Monster week for big chub

Big chub are a popular target among anglers during the winter months, but Angling Times can reveal that it’s already time to hit the banks in search of these often greedy fish. 

Several incredible catches of chub have been reported from the country’s rivers this week, but none can hold a candle to a giant from the River Thames weighing in at 7lb 10oz.

The big chevin was caught by Simon Perry during a night session that also produced another fish approaching the magical 6lb mark.

Simon told Angling Times: “I didn’t arrive at the river until at least 7pm, intending to put in a quick overnighter before work with a friend. 

“I had the bite at around 3am, and was shocked when I flicked my headtorch over the net to see such a massive fish. I didn’t have much time to think, though, because soon my second rod was away with another cracker.

“I knew this was a special fish and sure enough, it turned out to be a new personal best. Prior to that, my heaviest chub was a huge fish for the Wye weighing 7lb 8oz that I caught last year,” he said.

Simon caught his latest fish on Hinders River Rami dumbells fished in conjunction with Flatz pellets cast just short of far-bank snags. In total four fish fell to this baiting approach during the hours of darkness, traditionally a prime time to target river specimens.

Hinders Elips dumbells were the bait of choice for Paul Potter, who used them to great effect when he presented the bait alongside a PVA bag to catch a clonking 6lb 13oz chub from a stretch of the Dorset Stour. 

Paul said: “I was fishing for barbel, if I’m honest, but I always welcome a fine chub or two!”

Moving further along the Stour to the famous Throop fishery, Steve Baddeley enjoyed the chub session of a lifetime.

During a short afternoon trip on Beat Two, the angler from Hampshire caught 12 fish, all over 4lb and topped by an impressive 6lb 7oz specimen. 

Steve told Angling Times: “I would say this was one of my best chub fishing sessions ever. The key was staying mobile and spotting the shoals.”

All Steve’s fish fell to a simple freelined pellet approach with a steady stream of bait going through the swim on each cast.