Chub definitely one of the anglers favourites, with an olive green to grey back and flanks of bright silver scales leading down to the creamy white of the underside,  big  golden eyes with green flecks, large white leathery lips and a very big mouth gives them the ability to eat almost anything, there natural habitat is clear freshwater rivers where they enjoy the camouflage that thick weed beds and undergrowth  can offer, they love to lay up in the deeper holes close to the margins, and under overhanging branches, the more cover and snags the better they like it, although chub enjoy the clear fast running waters of the rivers, they are now stocked in some of the larger commercial lakes.

In spring when the water temperature has warmed up spawning takes place usually around April –May, and in the correct environment they can expect an average lifespan of 10-12years.

Predominantly a bottom feeder they tend to feed for most of the the year, December has produce some great fish, Chub of 5lbs are classed as a specimen.

With their large mouths they can swallow almost anything, their natural food consists of crustaceans, molluscs, snails, plant life, small frogs, and overhanging fruits and berries that drop off when they are in season.

They can be quite difficult to catch, and are easily spooked, mainly found in clear waters  they can easily see the line, and being very timid are quick to hide from sound or even your shadow.

The larger of the chub are normally the females.
 
A well known angler once said “Catching a big Chub is an exercise in pure angling” how true that is.

Anglers use a variety of baits trying to tempt the chub, consisting of Maggots, casters, sweetcorn, luncheon meat, cheese paste, small fish, bread, pellets, boilies, and lobworms.

Anglers also try spinning methods using a variety of lures, plugs, and spinners.

The British Chub Record: 9lb 5oz.  
Caught by: Andy Maker, 2007.
Southern Pit.

The Biggest River Chub: 8lb 14oz,  (Oct 2009).
Caught by: Gareth Spurgeon.
River Lea.

Chub:

Family: Cyprinidea

Latin Name:

Leuciscus cephalus

I hope you found something helpful or of an interest in this Fish Fact Section.

Contact: mail@watersidediary.co.uk