GAME CHANGER Rig switch nails top chub
about 8oz, except for the occasional jack pike!
“Early on June 16 I targeted my usual spot behind the churchyard where there are two overhanging willow trees. The water here runs slightly deeper than on the rest of the stretch, probably down to around 3ft-4ft.
“After baiting it with maggots for 30 minutes, I cast a small maggot feeder with a double maggot hookbait into the zone. Moments later two decent-sized chub appeared close to a raft further under the willow tree. They were the biggest chub I’d seen in the river in years, so I decided to reel in and target them.
“I switched to a small running leger rig of just two SSG shot with a 2ft-long hooklength and a size 10 hook. On to this I squeezed a large piece of breadflake and cast the rig through a small gap in the willow branches, landing my bait 6ft in front of the chub without spooking them.
“The current was strong, but by paying out extra line it pulled my bait down and under the raft – perfect! I’d only waited two minutes before my rod bent round and I struck. My heart was in my mouth as I was only using light tackle. After playing it for five minutes in the strong flow I finally managed to get it up to the surface.
“Seeing the size of it made my stomach turn and I couldn’t stop shaking – it was by far the biggest chub I’d ever seen! I battled it for what seemed like a lifetime but finally got it in the net.
“I weighed the brute and it came in at 6lb 7oz – a monster for such a small river.
“I’m so glad I reacted after seeing those two chub and making the decision to swap my rigs.
“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have hooked the six-pounder had I not.”
“Seeing the size of it I couldn’t stop shaking – it was by far the biggest chub I’d ever seen!”