Cracking post DD: )
The lift float method evoked fond memories for me and my mind shot back to the 80s when I read that mate. Used to love tench fishing a small pond I fished in Denton. I'd be walking down the edge of field path eagerly anticipating catching Mr red eye, mist rolling just as dawn broke on a summers morning. First glimpse of the pond and a coot would usually greet me by squawking its head off.
Creeping to my chosen peg, usually against edge of a thick rat-tail weedbed that divided pond, hence name 'figure eight' pond. Stealth like searching for giveaway pinprick Tench bubbles that they were hungry. A small handful of sweetcorn and a few maggots before eagerly setting rod up with a small peacock waggler with bulk of shot under the eye of the float. Just a single BB about 3-6" lay on bottom with a piece bread flake attached to a 12s hook.
The lift method is so called as it's finely balanced(for benefit of others as DD knows this). By that the BB(or AAA) weight lifts the float when a fish picks up the bait as the float is delicately counter balanced by the weight near the hook. Tench are known for giving the classic bite, better than any other stillwater fish imo. A few pinprick bubbles around the float waiting for a tell tale enquiry. Float dancing about on the surface by a slight Bob or two. It was like watching Terry Griffiths taking a shot in snooker dithering about! Then a pause and another teeze or two. Jeez go on Mr tench take the bait! Arm twitching to strike but can't strike too early or I'd miss and spook him or his mates on the prowl for food.
Sitting on hands willing the bloody float to go. Eventually the float lifts up ever so slow and methodically and lays flat on the surface. Arm twitching as I'd wait for float to sail away before striking. Then bam!!! Rod tip arches round and old Mr red eye would thump on the rod tip as it lunges for the sanctuary of the weed bed less that a yard from where I'd hooked him. Eventually I'd slide the net under and have a fishing orgasm in my head. Yes, get in you beauty! And when I say beauty, a tench for me is my favourite freshwater course fish. Olive green with small red eyes and strong distinct paddle like tailfin. Holding a tench is even more slippier than a bar of carbolic soap at bathtime!
I miss fishing there. Pristine tench anywhere between 2-6lb from a small farm pond, angling bliss!
Anyone who knows a good tench fishing venue please let this old boy know as it's a while ago since I fished a proper tench water.