Tench

Scientific name: Tinca tinca Maximum weight: 15-16lb (6.8-7.3kg) Average weight: 3lb (1.4kg) Maximum length: 24-26in (60-66cm) Life-span: 20 years

Tench — 14lb 7oz (6.548 kilo’s) 1993 G Beaven, Private Gravel Pit, Hertfordshire

There is something very satisfying about the appearance of the deep-bodied tench. It is a member of the carp family and can vary in colour from almost black through green to pale yellow. The most usual colouring is a deep olive-green back and flanks, with a paler belly. There is also an ornamental golden variety which sometimes has black patches on its back and sides.

Tench slime was thought to have magical medical properties - other fish would deliberately rub against them and be cured of all ills! In the Middle Ages tench slime was believed to cure headaches, toothaches, jaundice and many other illnesses. People also believed that pike would not eat tench, perhaps because of their mythical powers. Those anglers who have felt the frustration of losing tench at the net to pike know this just isn't true.

Where to find the Tench
Though some tench are found in quite fast-flowing rivers such as the Trent, they thrive best in rich still waters, sluggish rivers and canals. You won't find them in very fast water or poor upland lakes, but they are highly tolerant of low levels of dissolved oxygen, and so do well in shallow ponds which have low water levels, or even become stagnant, in summer.

Tench Feeding habits
Tench feed almost exclusively on the bottom - finding their food by rooting around in the mud. As they do this they often release strings of fine bubbles. These come from pockets of marsh gas (mainly methane) disturbed by the fish as they feed in the mud. Tench eat all the small prey animals found on the bottom but are especially fond of bloodworms, jokers and other insect larvae. They also eat larger items such as worms, snails, mussels and even some small fish. They feed mainly at dawn and dusk, but sometimes continue through the day or night, depending on the venue. In winter they hardly feed at all, lying inactive on the mud for long periods.