Catching chub with a spinning rod: choosing a spinning rod, bait and fishing technique

The chub belongs to the family of carp fish species, and is found in freshwater bodies of water.
As a rule, these are rivers with fast or moderate current. It cannot be found in ponds or lakes where there is no current. Therefore, its way of life differs from many of its relatives, including carp. The chub has a serious appetite, but it does not particularly pick at baits, regardless of their origin. The chub is considered an omnivorous fish.

When hooked, it resists quite decently, like most carp fish species. This article is aimed at helping anglers in choosing gear for fishing, as well as in choosing a fishing location.

Best time to catch chub

The chub is a greedy and voracious fish. This feature allows you to organize a “hunt” for it throughout the season, with a spinning rod in your hands. Although this does not mean at all that its bite is stable and active throughout the season. Among other things, it is necessary to select baits, depending on the season. How to do it?

Each fishing period is characterized by its own characteristics. As the ice begins to melt, the process of catching chub begins. Despite the fact that the chub has already left its winter quarters, during this period you should not count on a serious catch, since its bite can be unpredictable.

At this point, the water had not yet warmed up. The faster the water warms up, the greater the chance of resuming active chub biting. In natural rivers and lakes this process is quite long compared to reservoirs where an influx of warm water is possible. Therefore, when going fishing, you should have information about where the water warms up at a faster rate. As a rule, during this period, the water begins to warm up by lunchtime, therefore, it makes no sense to go fishing early.

Somewhere from mid-April the situation begins to improve, and the chub shows more activity. From this point on, even night fishing can bring tangible results. Somewhere in the second half of May, bleak spawns, which he simply adores and feeds on regularly. During this period, he also willingly takes artificial baits.

With the arrival of summer, when the water level drops noticeably, the location of the chub is not difficult to calculate, especially for an experienced spinning angler.

With the end of summer, spinners leave the chub alone, as its preference changes dramatically. Although this does not stop experienced fishermen, and with the right choice of bait, you can always have a catch. Somewhere in mid-autumn, the chub begins to eat. If you get caught on a zhor, you can catch several decent specimens.

In winter, you can catch chub in ice-free areas. At the same time, you need to take into account that the chub has moved to depth and can only be reached using deep-sea baits.

Chub on spinning video. Small river. Lures, fishing techniques. Fishing diary

Lures for chub

The correct choice of bait is very important for effectively catching a predator. Among the variety, the most commonly used are wobblers, spinners and micro-oscillators.

Wobblers

Wobblers are a variety of baits that are similar in appearance to animal creatures that live in bodies of water or accidentally fall into it. Also, their design can be presented in the form of small rodents, fish, etc.

It will be useful for you to read how to choose wobblers for winter fishing.

There are several criteria that determine the choice of wobbler for chub:

Form . In order to catch a predator, the bait must look like food. Depending on the season, the wobbler can be presented in the form of an artificial fish or various insects. The summer bite is especially good for all kinds of bait beetles. For winter and spring fishing, it is better to take a wobbler of a flatter shape, reminiscent of a fry. The most popular baits are minnow, crank and fat.
Depth of work . The bait must be effective at near-bottom distances. Typically the drop is 2–5 meters.
Casting distance . The working distance ranges from 3 to 8 meters.
Color . Yellow, golden and brown tones are attractive to chub. In cloudy or cloudy weather, the bait is taken in silver and white colors, which stand out as a bright spot in the dark water.
Bait game . A wobbler that qualitatively imitates the behavior of bait can attract attention. This should be a bright and lively game that provokes an attack.
Magnitude _ The choice of size depends on the purpose of fishing. For small and medium-sized specimens, a wobbler up to 4 cm long is suitable. For a larger lobster, a larger bait of 5 to 7 cm should be used.

There are two types of wobblers that work flawlessly regardless of fishing conditions:

Bait with a blade . It has proven itself well for bottom and bottom fishing. This wobbler is characterized by a fairly fast diving speed and movement at an angle, which is very similar to the swimming of a small fish.
Wobbler without blade . It can be either superficial or deep type. Most effective in surface layers of water. Good specimens are usually equipped with a special blade that does not allow the bait to sink to depth.

Depending on the season, the following types of bait are recommended:

small fish - summer and winter fishing;
grasshoppers, chafers, flies - autumn and spring.

We recommend reading which bait to choose for catching chub and how to make it yourself.

Spinners

The chub has a special affinity for spinners. This type of bait can be used to catch predators in any habitat. Lure fishing is very interesting, dynamic and exciting.

The basis of effective fishing is the correct choice of bait, in which it is necessary to take into account a number of factors:

type of water and weather, which significantly affects the choice of bait color;
current speed is decisive when choosing sinkers and petals;
the presence of a “fly” that allows you to apply additional luring effects;
the type of petal and fastenings responsible for the oscillation and rotation of the core.

