Float / bait for Tench

Complete guide — gear, lures, season and tips.

Gear

Rod
Float rod 3–3.6 m, medium-light
Browning Black Magic
Daiwa Powermesh
Reel
Match reel, size 3000
Mainline
Mono 0.20–0.25 mm
Leader
Hooklength 0.16–0.20 mm
Hook
#10 to #6
Weight
Float 1–3 g with shot

Lures / bait

  • Earthworm
  • Sweetcorn
  • Maggot
  • Small boilies
Season
May–August, best above 18°C
Time of day
Dawn and dusk
Pro tip

Fish along weedy margins 1–3 m deep. Cautious bites — give the fish time. Watch for the classic tench 'dance' of rising bubbles just before a take.