Best Tench Fishing Rods (6 Top Tench Rods For 2024)
The Tench is a very popular coarse fish that many anglers target. They grow to a decent size, fight hard, and are beautiful-looking fish.
But what is the ideal rod you need to catch them?
The best Tench fishing rods need to be strong enough to deal with the potential power of the Tench but then subtle enough to avoid hook pulls. I also look for a rod that I can enjoy the sport that fishing for Tench brings.
What rod you choose when Tench fishing largely depends on the tactic you wish to deploy.
Picking the best Tench rod can be a minefield. That is why I decided to write this in-depth guide to help anglers make informed decisions.
In this guide, I’ll talk through what specific features to look for in the best Tench fishing rods for float, feeder, and ledger fishing. I’ll also show you 6 great options that tick all the required boxes you need in a decent fishing rod for Tench depending on the tactic you pick.
Quick Answer
This article is a 10-minute read, however, if you would prefer to skip to my recommended rods then you can as follows:
| Image | Product | Features | Quick Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Float Rod  | MAP Parabolix Black Edition Float Rod | More Info | |
Budget Float Rod  | White Knuckle 10ft Waggler Rod | More Info | |
Feeder Rod  | Daiwa N’Zon Feeder Rod | More Info | |
Budget Feeder Rod  | Korum Avon Rod | More Info | |
Ledger Rod  | Daiwa Powermesh 2.25lb Test Curve | More Info | |
Budget Ledger Rod  | Sonik Specialist Barbel Rod | More Info |
Best Tench Fishing Rod For Float Fishing
Float fishing for Tench is a really exciting method that I personally really enjoy.
With Tench being mostly bottom feeders they tend to give away their feeding location with the appearance of bubbles on the surface as they suck away on the waterbed.
Tench anglers often use the Lift method when fishing for them. Whether it’s this method or more conventional float fishing tactics you use, your waggler rod should be strong enough to handle the potential strength a Tench can fight with when hooked.
The float rod you use should also balance nicely with your float reel and the specific waggler line you are using. This balanced setup also needs to have a degree of subtlety to it to prevent hook pulls and handle other, smaller species you may catch when fishing for Tench.
Features to look out for include:
- A rod length between 10 and 13 feet
- A strong and robust blank
- An anti-slip handle
- A strong reel seat.
Here are a couple of great options with one being a more premium rod and the other being a great alternative Tench float rod if you are on a budget:
MAP Parabolix Black Edition Float Rod
This amazing rod by M.A.P balances strength and subtlety superbly which makes it a perfect float rod for Tench fishing.
The rod comes in two pieces and has a good amount of power in the lower section. This allows you to cast a waggler that bit further if you need to. This power also provides the opportunity to steer a hard-fighting Tench away from danger.
This is something I always consider when picking a Tench rod because often I fish next to lily pads. Pads can be quite ‘snaggy’ and as such, I look for a rod with this power.
The power of the Parabolix float rod doesn’t provide a compromise when playing fish, however. I find that you can still feel every thump and turn of the fish when playing it.
The rod boasts a solid Fuji reel seat that you often see on the more premium, quality fishing rods on the market. This ensures your reel will remain solid and in place at all times.
The handle on the float rod is quite unique. It is a mixture of cork and rubber which allows for optimal grip.
The eyes on the rod are slightly oversized allowing for optimal casting and additional power in the lower section.
If I was to have a slight criticism of the rod it would be its price. You will definitely find cheaper alternatives out there but I believe you do get what you pay for and with the M.A.P Parabolix, you are paying for an absolute quality piece of kit.
Check out the following video that showcases the M.A.P Parabolic range of rods:
With Tench, the fight is always fun, and having a rod to enjoy the sport, I feel is important. The M.A.P Parabolix allows the enjoyment of float fishing for Tench and if you can afford the price tag it is a rod I thoroughly recommend.
Features & Specifications
- Ultra-high modulus carbon
- Parabolix through action
- Unique anti-slip handle design
- Fuji reel seat
- Oversized guides
- Hook keeper ring
- Supplied in a padded bag with 2 x neoprene rod wraps
White Knuckle 10ft Waggler Rod
The White knuckle waggler rod is made by Middy who is a well-known manufacturer of coarse fishing tackle.
At 10 feet in length, it is slightly shorter than the more conventional waggler rods but what it does offer is power. Its strength and its lightweight nature make it ideal for Tench fishing.
The extra strength allows for greater control of a hooked fish when fishing close to features such as lily pads or snaggy areas like overhanging trees.
The rod is made from Triple X carbon which is the secret to its strength but the makeup of the rod still demonstrates flexibility and sensitivity. This makes the rod just as suitable for silverfish as well as Carp & Tench.
