Species · Coarse · Squalius cephalus

Chub

Powerful river species. Bold feeders.

Chub
Chub

Where and when

Detail
Habitat Rivers
Best time All day
Category Coarse

Baits and tactics

  • Tactics: Float, Freelining, Feeder
  • Baits and flies: Cheese, Meat, Bread

Tackle that suits

Detail
Hooks 10-14. Strong wire. Wide gape for meat, round bend for bread
Mainline 0.18-0.22mm. 5-6lb. Mono - reliable on snaggy rivers
Hooklength 0.14-0.18mm. 8-12". Mono - step up near snags
Shotting Bulk shot for trotting - gets bait down in current quickly. Olivette on pole rigs.
Field notes Freelining bread or cheese is devastatingly simple; Chub sit under overhanging trees and near far bank features; Stealth is key - approach swims quietly, stay low; Winter chub on bread flake is a classic - size 8-10 hook; Mashed bread feed with bread flake on the hook; Elastic: 10-12 solid, chub make powerful first runs

Fish welfare

Warm water is hard on chub. The app warns from 23°C and tells you to consider not targeting them at 26°C.

Resilient but still benefit from quick handling when water is warm. Keep out of the water briefly.

More coarse species

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