Main advantages of the bait:
relatively low cost;
easier to cast.

Flaws:
not used when fishing downstream, which significantly reduces the possible fishing area;
they are inferior in catchability to wobblers, since they are not attractive to large individuals.

Fishing with spoons is most relevant during the cold season, when the chub is an active predator.

We advise you to read how to choose the right lure for winter fishing.

Microoscillators

This type of bait is distinguished by its catchability. Properly selected micro-oscillators will ensure proper catch at any time of the year and on any body of water. For this kind of fishing, it is recommended to use a rod with a slow or medium action. When testing tackle, you need to focus on the weight of the miniature spoon.

The main advantage of such a bait is the ability to wire it at any angle relative to the current . The tackle attracts attention due to the visual stimulation and vibration created, which affects the lateral line of the fish. The rig works very effectively when fishing upstream, when fishing under drift and against the current.

The most catchy ones are light-alloy micro-oscillators with an aluminum blade. Lures with a single barbless hook are considered a classic option. Despite the simplicity of the design, the bait holds the trophy quite well with minimal movement.

Important! Chub fishing will not bring success in areas of the reservoir where there is no current.

Where to fish? Choosing a fishing spot

The chub, especially the larger one, behaves very carefully, and it is not so easy to find it. Despite this, there are characteristic external signs indicating the presence of a chub. Every spinner should know about these signs. The chub chooses very characteristic places for its camp, such as rubble, bushes and stones, which provide shelter in the summer. In addition, the vegetation contains all kinds of living creatures, which from time to time fall into the water. Water areas where there are significant differences in depth, where the current changes from slow to fast, various underwater obstacles in the form of dams and dikes, islands of various origins, deep pockets located next to shallows - these are ideal habitats for chub.

In other words, habitats are characterized by conditions that provide opportunities for shelter and hunting. As a rule, predators such as chub and pike perch practically live side by side, only the pike perch occupies deeper places, and the chub shallower ones.

The technique for catching chub may differ, depending on the nature of the place chosen for fishing.

How and where to catch chub

Chub fishing spots

The favorite habitats of chubs are rocky rifts with strong and medium currents. On the rifts the fish stays almost close to the surface. When the insect years end, the chubs drop lower and there they begin to hunt for small fish (minnows,

Chubs are very shy. After catching the first chub, you need to go downstream 200-300 meters.

Chub biting time

The chub is very sensitive to weather. If the north wind blows, then it is useless to go out to catch chub. The best time to catch it is considered to be quiet evenings, when the sun begins to set towards the horizon. At this time, the chubs are preparing to hunt beetles and go out.

Hooking and landing

The chub bite at depth is short and unnoticeable. If there is a slight push, you should immediately hook. In rapids, the chub grabs the bait more boldly, but rarely captures it deeply. Large chubs, once hooked, energetically defend themselves and make throws at everything.

Choosing a spinning rod for chub

Chub requires the choice of special equipment. In this case, there are many contradictions, which are as follows: firstly, the chub is a rather cautious and timid fish, and secondly, it lives in places that are not easily accessible. As a rule, for chub fishing, an ultralight spinning rod with a cast of 7 to 10 grams is chosen.

It is not recommended to use more powerful fishing tools, since chub fishing involves the use of small baits. In addition, such tackle will allow you to make more accurate casts, especially since you will have to cast into difficult places.

If fishing is carried out from a dam or from a bridge, then the rod can be quite long - 3.5-4 meters. A long rod is very convenient, since there is no need to cast the bait into the place where the school is located. The chub is a shy fish and will immediately react to a cast. Therefore, the bait should be delivered a few meters further. After this, the bait is placed next to a school of chub, which gives a greater chance of success. In any case, a spinning rod length of 2.1 meters is quite enough, especially when fishing from a boat.

The rod action should be closer to average, but fast action (Fast or Extra-Fast) is not suitable. This is due to the fact that light baits are used and they need to be cast far and accurately. In addition, a medium action rod will cope with the load when fishing.

Based on this approach, you should pay attention to some models of spinning rods that meet these requirements. For experienced spinning players, the Graphiteleader GNFPTS-762UL-LT model, which has a Regular-Fast action, is suitable. This spinning rod takes first place in the ranking for chub fishing. Not only that, it is durable and lightweight.

For a beginner, the universal, budget option Aiko Dixi is more suitable.

You should not pass by such models as the Major Craft from the AIRock series, which are very sensitive to bites.

