Jason

Thanks for that, I forgot to specify that I will be float fishing. I would like to ledger a pop up bait as well, so that will be my next target. - I have a Drennan series 7 computational feeder rod with various different oz tips, would this be sufficient for Tench? And I have to admit, I have never used a pop up bait, I can understand the theory of it ok, but would it be better hair rigging the bait or having the bait on the hook and also how much should the bait "pop up" from the deck. Again Thanks. Jason

When I have fished for larger Roach or Perch I have had the bait sitting about 1" off the bottom, this has helped me in the past with getting alot of fish with the "raising float" bite. Would you forum members all recommend I try the same approach, or fish over depth or a little bit up in the water? Jason

Most sessions I plan on catching a certain species and at a certain size. This is not always the case tho. Other times Im happy to catch anything really. Take these last few weeks, Ive been trying hard to get on the tench @ my local water. I have not had the best of success but I did catch a lovely 2lb Roach on single sweet corn and a 5lb common carp on the same. If I can reach my goal or set target then I am happy and if I do not then its still all good because Im out fishing. When the weather is nice, even if Im not on the fish Im happy to just sit and watch what is going on around. To me that is still fishing, patience and serenity. But One of my favourite goals is to set a total weight of a fish. Eg: 6 hours of fishing 15lb of Perch or 10lb of Roach in the keep net. Good Times. Tight Lines Jason

Yes that rod should be no problem at all. Shakespeare make some really nice rods for the money. I have caught 90% of my fish on Match rods. Using 4lb line I have even caught fish up to the 8lb mark. Just play the fishes well and you will be ok. Alot better sport and more fun that a "Power Waggler" rod. Tight Lines Jason

Out of interest, has anyone used either pellets or luncheon meat (spam) as a hook bait for tench? - Any success? Jason

Thanks everyone for all your reply's. I would have replied earlier myself but i am on long shifts at work at the moment. Ill bear that in mind about the time of day when to fish add ill have a try with some of the alternative baits you have suggested. Fingers crossed I will catch them soon. Ive noticed that the bubbles and fizzing has disappeared these last few weeks probable due to the temperature like some of you mentioned. I will keep trying to catch these impressive fighting fish. And hopefully I will post up a picture soon. Thanks all. - Tight lines. Jason

I have had huge success over the last few years at targeting specimen silvers and perch, gaining high personal bests. After not intentionally, catching a Tench, I have become fixated on catching Tench these last few weeks. Ive been fishing a water that has confirmed tench in it but I have had no luck over the last few weekends. A couple nice 4lb carp but no tench.... Can anyone suggest any methods, baits, tactics for bringing tench in to the swim and increasing the probability of catching one? My current set up is 13ft match rod, 5lb main line, 3lb 8z hook to nylon, using sweetcorn one or double on the hook and float fishing on the bottom. I have also been using brown crumb for the loose feed. Fishing in the margins and/or close to reeds or other features. Tench is a totally new species of fish I am targeting, I am unsure if it is my set up, tactics, baits or a combination of them all. Feel free to share your experiences when locating and catching these fish. Any information is appreciated. Jason

I use drennan hook to nylon. Size 18 hook to 1.5lb line. I works well, I just cover the entire hook in the flake, so far Ive not had any problems. I prefer 20 on 1lb with an 8mm bread punch, but each to their own. Jas

The last few times I have gone to my local water, the Kennet and Avon Canal, I have been using joker as both the hook bait and loose feed and it has been working very well. I've been using 2x joker on a size 18 barbless, 1.5lb hook to nylon by Drennan. I inevitably get the odd roach and perch attacking the bait, just nibbling on it but when the float goes under it really does. I had dozen 1lb (give or take an ounce) roach in a matter of hours. I've always tended to use casters and larger bread punch for the larger sized roach, rudd and dace. Using worms for perch and bream with the odd maggot cocktail here and there. But I have got to say, I have never had this much success targeting the larger species of Roach without bagging 50+ smaller ones first. I strongly advise any Silvers specimen hunters to give this bait a go. I usually pay £1.60 for a plastic container equivalent to a pint. Cracking stuff, I reckon it could work well in a close ended feeder as well... Jas

It is indeed for the drinks for the ladies. But them must drink them outside the Fishing/camo beer shack. This is strictly a Man zone only, free from all weird women stuff, they got the house for that. Jas

Thanks!

Thanks. I do think it is a wonderful rod, that it is slightly tip heavy is the only flaw, but for the money its not even a concern. I don't want to sound like im advertising it, or suggest that everyone buy's one but if your just an average joe on just above minimum wage then like myself then this 1, does not brake the bank and 2 offers high quality and performance from a float rod for much cheapness. Jason

Is not far off that, Isn't it. As for the name change, I have not Idea how...... As for future plans, all I can say is there could be room for a 2nd level, what to put up there??? Watch this space.... Jas

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I used too be a Bench Joiner by profession so the skills came in handy. I liked to build it tough to last, its seriously solid, I could have built it cheaper but It would not have last as long. As for the chair & heating, there is a few deckchairs in there, not got a TV yet but that wont be far off. There is also a small wood burning stove in the corner that I use every now and then just for a few hours. This works a treat keeping the damp at bay. Being a reasonably new garage anyway there is adequate air flow and ventilation so this should also stop things getting stale and mouldy. The timber is also treated and the MDF is moisture resistant to help avoid any damp. Got a British MOD hammock to go in, so once the tv is in I will be able to pass out watching the Formula 1 or Nascar.... Jason

Thanks It has an alarm built in and their is also extra locking on the door. The garage can't be opened. I spot welded it, then sealed the whole thing with Fixing foam. Fingers crossed a break in never happens. Only down side is the fridge needs stocking up again......