Spending time on the bank with your kids can be rewarding in itself, but when your child manages to bank a specimen fish, it can make it all the memorable. Despite the river levels being low all summer, father and son duo Steve and Jude Moss have been visiting their local River Dove to try and tempt one of its crafty chub, but the fishing has been tough going.
As the summer holidays were beginning to drift away, they planned one last early morning session and they were glad they did, as their efforts were rewarded with Jude managing on to bank a cracking 6lb 3oz chub, smashing his PB in the process.
"We looked at a few swims, but most have been hard to access this summer due to bankside vegetation and the low water levels. After a fair amount of walking, we stumbled across a perfect looking chub swim that contained a sunken tree nestled within a large slack," Steve explained to us.
"Jude cast out just past the tree, before trapping the line allowing his rig to swing back underneath. We opted for a pellet hookbait wrapped in our homemade cheesepaste from winter, coupled with a light feeder with more cheesepaste pushed in for added attraction," he added.
"After about 20 mins there was indication of fish present a few taps on the rod, and I told him to just be patient as it’s a waiting game on the Dove with the chub seldom giving themselves up easily"
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Despite the early indications, the activity faded and the pair were considering a recast, when without warning, the rod tip slammed over before almost being dragged into the river. Jude, although only being 9 years of age, is already establishing himself as a competent angler and he skilfully managed to guide the fish away from the snag it was so desperate to find.
"The way the fish was pulling, I thought it might have been one of the rare River Dove barbel, the strength was incredible," Steve said.
"However as Jude applied a bit more pressure, the fish surface and a huge chub greeted us before we safely slipped the net under it. Jude's face was an absolute picture," he recalled.
"As it rested in the net, I got the mat and scales ready. The fish weighed 6lb 3oz, a massive summer chub and new PB for Jude. I did actually weigh the fish twice as its frame made it look a lot bigger, I can't imagine how big it might be in a few months time."
"He was so happy with his catch as last winter he put a lot of time in on dark freezing nights with not a lot to show."
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