Stewart Bloor

Field Tester

9

In terms of all-round bait for every species then, like most anglers I guess, I would have to say that the humble maggot is my favourite. However, once we start talking about specialist baits, then without doubt the one I use more than any other is the SBS corn-shaped popper.

I have been fishing with them for years, ever since I first came across the delights of the company's products. I've used them for carp, bream, roach, crucian carp, chub and, as in this blog entry, also when tench have been the quarry.

Now of course, many carp anglers see Tinca tinca as a 'nuisance species', although I don't like that term myself. However, as an all-rounder I'm as happy fishing for big carp as I am targeting the mini-species such as bullhead and stickleback. If it has fins, I'll fish for it.

Fishing a traditional English estate lake in the county of Shropshire, that incidentally is devoid of carp, I set up a quiver tip rod connected to a reel with 8lb main line. The hooklength was 6lb with a shot nipped two inches back so that the bait sat just above the deck of the lake and the loose corn that I threw out by hand. The hook was a size 8.

With reeds either side of me, the swim was perfect for tench and early on in the session I had a take. After a short, but spirited fight, I slipped a tench over the submerged landing net and lifted it on the unhooking mat. Regardless of the size of your fish fish of the session, it's always important as it means you're not a blanker.

The next fish encounter was interesting though as I only turned my head for a moment. Although I had the baitrunner engaged, I saw the rod slowly making its way across the lake. My reaction was very spontaneous, as I immediately went in after it. I managed to land the fish but got soaked in the process. However, unfazed, I just carried on fishing.

I managed to bank more tench during the evening session, all giving great sport on the balanced gear. It doesn't matter what type of angling you do, ultimately it's about enjoyment. Even though I was wet I didn't feel uncomfortable, I got on with it. Plus, I forgot to pack the lid off my flask but again, no issue, I just drank direct from the flask itself. Every problem has a solution.

I love wildlife and being an angler is the perfect platform from which to view the natural world. As well as watching two hobby in flight as I walked to the lake, I came across dozens of tiny common frogs and common toads. The previous shower had brought them out in numbers. I had to tread so carefully as they were everywhere on the path.