Chub, a species found in the waterways across England, Wales, and Scotland, are a delightful target for anglers. They inhabit an array of environments, from the gentle babbling brooks to the mighty rivers that carve through the landscape. Many waters providing specimens of over 6lbs.
This guide will provide valuable insights into the best baits and methods for targeting and catching chub in winter conditions. For top chub fishing spots, see our best venue guide, also your local tackle shop can be an excellent resource. The staff there are often experienced anglers who can lead you to the best locations.
THE BEST CHUB FISHING RODS WILL HELP YOU LAND BIG FISH LIKE THIS WITH EASE.
Location, location, location
If you're on the hunt for chub, you're going to want to scout out their prime hangouts: think overhanging trees, weed beds, and the shadowy side of bridge pillars. These aren't just their go-to hiding spots - they're also prime feeding grounds.
On the larger rivers, chub can be very nomadic, so be prepared to play the long game. Regular feeding can entice them to your area. But in smaller streams and backwaters, they can be creatures of habit, rarely straying far from their favourite areas. Here, it's all about pinpointing their hideouts.
Slow-moving water is a chub's paradise. Look for eddies and backwaters where they can rest up, conserve energy and wait for the perfect moment to pounce on passing prey or bait. And don't overlook those overhanging branches or strategic rocks - they're the perfect cover for a chub lying in wait.
CHUB LOVE FEATURES SEE OUR EXPERT GUIDE ON HOW TO LOCATE CHUB ON THE RIVER
Choose the right conditions
Chub fishing truly comes alive post-flood, as the rivers start to recede. The water's movements carry a lot of food and clear silt and debris creating a clear path for chub to spot their next meal. These conditions coax the chub from their shelters, sometimes sparking a feeding frenzy. So, gear up and get ready to cast your line when the waters start to settle down. It's a sight to behold and a fishing experience you won't easily forget.
THERE ARE LOTS OF GREAT RIVERS TO TARGET CHUB, CHECK OUT OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDES.
Methods for success
Float fishing is an age-old technique cherished by chub anglers, particularly for river fishing. The beauty of this method lies in its versatility, with various float types - be it a sleek waggler or a traditional stick float - to suit your style. The secret sauce? Keeping your bait lively and maintaining a steady stream of loose feed to entice the chub.
When facing deeper waters or areas brimming with powerful currents, legering comes to the rescue. This technique gives you the freedom to experiment with various weights depending on your fishing conditions. The winning strategy here is to present your bait as naturally as possible, keeping it in motion to mimic food moving with the flow.
When the stakes are high and larger chub are the aim, it's time to bring out the big guns with specialist techniques like deploying a hair-rig, casting out feeder rigs. These methods are all about precision and attraction, employing unique rigs and enticing baits specifically designed to lure in the big ones.
GET THE BEST TIPS AND TACTICS FOR CATCHING CHUB WITH OUR HOW TO GUIDE.
Get the bait right
I've found that chub are quite the opportunistic bunch when it comes to mealtime. They'll gladly chow down on a diverse buffet of baits. Now, a classic choice that's served me well, especially in the colder months, is the noble lobworm. Dendrobaena worms can be an effective alternative if lobs are hard to come by.
Maggots, versatile little wrigglers, as a single hookbait, or a bunch, even tip off other baits for a tempting treat.
Sometimes more commercial baits can be really effective, luncheon meat can be cubed or torn for a tempting hookbait, sweetcorn for a stand out bait and fishmeal pellets can be a game-changer, while boilies tend to reel in the big boys among the chub. And let's not overlook the humble cheese paste - simplicity itself, yet oh-so-effective. Bread, that old reliable, is a proven performer, specially when fed with mashed up bread to drag fish from down stream.
The key, lies in mixing it up - try different baits, play around with how you present them, and you'll soon discover what ticks the boxes for both you and the local chub population.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEST BAITS FOR CHUB FISHING HERE.
Tackle up correctly
Chub fishing requires a bit of brute force and the right equipment, given their tenacious nature and love for hiding in snags. A rod of 12-13 foot, with a medium-heavy action, is your ideal tool for targeting chub, providing you the strength and control you need.
Pair it with a medium-sized reel (4000 to 5000) that has ample line capacity, and opt for a robust, abrasion-proof line, preferably in the 6-8lb breaking strain range.
Bait is king in this game, and your hook size should correspond to it - a size 8 for a juicy lobworm or piece of breadflake, or a size 12 for a tempting bunch of maggots. Strength is key when it comes to hooks; you wouldn't want to lose a catch to a snag.
Don't forget essentials like a solid landing net, unhooking mat and a weigh sling to safeguard your catch.
A QUALITY REEL WILL HELP WHEN FISHING A FLOAT OR A FEEDER FOR CHUB, CHECK OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE HERE.
