Cambridgeshire Gravel Pit Complex

As Darren pointed out to me, a species that doesn't get much of a mention so far on this forum is the good old Tench.
Like many, I spend quite a bit of time after them each spring, but being an angler who generally likes to fish short sessions and also make the best of my local waters I'm somewhat 'hamstrung' with my options. There isn't that many waters close to my home that consistently produce really big tench (9lb+). The complex I do most of my tenching on has several pits to choose from and so far I've concentrated on two of them, the ones that receive the least pressure from carp anglers! This means I can rake and bait swims and have a good chance of getting back on them as and when I choose.
I've had some decent fish in the past topping out at 8lb8oz, but just lately the average size has dropped away somewhat and in seven short morning sessions recently I've caught 45 tench, on mini method feeders and either caster, maggot or 3B on the hook, but only a handful of these even made the the 6lb mark. Decent fishing, but not quite the calibre of fish I'd hoped for.
For some time now rumours have circulated about tench over 9lb and even possible 'doubles' to carpers from another pit on the complex. This was recently comfirmed with trustworthy sources reporting a brace of 8lb15oz & 9lb13oz and another fish of 10lb1oz witnessed by a friend!
Time to bite the bullet I think and fight the carp boys for a swim! I don't suppose I'll have much to report other than a string of blanks from here on in, so I hope you'll forgive my rather rambling story, but that's where I'm at.
Ps If it goes well I may even miss a bit of early season chubbing to carry on.
Tights lines Martin B

Had my first session on the 'new' pit. Surprisingly fell on fish straight away and had activity in my swim throughout most of the session! Managed to skillfully negotiate my way around the bigger fish fish and carefully presented my bait to a couple of 3lbers! Did also manage a couple of respectable '5s' and a big framed, but hollow, 6lb6oz. Ended up with half a dozen fish. Now for a biggie....or a few blanks!
M

Hello Martin,
Broke the tench rods out myself today, found a quiet corner of a vast, windswept southern pit and set a couple of traps adjacent to a snaggy ol willow, just as I was on the brink of moving, off she rattled and after a spirited scrap I found a new pb of 9lb14oz in the folds. Blimey I wish it was that easy all the time, first tench worth weighing for me from the pit for 2 years. More than a little chuffed this evening.


Mic

Well done Mic, fine fish!
One of those will do me nicely!

Well my 'pioneering' tench campaign has progressed steadily. Last week I managed a steady stream of fish, mainly in the 5-6lb class, but did manage a couple of '7s' to a respectable 7lb12oz. This week things have continued to progress in the right direction with a fine fish of 8lb4oz, big frame but spawned out! Still catching a few, but most have spawned now, so chance of a real whacker has probably gone. I'll stick it out a bit longer, but I can hear the river calling!
I certainly know where I'll be starting my tench campaign next year!
Tight lines for the coming season.
Martin

Unfortunately I didn't find any more biggies, although a friend had one of 9lb2oz! Had a few more tench, but nothing of note. Keep hoping I may come across a big rudd or two on the complex, as historically it has produced good numbers of 'twos' and more than the occasional 'three'! But, that was a long time ago now and the odd report from carpers of recent boilie caught biggies are a little inconsistent. I've risked a few sessions with wagg'n'mag or corn, but so far just been ripped apart by tiddlers. Still, gotta have a go, eh!
I've even 'sunk' to a bit of carping, although I may as well not bother for the success I've had. My carp fishing is in the 'embryonic stages' to say the least!
Tight lines to all.
Martin

Hello Martin
When I get back from Stour I shall pop a few made up rigs for you to try for those carp. Fish with 3-B and crushed 3-B in a pva stick Im sure you will have a few out

Well, this years Tench campaign has been a right load of old boots so far!
It started off slowly and then ground to a halt. My first session on the 'Big' pit on May 1st produced just one tench of 5lb+


5lb+

The following day ended with a 4lber. My next visit produced just one lost fish.
Since then I've suffered 8 consecutive blanks! I wouldn't normally hang around that long before getting bored and moving on, but I just think there's a fish or two worth putting in the effort for.

To break up the monotony I've dabbled with a little fluff flinging with very modest success.


Small river 'brownie' caught on Dry fly.

And I've also had the odd opportune session stalking carp off the top, resulting in a couple of 'twenties' this week the best a new pb of 26lb5oz.


23lb10oz surface caught common.


New p.b 26lb5oz, off the top again.

Tight lines, Martin