bait equation. Spring is the peak time to use them, as they provide plenty of food content to bolster the energy reserves of fish after the winter months.
CHECK OUT THESE SPECIMEN RODS WHICH ARE PERFECT FOR TENCH FISHING...
Lay the table
Chopped worms need a carrier to be fed effectively, and groundbait is the best way to do that. Use a dark blend with fishmeal in it, adding a generous quantity of worms once your groundbait has been mixed. Priming the swim withtwo or three balls is a good starting point, topping up whenever the action slows or after you’ve caught a fish.
LEARN HOW TO MIX GROUNDBAIT WITH THIS HELPFUL GUIDE...
Use a big hookbait
Lobworms are big offerings, but three-quarters of a worm, or even a full one, makes a brilliant hookbait. It will stand out well among any loosefeed, and a big tench will have no issues in scoffing it down in one. Make sure you use a reasonably large hook so that there’s less risk of the point being masked. A size 10 wide gape is about right.
Wait to fish the best areas
An overhanging tree may look like the ideal target zone, but avoid fishing such hotspots straight away. The fish will be less cagey early on, and it’s best to try open water at a time when they’re willing to venture out. Once the fish have been pressured, they’ll sit under the cover, and this is the time to drop a baited rig nearby.
Fish with a float
Big tench can fight hard, but the bites they give can often be quite subtle. Asimple waggler set-up will help you spot every indication, especially when the float tip is dotted down. The fish won’t be too rig-shy, so use 8lb mainline and a 6lb hooklength on the terminal tackle front and you’ll land every fish that you hook.
FLOAT NOT WORKING? WHY NOT TRY THE WORM KEBAB RIG INSTEAD?
