The Coach Darren Massey’s guide to tricking chub from your local canal
THIS WEEK: How to catch a chub from your local canal
BRITAIN’S network of canals is home to a variety of species – and one that can be found almost everywhere is chub.
These hard fighters are common in most canals, but they can be difficult to tempt if you go about it the wrong way.
Shakespeare team man Darren Massey knows more than most about canal fishing and this week he has accepted the invitation to be our resident coach. Follow his advice and go catch yourself a canal chub this week…
BALANCED TACKLE IS PARAMOUNT
Balanced tackle is key. You don’t need to go too beefy though; main line of 0.14mm to a hooklength of 0.12mm will cope with fish to 4lb, fished along with strong widegape hooks.
HOLLOW ELASTIC IS THE PERFECT CHOICE
A forgiving hollow elastic is perfect, rated No12-14. This won’t pull too hard when a chub is hooked, which will, in turn, allow you to ease the fish away from the far bank, after which you can increase the pressure on the fish.
STRONG FLOAT’S A MUST
Float should be strong with a thick tip, and easily visible against the far-bank reflection. A dibbertype is perfect, with a buoyant tip in 4x12-4x16 size.
HEMP, CASTERS AND CHOPPED WORMS ARE A WINNING MIX
Chub like most food, but for canals a combination of hemp, casters and chopped worms is hard to beat. Kick-start your swim by feeding a pole cup of feed.
GO REGULAR WITH CASTERS
Regular helpings of loosefed casters will help attract a chub or two. On the hook, try two casters or a piece of worm.