Lures

The choice of spinning bait is also an important part of preparing for fishing; the chub’s attention is most often attracted by the following artificial baits:

Spinner baits available in sizes #0 to #2 , recommended colors are black and gold. It is best to use baits from well-known manufacturers that consistently show good results when catching chub; spinners produced under the Mepps or Blue Fox brands will work well. They can be used to catch small or medium-sized predators; the size of the prey directly depends on the size of the bait used.
Wobblers are usually used to catch larger specimens. It is necessary to pay attention to models with a small length, but a fairly large volume. If you choose the right bait, then the predator, relying on its reflexes, can attack it after the first perfect cast. Various wobblers are suitable, imitating insects or small fish in their appearance and play, but the first option is only suitable for fishing in the warm season.
Streamers also often show good results , but they need to provide high-quality and natural play, so this bait is only suitable for experienced fishermen with the appropriate skills. It is recommended to use black or yellow baits, and also to combine these options by attaching several baits at once.
Jig baits are not highly effective when catching this predator, but sometimes they show good results in summer or early autumn if there is no bite when using other baits.

Spinning rod equipment for successful fishing

You should take the choice of equipment seriously when fishing for chub. As a rule, experienced fishermen choose monofilament rather than braided fishing line. He doesn’t notice monofilament fishing line, but braided fishing line worries him. And this is despite the fact that braided fishing line has better characteristics.

The diameter of the monofilament line can be 0.14-0.16 mm, with a breaking force of 2 kg or more, which is quite enough for this type of fishing. This can be either budget Stroft fishing line or branded Salmo class, which have low residual memory and excellent wear resistance. Unfortunately, such fishing lines are expensive.

Considering the fact that the fishing line has a small diameter, reels of size 2500, no larger, are suitable. The main condition is that the reel must run smoothly and wind the line evenly. The ShimanoCatana FB reel meets similar requirements. Reels with similar characteristics are produced by Daiwa. The TeamS spinning reel, which has a rear drag and is designed for using thin lines, works well.

Equipment

A small wild river, as a rule, is literally teeming with mosquitoes, ticks and other biting insects that can fall from trees and bushes or crawl through sleeves and collars. So it is best if you have as few exposed areas of your body as possible.

This also applies to the lower half of the body - instead of rubber boots, it is better to wear waders or wading overalls.

Photo 6. Waders are indispensable when catching chub using a spinning rod

Use vests or pouches with zippers. The sound of Velcro can frighten potential prey. So, dear friends, let's fish beautifully!

Bait selection

Unfortunately, the traditional jig fishing technique is not suitable for catching chub, even if it is closer to the bottom. During cold periods, when the chub goes to depth, deep-sea wobblers that are not very long, 6-7 cm, work well.

On the fishing lure market you can find a large number of models designed for chub fishing. Despite his caution, a properly selected bait can provoke a chub to attack, awakening his appetite.

With the arrival of warmer weather, the behavior of the chub also changes. It begins to rise to the upper layers of the water, feeding on various bugs and worms that have fallen into the water. During this period, it is better to switch to surface wobblers with pronounced game. In shallow water, floating wobblers are more suitable, but do not create noise, since the chub does not like this.

When fishing along the banks, as well as in areas with moderate currents, it is possible to use rotating spoons. The main condition is the precise casting of the bait, which will certainly interest the predator.

Cicadas are good at attracting chub, but they are very often objects of snags.

Summer chub fishing involves the use of other baits, such as flies (streamers). This approach is especially effective during periods when there is an abundance of insects and the chub can completely switch to feeding on insects. Lures such as poppers are not particularly tempting to chub, so it is best to limit their use. Although they are good at catching such a predator as perch.

Where to fish?

The chub prefers small rivers with fast or moderate currents , with a rich ichthyofauna and an abundance of vegetation.

It is impossible to find it at all in lakes, reservoirs and other standing bodies of water.

Promising points for chub fishing:

borders of grass thickets;
deep holes (especially with snags or a tree lying at the bottom);
boundary of direct and reverse flow;
channel edges;
sections of the river under steep banks, as well as under bushes and tree branches hanging over the water;
sandy and rocky shallows.

The influence of weather on chub biting

Changeable spring weather makes its own adjustments to spinning fishing. In stable warm May weather, the chub can go for any bait, but as soon as the weather changes even a little, the chub bite becomes unpredictable.

The chub is a schooling fish, although small individuals keep separately, and larger ones also separately. If you find a school of large chub, you can catch several weighty specimens.

The chub is not afraid of dirty water, but prefers to be in clean water and always warm. When the summer heat sets in, it can go deeper or stay in the shade of trees. The most catchy period is considered to be the post-spawning period, when the water temperature reaches +18-20°C.

Choosing a place to catch chub

The chub, like many other fish, has its own preferences and favorite habitats. Knowing them, the spinner will narrow down the list of places where the fish can be found. For example,

1. The chub is a large predatory fish that loves rivers and strong currents. It is almost impossible to find in shallow reservoirs and lakes. Standing water is not for him.

2. The current washes away all the silt, which the chub does not like. It prefers a hard bottom strewn with stones or sand.

