H. Avon and more 6lb chub

Well that’s the guiding on the river Wye completed for the year and although the blogs are short of real information regarding rigs etc the photo’s tell that the fishing has been difficult. The low flow and clear water just doesn’t suit the barbel.

Between the guiding I have made the odd visit to the H.Avon and had mixed results with the barbel, the chub have still put in an appearance. I would have preferred to have been fishing for barbel however not being on the river frequently means that I’m out of touch of where the barbel are.

I decided to fish in an area that I had not tried before. I had walked the stretch the previous week or so with Mark and we spotted some good chub and a couple of 9lb barbel. One swim held some good chub and I thought I saw a barbel. It was right next to a tree over hanging the river, a definite hook and hold swim.

I arrived to find the place deserted as per normal. I threw out a few pellets to see if any chub were at home. Slowly 3 0r 4 big chub came out from under the tree and started to feed on the pellets. No barbel though.

I started using the normal barbel gear short hook link and 3 oz lead. I could see very clearly what was going on in the gin clear water. The chub would come out pick the bait up feel resistance and bolt back under the tree.

So I changed plan. Out came the chub rod 8lb line and a light 1/2 oz lead and 4ft of 6lb fluorocarbon hook link. With a hair rigged pellet and PVA bag.

I had been able to get the chub feeding away from the tree branches and right under my feet. There looked to be one chub larger than the others.

I had one within 5 mins of casting out however only a small one of 5lbs 7oz. I say small when compared to the larger one.

I cast out once the chub vacated the swim , I say cast out again I dropped the bait at my feet. Here the river was about 3 ft deep. I watched as the chub reappeared and started to pick up the pellets. Then I saw one fish pick the bait up rise in the water with the hook and pellet dangling from it’s mouth. It shock it’s head and I watched the pellet drop to the river bed and not one twitch on the rod. The chub was not put off as about 5 mins later it came back and picked the bait up and this time it was hooked. I thought it would head to the tree branches but no it went for the bankside vegetation under my feet. There were bramble bush debris and a couple of times it was stuck however luck was on my side and I slipped the net under a beautiful 6lbs 8oz chub.

chub 6lbs 8oz

That was about it for the day. Lots of walking and looking. I fished for a 9lb barbel that took some pellets then disappeared. This was going to be my 3rd day of blanking on this beautiful river but thankfully the chub stopped this.