PROPER TACKLE

Not only are the chub and barbel you’re aiming for of a decent size, but the riverbed may be uneven, with lots of rocks.

Naturally, a hooked fish will do its best to cut you off by rubbing the line against these snags.

It makes sense then, to use heavy tackle with a hooklink of around 0.16mm or 0.18mm and a strong size 14 or 12 hook for fishing big baits.