Often overlooked by predator anglers, the omnivorous chub has one of the most varied diets of any coarse fish. Being such an opportunistic feeder, it can also become highly predatory. While much has been written about targeting chub on bait, this species can also be caught very effectively on lures. Chub can be fished for all year round, making them a fantastic alternative target – particularly in the warmer months when conditions may be too hot for pike, perch or zander.
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A fish for all seasons, chub offer year round sport on lures.
Lure Selection
During summer and early autumn, chub are at their most aggressive. In addition to feeding on small fish such as minnows, they will readily take insects, frogs and even small rodents. Because of this, topwater lures are often the go-to choice, especially at first and last light. Prop baits like Whopper Ploppers, small poppers and insect-style wobblers can be especially effective, while super-shallow diving crankbaits that sit in the surface film are also deadly. On weedy rivers, hollow-bodied frogs and mice provide a weedless option that can tempt some explosive takes.
As the light increases, subsurface lures tend to be more productive. Shallow-diving crankbaits are perhaps the most reliable chub lure of all, but inline spinners, small soft plastics and creature baits can all deliver results. Where rivers are weedy, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits stand out as they are far less prone to snagging, and adding a soft plastic trailer often improves results.
In winter, chub are more likely to hold deeper in the water column and can be more challenging to tempt, but they remain catchable. Many of the same techniques used for perch are equally effective here. Deeper-diving crankbaits and soft plastics such as shads and creature baits often produce, while noisy chatterbaits can sometimes provoke an aggressive reaction. It is not unusual in the colder months to see chub take surprisingly large lures that were originally intended for pike.
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Chub love cranks!
Rods, Reels and Line
Rods:
Chub offer the best sport on light to medium tackle. They may not grow to the size of pike or zander, but they fight hard and will try to bury themselves in snags. For this reason, a fast-actioned rod is usually best as it provides solid hooksets and enough backbone to steer fish clear of trouble.
On rivers with little weed or cover, lighter spinning tackle is not only effective but also great fun to use. The Agitator Z Series spinning rods in 2–10g and 5–15g hollow tip versions are particularly versatile, capable of handling spinners, small crankbaits, topwaters and soft plastics. On snaggy or weedy rivers, especially in summer, stepping up in power is advisable. The 7–21g Z Series spinning rod is a great option for smaller lures, while the 10–30g Z Series spinning or casting rod provides more authority when fishing heavier lures like spinnerbaits and chatterbaits.
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A weedy swim which holds big chub, heavier tackle is needed in these situations.
Reels and Braid:
When it comes to reels, the Agitator Series 2 spinning reels in 2000 or 3000 sizes pair perfectly with these rods. Spooling with 16.5lb AX8 braid will handle most situations, though stepping up to 21.8lb may be wise on very snaggy venues. For baitcasting outfits, the Agitator Series 1 200 Baitcasting Reel is a superb match, capable of comfortably handling heavier lures while still managing baits under 10 grams. On these setups, braid in the 21.8lb to 31.9lb range is generally recommended.
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A fine topwater chub landed at first light.
Other Essential Tackle
Chub fishing is often at its best when you stay mobile, so travelling light is important. A waist pack such as the Agitator Competition HD is ideal for carrying a small selection of lures, tools and drinks, while the Compact Roll Mat attaches neatly and provides a practical unhooking solution for the roving angler. Forceps, pliers and hook cutters are essential for safe fish handling and for those occasions when pike turn up unexpectedly. On waters where pike are present – and always when using trebles – a light wire trace should be used.
A long-handled landing net is another useful item, especially when fishing from high banks or through heavy vegetation. The Agitator Folding Street Net, with its telescopic handle extending up to four metres, offers a practical and compact solution for long sessions.
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Traveling light and keeping mobile is the key to success.
Tips for Success
Mobility is key when targeting chub on lures. In most swims, just a handful of casts is enough to cover the water, and moving frequently will increase your chances of finding active fish. Polarised glasses can be a big advantage, as chub often patrol near the surface and sight fishing for them is one of the most rewarding ways to catch them.
Early morning and late evening are prime times, with fish often at their most active around first and last light. Chub are easily spooked, so stealth is vital – approach swims quietly, use available cover and remember that sometimes the fish will be holding right under your rod tip. Keeping your kit light and streamlined makes staying mobile much easier, and a compact set-up with just the essentials will usually be all you need.
If wading is safe and allowed then fish in your waders, it will give you access to less pressured water that can hold the best chub.
Wading can give you access to water out of reach of bank anglers.
Final Thoughts
The chub may not always be the first predator that comes to mind, but it can provide tremendous sport on lures throughout the year. Whether you’re casting topwaters on a warm summer evening or working deep-diving crankbaits in winter, this adaptable species is well worth targeting with the Wychwood Agitator range.
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A worthy target for lure anglers, give lure fishing for chub a try.
