The big-fish potential of rivers such as the Trent, Thames and Wye is well documented, but you don’t have to travel to one of these larger venues to catch a chunky fish or two.
Rivers that you could almost jump across in parts are within a short drive of almost every angler, and despite their modest size and appearance, a high proportion of them are home to some very special fish.
Chub are the most likely inhabitants of such venues, thriving on the neglect and growing big on natural food sources.
You only need simple tactics to target these ‘unpressured’ fish efficiently, and a big surprise or two could well come your way before the winter is out!
TEMPT THESE SMALL RIVER CHUB USING ONE OF THE BEST SPECIMEN FISHING RODS.
Keep on the move
Carrying just one rod, a net and minimal tackle, plus having a willingness to move every 20–30 minutes, will help you locate feeding fish quickly. On small rivers, chub often hold up in little groups, and once you’ve caught a couple, it is usually time to move on. Look for swims offering the fish cover nearby, but don’t discount deep runs either.
FIND THESE FEATURES ON ANY RIVER AND THE CHUB WON'T BE FAR AWAY!
Simple, proven baits rule
Relatively high-attract hookbaits are the way to go, especially in coloured water. Big chunks of luncheon meat or a lump of cheesepaste excel, pumping out scent and deterring smaller fish. Worms and bread are also worth carrying as they are reliable back-ups. Don’t be afraid to use large hookbaits either, as even small chub have huge mouths!
IN THIS EXPERT GUIDE YOU'LL FIND THE 10 BEST CHUB BAITS.
Go easy on the feed
Prebaiting a swim well before you fish it is rarely required, with a small quantity of freebies as you arrive often being enough to tempt the fish away from cover. A couple of cubes of meat or lumps of cheesepaste is ample, or a ball of liquidised or mashed bread. Put too much in and you’ll seriously diminish your chances and fill the fish up quickly.
CHECK OUT THIS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO WINTER CHUB FISHING.
Balance your tackle
Big chub will make a dash towards any cover the moment that they are hooked, but you don’t need to go overboard in the strength stakes with your rig. A simple link leger will work on most rivers, and 6lb mainline and an 18ins hooklength of the same strength to a size 8 or 10 hook will beat any fish that you are likely to encounter.
TROTTING A FLOAT FOR CHUB CAN ALSO BE A DEADLY METHOD.
