The chub is one of the most widespread fish in Europe, occurring in every location with the unusual exception of Ireland, Denmark and the north of Scandinavia. The body of a chub is generally long and cylindrical, with a gray/brown tinged with green network of scales across the back working down to a lighter golden flank and a light belly. Its dorsal fin is a grey/green colour, with all the other fins being orange/red. The chub is renowned for its huge mouth.
Chub are found in nearly all rivers. Their habitats range from sluggish deep water to fast flowing shallows. In shady spots beneath overhanging branches chub wait for insects to plop onto the surface of the water. Chub will shoal in weed feel pools often with dace and roach. When hooked, the fish will dash to underwater obstacles, such as submerged tree roots and cause the line to become snagged.
A Great Chub Swim
Chub prefer to feed in clear water and not when the river is in flood or muddy. Still waters, especially gravel pits, are gaining reputations for having large specimens of chub.
The chubs’ natural staple diet consists of invertebrates as youngsters, although small fish and vertebrates such as small vowels are always on the main menu for the big boys. The chub spawns April to June among aquatic plants and stones in high oxygenated turbulent parts of rivers. There is some debate as to chub spawning in still water and whether it is right to stock them.
The chub is basically an eating machine. If it fits in its mouth, it will have a go at it! Natural baits have always been a favourite, especially on rivers. The stick float fished in conjunction with regular loosefeed of maggots casters and hemp. However, a big old black slug or lobworm free lined under an overhanging willow might just be the killer for that fish of a lifetime.
Ledgering is another great technique, with a block end feeder or even a crumb feeder. A big smelly piece of cheese, meat or steak. The main thing to remember when fishing for chub is that they can really eat some bait. so make sure that you give them plenty.
The specimen world has also had an effect on chub fishing, as many of the real big dogs are now taking boilie baits or large halibut pellets. Basically, a chub will eat anything. Wasp Grub, plugs and spinners. Chub can also be successfully targeted on the fly.
Commercial fishery chub also offer great sport, and are growing very big. They can be caught well with the usual carp methods, pellets, paste, but chopped worm and caster has seen several big match weights of the species.
Tackle up away from your chosen fishing spot. Movement and vibrations next to the water will frighten the chub away. Approach the water quietly and slowly. Don't become a large profile against the skyline but instead merge into the environment. Chub will swim close to the bank if there is no threat.
Watch for tell tale signs of feeding fish like dimples on the surface and swirls in the water. Cast your line gently and enjoy.
