Chub are a river angler’s favourite. Not only do they put up a great fight once hooked, seeking out every snag possible to throw the hook, but they’re also one of the most versatile species, with anglers using a variety of tactics to catch them.
While you may be more familiar with trotting or feeder tactics for chub, a few anglers are tapping into the species’ predatory nature and targeting them with lures. Ian Todman is one such angler who has enjoyed great success recently, taking things one step further than most by using topwater lures, arguably the most exciting, but also most challenging way to tempt chub.
IF YOU HAVE NEVER TRIED LURE FISHING BEFORE, HERE IS A GREAT BEGINNERS GUIDE...

On a short evening session, Ian descended to the banks of the Great Ouse in search of a twilight chub. With the warmer conditions, he chose to cast towards the head of a pool, hoping the fish would be lying in wait for food dropping over the ledge into the slightly deeper, well-oxygenated water.
The hunch paid off, as he landed four chub, including this cracking summer fish weighing 6lb. All the fish were taken on a topwater propeller lure, worked back along the current, which resulted in some heart-stopping takes.
If you haven’t tried lure fishing for chub, it’s definitely an exciting style of angling you should consider for your next session.
THE BEST SPINNING REELS ARE PERFECT FOR LURE FISHING.

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