THE TENCH 125 



The baits commonly recommended are the same as 

 those suggested for carp-fishing, and the ground-bait, 

 when required, may be made up from the recipe just 

 given. 



Some anglers, and very skilful ones too, have a few 

 baits peculiar to themselves, which they pronounce 

 irresistible in angling for this fish. "We are acquainted 

 with a clever artist, who never fishes for tench with 

 anything but a large dew-worm, and he boasts of his 

 extraordinary success. In France, the small white 

 garden slug is recommended ia hot weather, just after 

 showers of rain. But Captain Guillaume affirms that 

 merae is the best and most attractive bait for tench — 

 that it is, in fact, perfectly unequalled. We have 

 never submitted this hint to the test of experience, but 

 the Captain is a high Continental authority, and may be 

 safely relied upon by his brethren of the craft. 



As a general rule, perhaps, a clear red-worm will be 

 found the most taking and useful bait, especially in the 

 heats of summer. The bait should always touch the 

 ground in any water, and in all seasons. - 



In rivers, the tench may be caught from AprU to 

 October, and in still waters from May to September, 

 although we once had a capital day's sport in the 

 middle of November, in a small pond, during fine open 

 weather. These fish bite best in the morning and 

 evening, but in mild, showery weather they will feed all 

 the day, and offer good sport. 



In fishing for tench the angler must be cautious, 

 circumspect, and still, as the fish, in the event of any 

 noise or alarm, will bury himself in the mud as quickly 

 as possible. If, on being hooked, he endeavours to 

 rush into the mud, hold him firm, but without pulling ; 

 this will keep his mouth open, and prevent him rooting 

 his nose into the mire. After being held in this way 

 for a short time, he will bolt off, and try the same dodge 

 in another place. These efibrts the skilful angler 

 will defeat, until the fish is exhausted by his own 

 exertions. 