If I was to be really picky I would have preferred it to have been a foot or two longer but for the price, you get a quality, budget tench rod that is perfect for float fishing.
Features & Specifications
- 10 feet in length
- Triple X Carbon
- Super strong float fishing rod
- Line rating to 10lb
Best Tench Fishing Rod For Feeder Fishing
Feeder fishing for Tench is another great tactic that has grown in popularity in recent years.
Similar to a float fishing rod, the feeder rod you choose for Tench needs to be strong and subtle.
The action on the feeder rod should be a tip-to-middle action that will allow you to play larger Tench effectively. The tip should be fairly strong however as Tench can sometimes sit and nibble at baits making bite indication tricky. A more sensitive tip will help in identifying any ‘finicky’ bites.
Try and choose a quiver tip between 1.5 and 2 ounces to get the right balance of power and sensitivity. I also find a rod length of either 11 or 12 feet tends to be the best-sized feeder rod for Tench fishing.
Features to look out for include:
- A Tip to Middle action
- 11 or 12 feet in length
- Large, low friction guides or eyes
- A solid reel seat
- An easy to see quiver tip of between 1.5 and 2 ounces
Check out the following 2 premium and budget rods that are perfect for Tench fishing:
Daiwa N’Zon Feeder Rod
When reviewing fishing tackle Daiwa always seems to appear on the best list. This is because they simply produce quality fishing tackle especially when it comes to rods and reels.
It won’t surprise you then to see a Daiwa rod on the list of the best Tench fishing rods.
The N’zon range of rods is quite expansive and caters to all types of fishing situations and methods for feeder fishing.
For Tench fishing, I have used the 12-foot 120g N’zon S version which is a perfect rod for Tench.
First of all, the rod is beefed up slightly to enable you to chuck a feeder a fair way out. This extra strength makes it great for hard-fighting Tench.
The N’zon boasts V-joints which are unique to Daiwa rods only. These are basically made from a special mix of Carbon fiber that is exclusively made for Daiwa. The spigots on these V-joints are absolutely superb adding strength to one of a fishing rod’s weaker parts.
The blank is slim but strong and has a really sleek finish to it. I really like the handle which has been shaped making the rod really comfortable to hold.
The Fuji reel seat has an EVA fore grip to it making this whole section comfortable to hold and rock solid.
The quiver tips on the Daiwa N’zon range have larger eyes than the majority of its competitors which is a well-thought-out feature that easily allows shock-leaders to pass through them. When feeder fishing for Tench at distance with light lines, using a shock leader is a good idea.
I just have one slight niggle about the rod and that is the quiver tip could be a bit easier to see. I like the tip to be fluorescent for a good foot or so but this is just down to personal preference.
To finish the rod package off nicely it comes with a very classy looking zip-up rod bag that rounds off a fantastic feeder rod that will make your Tench fishing even more enjoyable than it already is.
Check out the following short video that highlights some of the tackle in the Daiwa N’Zon range:
Features & Specifications
- HVF Nanoplus
- V-Joints & spigots
- SEAGUIDE ONE Guides with LS Rings
- Fuji K-DPS Downlocking Reel Seat with EVA Fore Grip
- Cork/EVA Armlock Handle
- Supplied with 3 Quivers
Korum Avon Rod
The brand Korum is owned by Preston Innovations which we all know provides fantastic fishing tackle for match and coarse anglers.
This particular rod by Korum is actually produced as a Barbel fishing rod.
Barbel fishing rods have similar traits to those that make good Tench rods. This Avon rod suits Tench fishing perfectly.
I really like the 12-foot, 1.75lb test curve version as it has a perfect balance of subtlety and sensitivity. It easily detects the shy bites that Tench can often make, as well as holding enough power to deal with a strong fight once hooked.
This particular rod boasts a cork handle, a solid reel seat, and a highly visible white tip to easily detect sensitive bites.
I have classed the Korum Avon as a budget Tench rod as the price is a lot cheaper than the more premium models. It doesn’t perform like a budget rod, however, as the look and feel of the rod still exude touches of quality that you will see in premium models.
In summary, for the price, this offering from Korum is absolutely one of the best Tench fishing rods out there.
Features & Specifications
- Anti-frap guides
- Available in lengths between 11 and 13 feet
- Lovely looking cork handle
- Solid reel seat
- Highly visible white tip for easy bite indication
Best Tench Fishing Rod For Ledgering Or Bolt Rigs
Ledgering for Tench using bolt rigs is usually practiced by anglers fishing for specimen Tench. It’s the same method many carp anglers deploy and is quite passive.
