Tench don’t come any better than this stunning lake-record 12lb 4oz specimen which topped a memorable haul for Simon Ashton during a session on a Nene Valley gravel pit.
The Durham-based big-fish angler targeted a clear marginal gully surrounded by Canadian pondweed on the side of the 30-acre pit where a westerly wind had been blowing into for the previous three days. The feature was baited with half a dozen spods Hinders mixed micro pellets, hemp, casters and worms, with maggot feeder and worm kebab rigs fished over the top. Despite early frustration with lost fish and pike interference, his persistence eventually paid off in spectacular style.
Over the course of the session, the current British record dace holder banked a trio of eight-pounders as well as five over 9lb, including a stunning tinca of 9lb 14oz that equalled his previous PB from the lake.
But the highlight of the session came on the final morning of the trip just as he was packing away.
“My rod bent double as I lifted into a good fish which promptly tore through the line of my right-hand rod and tangled me up,” said Simon.
“I had to wind in both rods together and the feeder also got tethered in the weed just to make matters worse. At this point the mother of all tench popped up to the surface, so I quickly waded out to get it in the net.”
Fortunately, the venue bailiff happened to drive past and was able to help an elated Simon with the weighing.
“His jaw nearly hit the floor when I lifted up the net and revealed the finest looking tench either of us had ever laid eyes on. I knew it was the fish I’ve dreamed of for years but I still couldn’t believe it as the needle went past 12lb and settled on 12lb 4oz.”
YOU CAN WATCH THE FULL CAPTURE OF SIMON'S DREAM TENCH HERE...
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