Severn heaven
Big chub brace
ANGLERS fishing the River Severn for chub are being treated to some of the largest specimens ever caught from the river.
Topping this week’s reports are a pair of 7lb-plus fish, the highlight being a superb chub weighing 7lb 4oz.
Roger Carswell was the fortunate captor of the larger specimen, which he described as ‘one of the biggest Severn chub I’ve heard of in nigh-on 60 years of fishing’.
The Shrewsbury rod told Angling Times: “Recent conditions on the River Severn have been exceptionally good for January, and it’s been a dilemma whether to target chub or barbel.
“Following my capture of a couple of decent chub and a 5lb barbel, the swim went quiet, and I was considering a move – then the tip bent round again. “After a bum-twitching fight,
I was soon looking down at the flanks of one of the biggest chub I’ve ever seen in my landing net.
“Severn chub do seem to be getting bigger in recent years. This may be due to the reduced barbel population – I’ve had quite a few six-pounders over the last couple of seasons.”
Roger’s fish fell to a piece of breadflake mounted on a size 6 hook tied to a 6lb hooklink, with a 2oz cage feeder delivering liquidised bread feed.
The second-biggest chub from the Severn this week fell to Phil O’Callaghan, who caught a chunky 7lb 2oz fish from the upper river.
Bread was again the winning bait for Phil, who followed up his new personal best with another fish of 4lb 11oz – both on link legered flake.
A 7lb 2oz chub for Phil O’Callaghan.
IF YOU’VE got a passion for huge fish you won’t want to miss the upcoming The Big One Show at Stoneleigh after it was confirmed this week that the global fishing celebrity Jeremy Wade will be appearing.
The star of the hit TV series River Monsters and Mighty Rivers will be entertaining visitors with exclusive footage and stories of the exotic and predatory species which he has caught from all over the world during main-stage Q&A sessions during both days of the event. Fans will also get the opportunity to meet Jeremy and purchase his books on the day.
But if you prefer your fish with fewer teeth, it’s also been announced that the world’s No1 feeder angler Steve Ringer will be holding demos on the unique indoor lake at both shows.
Visitors to the Stoneleigh show will gain a fascinating insight into Steve’s approaches for tackling natural waters for bream and silvers. Three weeks later at the Farnborough event he will be detailing the feeder tactics he uses for carp on large venues such as Boddington Reservoir and Barston Lakes.
Big One event director Vince Davies said: “When it comes to the big names of our sport, they don’t come much bigger than Jeremy and Steve.
“And when you add them to the line-up of anglers already confirmed, they really are shows not to be missed.”
The Big One Stoneleigh is being held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on the weekend of February 29/March 1, and
The Big Farnborough will take place on March 21/22.