TENCH 
Tench. — Tinca vulgaris. ‘The generic name Tinca, 
the Latin word for Tench, comes from an old French 
word=Tenche (Fig. 45). ‘This fat-bellied species is a 
lover of deep back-waters and lakes whose surface is 
covered with lily leaves. In consequence of this, the 
Tench is rarely seen, and as it revels in mud and keeps 
very much to the bottom, only the angler is likely to 
encounter it. ‘To many it is known as the Doctor Fish, 
it being stated that the healing properties of its slime 
are such that wounded fish will rub up against it in the 
hope and expectation of being cured. I have often seen 
Pike that have been wounded in the head burying their 
fore-parts in mud with the apparent idea of stopping 
the bleeding, but I cannot substantiate from personal 
observation the statement that my old friend, the Tench, 
is a member of the healing profession. June, July, or 
early August are the best months to catch this fish, as 
after then, it seems to retire to its Winter quarters, 
from which it is difficult to tempt it. When seizing 
bait, the Tench is quite likely to deceive an inexperienced 
fisherman. When taking a worm in its mouth, the fish 
commences to chew it and then disgorges. As it does 
this, the float bobs slightly, warning the angler that 
something is happening in the unseen depths. When 
the float quivers, then is the moment to strike. If the 
float disappears quickly and a strike is made, the fish 
will be missed, as it merely has the end of the worm in 
its mouth. Super-patience is required in catching the 
Tench, though I remember landing two fine specimens 
= 85 
