The very biggest tench are always females, with a male tench over the double figure mark a true rarity. However, on a session at Mill Lane Fishery, Surrey, Lee Fisher landed this stunning male of 11lb 2oz.
Distinguishable by their bulging pectoral muscles, male tench are renowned for their fighting abilities, as Lee found when he landed the PB. The bite came early in the morning, with the fish picking up a trimmed-down boilie, topped with maggots, fished on a size 14 hook and a short braided hooklink below a flatbed Method feeder.
This was cast over a large bed of boilies, maggots and pellets.
Well done Lee!