is this the greatest tench catch ever?

This colossal 12lb 3oz tench is the jewel in the crown of what’s possibly the greatest catch of the species ever recorded in the UK.

It was banked by Norwich angler Darryn Stolworthy during a week-long trip to the prolific Bawburgh Fisheries in Norfolk.

Besides catching the biggest recorded tench of the season so far, the Tenchfishers member also managed to put more than 60 other fish in the net, including a 10lb 1oz male tench and a
33lb 12oz common carp.

The 49-year-old roofer  told Angling Times: “I’d initially gone down to the fishery for a social with a friend, but the fishing was so good I extended my holiday and stayed for the week. 

“During this time I fished two lakes on the complex and backed up the two big tench with 12 nine-pounders to 9lb 15oz, 10 eight-pounders to 8lb 15oz, 20 sevens and 20 that were 6lb or under. 

“The tench were surfacing all week, and by topping up my swims little and often I managed to keep them there.”

The Angling Direct-backed rod caught 44 of his tench on the venue’s Colney Lake by fishing to a clear area next to a weedbed around 36 yards from the bank. 

Here he regularly Spombed a mixture of maggots, casters and chopped worms to whip the fish into a frenzy. 

Over this, he fished helicopter rigs incorporating 50g Kamasan Black Cap feeders with alternating maggot, caster or worm hookbaits. 

“I’ve had well over 100 tench this season, but the 12lb 3oz fish was the highlight by a mile,” Darryn said.

“The best was saved until last, as it was the penultimate fish I caught during the trip. I’ll never forget seeing its massive tail break the water for the first time. 

“I knew it was a decent double, but had no idea it was that big – breaking my previous pb by just 1oz was a bonus. 

“I can imagine I’ll struggle to have a session like this again,” he added.