2 or 3 rods are often used in conjunction with a rod pod with bite alarms and it’s then a waiting game to hopefully hear the screeching of your buzzers indicating that a fish has taken your bait.
The best Tench fishing rod for these circumstances are those that possess either a tip to middle action or a through action.
The rods tend to be a lot stronger than feeder rods with an ideal test curve sitting between 1.75 and 2.25lb for Tench. The ideal length of a Tench rod for ledgering is either 11 or 12 feet.
This method is less delicate and usually targets larger Tench. It does have the advantage though of being able to fish throughout the night and sleep between bites!
Here are two great rods that are perfect for Tench fishing with this tactic…
Daiwa Powermesh 2.25lb Test Curve
The Powermesh rods by Daiwa are another fantastic range of rods that is hugely popular amongst anglers. The 2.25lb test curve version is an ideal rod to ledger for Tench with.
The rod has a really strong balance to it thanks to the HVF carbon blanks and the V-joints that are synonymous with Daiwa rods. The 2.25lb test curve provides enough strength to deal with the power of specimen fish yet enough subtlety to enjoy the battle.
A couple of features I really like about the Powermesh are the reel seat and the handle. The handle is cork both in the main and also the foregrip. This surrounds a lovely-looking, yet sold reel seat that will ensure any specimen-type reel is locked in place.
The guides on the Powermesh are well suited for casting smoothly thanks to their large and frictionless nature of them. I was able to cast 80 odd yards relatively easy with a 3oz bomb with these rods.
In summary, the Powermesh is a well-built, lightweight yet strong ledger style rod that makes a superb Tench fishing option.
Feature and Specifications
- HVF
- V-Joint
- Lightweight SEAGUIDE Stainless Frame Guides
- Carbon Pipe Reel Seat with Fuji Hoods
- Fixed Cork Fore Grip
- Full Cork Handle with Armlock
Sonik Specialist Barbel Rod
This specialist rod by Sonik is my pick as the best budget Tench fishing rod when ledgering. It’s another one that is designed for Barbel fishing but is just as equally suited to Tench.
I mean for the price, it is a really superb rod. It’s available in either 1.75 or 2lb test curves with the 2lb option being my preference as a better all-round ledger rod for Tench.
By all-round I mean it has the ability to cast up to about 80 yards and yet still offer enough subtlety to enjoy fishing along the margins.
In fact, this rod has a fairly sensitive action, and playing mid to specimen-sized Tench on it is an absolute joy.
The low-profile SIC lined rings are well set up to cast heavy-duty braid or monofilament with limited friction on the cast.
The handle is a slimline cork material that has a classy feel and is finished off nicely with a stylish end cap.
So if you are after a Tench rod that can deal with casting a heavy method feeder out on one session and then a light 1oz bomb in the margins on the next, then this rod is for you.
It really is exceptional value for money and won’t let you down.
Features & Specifications
- High modulus carbon blanks
- Powerful butt sections with a sensitive tip
- Built-in isotope inserts
- Full slim cork handles
- Screw winch reel seat
- Low profile SIC lined rings suitable for braid and mono
FAQs
If you still have some questions surrounding the best Tench fishing rods then please check out the following most commonly asked questions I get asked on the subject:
What Is The Best Size Rod For Tench Fishing?
The best-sized rod for Tench fishing will depend on what method you choose.
For float fishing, the optimum length is between 10 and 13 feet.
For method feeder fishing, the best length rod is between 11 and 12 feet.
For ledgering the best rod length is also between 11 and 12 feet.
What Is The Best Test Curve Rod For Tench Fishing?
The best test curve rod when feeder fishing or ledgering for Tench is between 1.75 and 2.25lb.
What Type Of Rod Is Best For Tench Fishing?
When float fishing for Tench, the best type of rod is a strong and durable waggler rod that can handle hard-fighting fish.
When feeder fishing or ledgering for Tench a strong tip to middle action rod is best that balances subtlety and strength.
Final Thoughts
The best Tench fishing rods are those that allow you to enjoy the fantastic sport that fishing for Tench brings. They should balance strength and sensitivity to ensure you have enough power to land the fish without ever being in danger of a hook-pull.
Hopefully, this guide has provided insight into the different types of Tench rods and what features to look for in them. The 6 rods suggested in this article are all proven Tench fishing rods and between them cover all methods you will encounter when fishing for Tench.
To re-cap these rods are:
#1. MAP Parabolix Black Edition Float Rod
#2. White Knuckle 10ft Waggler Rod
#5. Sonik Specialist Barbel Rod
#6. Daiwa Powermesh 2.25lb Test Curve
Thanks for reading
Tight Lines!
All of the fishing tackle featured in this article can be found at one of the following online shops…