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Strong start to the season for tench anglers

@Dr Paul Garner

by Freddie Sandford |

Published on12th May 2026 at 12.15pm

Tench anglers have enjoyed a strong start to the season, with a number of impressive fish reported from waters across the country.

As conditions begin to improve, catch reports suggest that specimen tench are starting to feed more consistently, rewarding those anglers opting to target them early in the season.

Paul Cooper - 10lb 2oz tench

“The other day I enjoyed a very successful session on Oxlease Lake, part of Linear Fisheries, where I was targeting tench.

“Fishing maggot feeder rigs with a mag-aligner set-up at the business end, I landed a tench of 10lb 2oz and three nine-pounders weighing 9lb 9oz, 9lb 7oz and 9lb 1oz.

“I baited lightly with a mixture of hemp and 2mm Tinca Sprinkles pellets from The Hookbait Company.

“These tench were part of a memorable 11-fish haul.”

TRY ONE OF THESE DAY-TICKET WATERS TO CATCH BIG TENCH...

Paal with his biggest of the session - a cracking 10lb 2oz fish

Simon Badger - 12lb 4oz

“I was primarily fishing for the carp, but I use small hookbaits and a presentation that means I’ll pick up any tench that come into the swim too,” Simon told us.

“Just before sunrise at around 5am, the rod tore off and I thought I was into a carp. It was putting up a decent fight, but as it came closer in I thought it was a big bream when I saw the shoulders break the surface,” he recalled.

“However, when I slipped it into the net, I couldn’t believe the size of the tench staring back at me, and once it was weighed, I was speechless.

“It wasn’t until I reported it to Lee at Linear that I realised I had equalled the 12lb 4oz lake record, topping off a truly memorable session.”

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Simon with the huge Manor Farm tench

Jack bellamy - 10lb -2oz tench

"During a session at Satnwick Lakes in Northamptonshire, I banked this cracking 10lb 2oz tench.

"Casting to the margin on my left as it looked absolutely primed and ready for a carp bite, and I cast it perfectly. I set the rod and went to sleep, as it was a bedtime solid bag refresh.

"I was woken at 7am to my Delkims in full warble, with what must have been a carp ticking over against my tight clutch. I lifted into a promising-feeling fish that proceeded to take line from me. Bearing in mind my setup, that was insane!

"The fish put on a great fight, but my equipment was too good for it, and as it came over the net cord I thought to myself, “That’s no carp—that’s a tench. A bloody big tench.” I mean, it had to be if it was able to take line from a tight carp setup!

"It weighed just 1lb short of a new PB, but still a once-in-a-lifetime catch for most people!"

TENCH ARE SUCKERS FOR THE WORM KEBAB.

Isaac and Andy Waters

“My 7-year-old son Isaac has been coming along to sessions over the last few seasons, and each time we cover a bit more on how and why we do things.

“We managed six tench between 5lb and 7lb 5oz over the weekend and, at his young age, casting and playing them is tricky, so I still had to help a bit. But each time the alarm screamed off, he was filled with excitement.

“Isaac will be casting soon enough, but for now he’s just enjoying the wildlife and the moment. That’s what it’s all about.”

NEW TO FISHING? HERE IS A GREAT BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CATCH TENCH...

A lifelong angler in the making for sure!

Jordan Arris - tench haul

"I start fishing for tench in mid-March rather than waiting for late spring, and I’ve already had 35 fish this season from a Yorkshire park lake. I look for warmer spells and signs like frogs appearing to show when the fish are becoming active.

"I fish early because there’s less natural food, so my bait stands out more. My first 2026 session was slow but produced two fish, which helped me find where they were feeding.

"Starting in shallow, sun-warmed areas, I soon got amongst some tench, including fish to 6lb 3oz and a couple of 10lb+ bream.

"I fish for single bites, only feed through the feeder, and stick to maggots, as I believe simplicity increases bites."

Part of the haul of tench Jordan has enjoyed the last few weeks...

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