The opening of the river season can often fall short of expectations, despite every river angler's enthusiasm, it's as though the fish suddenly know it is June 16th. However, one angler who was left elated was Mark Fox, who landed a superb 7lb 1oz chub within minutes of midnight.
Mark chose the River Chelmer for his first session back, settling in a swim around 11:45 PM, ready for the magical 16th to approach. Amazingly, the 7lb target he had set for himself was soon achieved, as his cheesepaste hookbait was only in the water for four minutes before the huge chub obliged.
“The Chelmer occasionally throws up a few surprises to those prepared to put in the legwork," Mark explained to us.
“I’d had several decent chub to 6lb+ over the winter but wanted to try for a big summer chub, with a seven-pounder being my target."
“On the night before the season started, at around 11.45pm, I settled into a swim and put six feeders full of liquidised bread in before attaching my rig and waiting for midnight."
"On its arrival, I cast out a bit of cheesepaste on a size 6 hook and, to my surprise, the rod hooped over four minutes later, and I was into a fish."
“After steering it away from some nearside snags I slid it into the landing net and quickly realised it could be my target."
“I was thrilled to see the scales settle at 7lb 1oz. It’s the biggest chub I’ve ever had from the river.”
BARBEL ARE ANOTHER GREAT SPECIES TO CATCH, READ THE BEST WAY TO TARGET THEM IN OUR ARTICLE HERE...
