“The River Nene gives you the chance to catch chub, barbel, carp and even zander”
My local water is…
The Peterborough and District Angling Club’s stretches of the River Nene and its backwaters are close to my home, and some stretches are just a bike-ride away. They are full of specimen chub, barbel, carp and zander.
Favourite swim
The chub can be anywhere, and I like to fish different bits of the river all the time, so I don’t have one favourite spot.
I got my biggest fish recently just by targeting open water, but I also look out for overhanging trees and bends in the river.
Best moment
It would have to be my recent PB-equalling 6lb 11oz chub. It was from a new bit of the river for me that nobody really fishes. It took a lot of effort to get there – me and my mate walked two miles! Catches like that make me tick.
Go to method
At this time of year, a moving bait works well. I’ll cast upstream and let my bait swing round in the flow and search the riverbed, bouncing along so that it looks natural. You have to match the weight of your link to the flow to make sure your bait is moving at a natural pace. I don’t feed much, just a few bits of paste if I know fish are in the area. I will wait around 15 minutes before moving.
Inside tip
Don’t overburden yourself with tackle, I don’t even bring a chair. I just put all the things I need in a fly-fishing waistcoat and I’m good to go. Don’t camp in a swim all day, either, keep on the move.
In the area
The village of Castor is right by the river, where there are some good pubs and a coffee shop that serves food as well.