Fishing for tench
The so-called 'Doctor Fish' has been a popular catch for anglers for many years. The tench has a strong stocky body which enables it to put up a good fight -inspiring many to specialise it its capture.
Where and when to fish for tench
Tench live in lakes, canals and lowland rivers, usually where there is rich vegetation and a soft bottom. They can be found in slow-flowing waters across most of Britain except in the north of Scotland.
How to fish for tench
The tench is rather shy and may ignore baits, but if a suitable bait can be found in summer when the fish are feeding heavily, large catches can be made by individual anglers. Worms, maggots and bread are popular baits, but swan mussels are also used.
Appearance
Tench can be readily distinguished from other members of the carp family, to which it belongs, by its body shape and colouration. It has a stocky build and all its fins have smoothly rounded margins. It is dark brown or olive green on the back, shading to bronze on the lower flanks. The scales are small and the skin is very slimy. At each corner of the mouth is a small barbel.
Did you know...?
The tench was once commonly nicknamed the ‘doctor fish’ because sick fish were said to rub themselves against its thick mucus covering, which was believed to possess healing properties.
The tench has suffered in many waters from the introduction of carp, which out-compete it for food.
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