Tench

 

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TENCH (Tinca tinca)

Tench are mainly a stillwater species, although it can inhabit the lower reaches of rivers. The tiny scales of the Tench are covered by a protective layer of slime, and set flat against its thick set body, making it appear almost scaleless. The fins are smoothly rounded, and the wrist of the barely forked tail is distinctively thick. Large individuals of up to 8.5kg (18lb 12oz) have been reported, but the Tench is slow growing, and the usual maximum is about 1.8kg (4lb).

NATURAL FOOD: Tench have a varied diet that includes plants, insects, molluscs and crustaceans.

MALE AND FEMALE TENCH: The sex of Tench can be determined from its pelvic fins. Those of the male are much broader and longer than those of the female, and extend beyond the anal vent.

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout Europe, with the exception of Northern Scandinavia; introduced into North America and Australia.

FISHING TIPS:

TECHNIQUES: Float fishing, ledgering and freelining.

TACKLE: When float fishing for Tench, use a 3.7m (12ft) medium action rod, with a fixed spool reel, 4.54kg (10lb) line and hook sizes 6 or 8. To ledger for Tench, try a 3.7m (12ft) Avon rod with a fixed spool reel, 3.2kg (7lb) line, size 6 to 12 hook and a swimfeeder.

BAIT: Good Tench baits include bread, maggots, corn, worms, meat and small boilies.