3. It can often be found on river rifts or sand spits.

4. The chub especially likes to hunt under trees and snags hanging over the water, along cliffs and falling bushes, the ground under which is washed away by a strong current. Because it is full of various bugs and other insects. Trolling or wading fishing is best here.

5. If the shallow bottom of the river near the shore gives way to a deep cliff, then a chub can also swim here. Because the chub feeds in such places too.

6. Chub can be near the pilings of bridges and various water structures. Because the pillars stuck into the ground divide the flow of water into several separate currents, creating turbulence that chubs love.

7. Chub is a schooling fish. Flocks are created by several small representatives. The larger the fish, the fewer fish there are in the school. The largest chubs can swim alone, in isolation. And they can be found anywhere, even in places where the chub does not like to be.

Technique for catching chub using a spinning rod

Spinning fishing is fishing when the spinner walks along the river for many kilometers in search of fish, and chub is no exception. To catch it with a spinning rod, you first need to find it. You should always be prepared for the fact that you will have to frequently change baits in order to choose a more catchy one. The chub bites quite accurately, so sensitive tackle will not hurt.

Chub fishing in small rivers, on the water and from the shore

Open water. Most casting occurs in open water. In such areas, you can use baits with a depression. Fishing should begin from the depths and gradually rise closer to the surface. If the bottom is clean, then you can safely use spoons. In large rivers with strong currents, the chub stands at the depths, not showing its presence, but at the same time feeds abundantly. In small rivers and in strong winds it rises higher and stands on the surface.

When fishing in strong currents, you need to pay attention to the tackle. Don't take it too light. She may not be able to cope with the fish's resistance. A 2-meter spinning rod with a test weight of 14 grams, a reel with a test weight of 1000 - 2000, and a braided cord with a tensile strength of 2 to 4 kg will do. The chub resists strongly and therefore monofilament will not work at all. The color of the cord does not matter. Fishing from the shore. Medium-sized rivers where chub live usually have thickets of bushes and trees, reeds and other vegetation. And where there are no trees, there is a lot of grass on the shore. All this interferes with fly casting. Here you need all the experience of the fisherman to make successful casts. And if you manage to cast, then the wind may intervene and carry your fly to the branches, which may cause the loss of precious bait. It is best to cast along the shore so that the fly does not have time to make a “whisker”; dry flies made of wool and “foam” are better suited for this. They stay on the surface better and do not sink for a long time. Shore fishing has several disadvantages: • Such fishing requires constant walking along the shore. You can walk several kilometers in a day, and this is not easy even for a young person. • You have to fish only from one side of the river. Because it will not be possible to correctly throw the bait to the other side. • Large loss of flies caught on tree branches and bushes. • You can catch a few fish, because after catching the first fish you need to immediately move to a new place. • You have to cast mostly in one way. Which also affects performance. • The fisherman is constantly in the open. And this scares the fish, and it goes to another place. • Limited fishing area, many places to which the fisherman cannot throw his gear at all. From here we will draw conclusions. That coastal fishing has great advantages for the health of the fisherman, because movement is life. But it has little effect on the amount of catch. Fly fishing for chub. The skill of a fly fisherman lies in the art of casting the fly directly under the branches of overhanging trees. And carry it out like an insect falling into water or floating on water. Basically, the chub stands at depth in the shade of overhanging trees. And the easiest way to get it from there is while in the water. This way there are fewer snags and you can throw the fly exactly as needed, right on target. And, perhaps, wade fly fishing is probably the most common. The disadvantages of this method are the inability to go where necessary. And complete unmasking in front of the fish, which is so important when catching any fish.

Fishing on a flat surface. The success of fishing is also influenced by the correct placement of the boat on the pond. To fish a large area on a flat section of a reservoir, you need to place the boat in the middle of the width of the reservoir upstream. This way you will silently go down, catching all sides around. There is no need to anchor in one place for more than half an hour. Especially if you caught several fish. After parking, go down 50 meters below and fish the surface around you. Start fishing against the current, gradually moving to throws across the current. Then with the flow, alternating long and close throws. The wiring is done differently. At first you can do the wiring slowly, then with slight accelerations. Also changing the depth of the bait. When you catch the first fish, you need to cast it to this place again, holding the bait. If there is still ide there, then he must be tempted by the bait. The ide does not take the bait right away. At first he may push her several times while chasing her. Noticing this, provoke him to throw. This can be done by stopping or speeding up the bait. When fishing at shallow depths, it is worth changing baits with a shallower depth. Fish the banks, near plants and trees near the water. If there is a breeze, it is good. When the wind blows, more insects fall into the water and fly off the branches. You can take advantage of this and make several casts under bushes and branches hanging over the water. You also need to fish rifts and rapids. Fish can stand there at shallow depths of up to 1 meter. The wiring is done uniformly, pay attention to this. There is no need to pause or jerk during the rolls. Yes, and uniform wiring can be different.