Shock winter tench

FORMER Drennan Cup champion Ted Bryan took the unusual step of fishing for tench in the middle of winter - and it proved to be a worthwhile move when he netted this 9lb 12oz specimen from a southern stillwater.

The Sydenham-based all-rounder was forced to abandon his river campaign due to severe flooding and instead turned his attentions to targeting the unseasonal species.

Several large balls of Nash Bait Fish Frenzy Monster Crab and Shellfish groundbait laced with maggots, boilies, pellet and sweetcorn were catapulted to a deep spot close to an island before all three rods were cast over the top.

The first bite came in the form of a 7lb 12oz tench which picked up a 10mm Amber Strawberry pop-up mounted on a size 10 Fang X hook. The highlight of the outing came shortly afterwards, though, with the big male fish falling to the same approach.

“I knew it was going to be hard but I thought there would be a chance because of the mild temperatures,” Ted told Angling Times.