10lb 11oz tench is my 50th double - Dai Gribble

“I targeted a large southern gravel pit known for its big tench. Up until this latest trip I’d caught 49 doubles, so I was keen to add one more!

“I baited a clear plateau amid the weed with mixed 2mm pellets at first light, but by 3pm I’d only had an eel and a pike. Then a mate joined me in my swim and I joked that he’d bring me luck and that I’d get a bite within 10 minutes… barely five minutes later my alarm sounded! 

“The fish felt heavy and powerful, so I took my time, keeping the rod high and guiding it through the weed. At the net I knew I’d got my 50th double!

I caught my first back in 2006 and never set out to reach the half-century, but it’s another matter when you get close to the target.

This tench fell to a worm kebab rig, which has taken at least half of all the doubles I’ve caught.”

Dai Gribble and his 50th double figure tench