DAVE’S TOP CHUB BAITS

MAGGOTS

Chub will eat just about anything. In fact I can’t think of another fish that eats such a varied diet, but if you had to tie me down to just one bait at this time of year it would be maggots.

This would only be the case if there are a lot of fish up for grabs, though, because just one or two chub in a swim would usually be better targeted with a different bait.

For a five-hour session it’s possible to get through four to six pints of maggots but to use the lot would mean I have a keepnet full of fish! Double and treble maggot is my usual hookbait if they are feeding well, but there are days when you’ll need to use a single on a size 20 to trick the fish.

CASTERS AND HEMP

If you’re being pestered by tiny fish when fishing maggots, try using casters and hemp instead. Small fish don’t pose such a problem, and you’ll be able to get plenty of feed down to the chub below. For hookbait, use two or three casters on a size 16 or 14 hook.

BREAD

A very under-used bait, but one that still has a part to play, especially when big chub are the target. It’s possible to use bread-flake as the sole feed by striking it off every time you run a float down or reel in a bomb. If there are a lot fish present, feed with groundbait and casters.

PELLETS

Some people think fishmeal carp pellets are only useful for summer fishing but I’ve used them a lot in the winter too, with great success. If the water is cold, try feeding with 4mm offerings and use a lassoed 6mm or 8mm pellet on the hook.

WORMS

All fish like worms, and chub are no exception. I use this bait by feeding it with a bait dropper and putting a tail section or even a whole lobworm on the hook.

MEAT

A forgotten bait for many anglers since the arrival of pellets, but on its day this is still a very effective bait. Use it with a straight bomb approach, either hair-rigged or with the hook pushed through it.