Spinning rod for chub: which one to choose for a large and small river?

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  Spinning rods

Spinning rod for chub, which one to choose for a beginner who is planning to master this difficult, but very exciting area of ​​fishing? Not every rod will cope with the tasks and allow you to successfully hunt for this underwater inhabitant. The lobate is a complex predator, so each element of the tackle must be selected impeccably, so that the fisherman does not regret the superficial approach to the layout of the kit, looking at his more successful comrades.

With the help of a high-quality spinning rod, chosen wisely, the angler will feel comfortable in any conditions, will be able to use different baits and perform any animation techniques, and catch fish with a minimum number of trips. The process of fishing with good tackle always brings a lot of vivid emotions and memories, especially when hunting for fish such as chub.

Basic requirements for spinning rods for chub

Before answering the question of which spinning rod to choose for chub, you need to understand what is required of it on the pond. The rod plays an important, if not the most important, role in catching bass. The fishing rod must meet the following criteria:

• It is necessary for casting ultralight baits, which weigh little, and their flight performance leaves much to be desired. A suitable spinning rod allows you to throw them at a distance of about 25–40 meters, which is important when hunting for a timid, cautious predator.
• Light baits have minimal resistance in the water, so the spinning rod should provide excellent control over the retrieve. The fisherman must feel the behavior of the wobbler or spoon in the water in order to select the optimal animation and feed speed, focusing on the mood of the predator.
• Chub is a strong and sharp fish. Therefore, the spinning rod must work well with all its jerks and throws, absorbing them and at the same time managing the process of fishing. It should not allow the fish to feel at ease and give the opportunity to hide behind the nearest snag or algae.

The best spinning rod for chub must definitely meet the specified requirements, otherwise you can’t dream of stable results. Catches with an incorrectly selected set will only be sporadic and accidental. Detailed article: how to catch chub with a spinning rod.

Fishing for chub with a spinning rod on a medium-sized river

Typical examples: Ugra in the middle lower part, Moksha, Tsna, tributaries of the Don, Don in the upper part, Nerl Volzhskaya and Nerl Klyazminskaya. If you catch high-riding schooling fish, which most often stand on a “clean” riffle, with small baits, then fairly light spinning rods with weights up to 7-8 g for bait and 5-8 lb for fishing line are quite suitable. Catching a large chub among 500-gram small fish is quite a rare occurrence. After all, a seasoned lobster always sticks to coastal shelters - snags, holes, coastal washouts or burrows of various animals. In 8 years of intensive chub fishing on our trips, only once did a lone “connecting rod” weighing almost 2 kg come across a wobbler in the middle of the Don, and even then in the morning it turned out that in that place on the river bottom there was a flooded snag. I caught a slightly smaller chub, weighing 1750 g, on the Alym River, and also from the middle of the river. And again in the middle of the river there was shelter - a large snag, under which the fish stood.

All other large chubs (conditionally fish weighing more than 1.5 kg can be classified in this category), including 3.4 kg caught in 2007 by Nikolai from Efremov, were caught along the coastline, in well-studied places of typical chub camps. The fisherman, knowing in advance several points on a certain section of the river, tries to lure the chub out of its ambush. This kind of fishing is very difficult, it requires a lot of patience and skill. Not only do you need to correctly place the bait in the parking area, you also need to correctly place it in the desired horizon, periodically changing the models and colors of wobblers, taking long pauses in fishing, so as not to alert the fish with overly active actions. On one of the Don tributaries, I once spent almost half a day on one snagged coastal hole, changing baits and taking breaks. But then, when the fish’s nerves couldn’t stand it, I took three beautiful chubs in a row. One of them weighed 1.6 kg. And they only managed to hold on to two more, and even then not for long: Fireline 0.15 couldn’t stand it. It is not possible to use a stronger and thicker cord: the pressure of a strong current changes the play of the wobbler and the manner in which the bait is presented. In passing, I note that it is flat cords that work better in strong currents.

In such conditions, the power resource of the spinning rod and its competent operation during... no, not fishing, but, for starters, “holding” the fish in one place for a long time are of great importance. How long this “hold” will last until the fish gets at least a little tired and it is possible to start fishing depends on its strength, the speed of the current in this place and the skill of the fisherman.

When fishing with a spinning rod that is too hard, the fish will certainly come off; if you choose one that is too weak, with a soft butt, the fish will come off even faster. But this is where the main nuances with the sensitivity of the spinning rod begin. Thus, a very light spinning rod perfectly works with the wobbler, and fishing with it is very comfortable. The angler feels any touch of branches under water, which is important when it is necessary to detect the outer branches of a flooded tree in order to “outline” the obstacle and determine the boundaries beyond which the bait cannot be taken. The spinning rod is too powerful and does not have the required sensitivity, resulting in dead hooks and broken baits. Not only are expensive wobblers lost, but also the extra noise, the swaying of branches when the cord breaks, scares away the fish standing nearby. In this case, the chubs become wary and move deep under the shore.

Models of spinning rods for medium rivers can be called the following. Norstream Dynamic-2 Twitch special 76 L, 3-15 g. This spinning rod, designed specifically for jerk fishing, is ideal for catching large chub in snags. “Silver Stream Typhoon” 2.40 m, test 2-14 g. This is exactly the model with which several chub weighing more than 2 kg were caught. For example, the aforementioned Nikolai from Efremov, as well as many of my acquaintances, fish with this spinning rod. CD-Rods Extrasense 7.9, 5-19 g and CD-Rods Blue Rapid 7.6, 3-14 g. These models have also been extensively tested on chubs and have proven their worth. Errors in choosing a spinning rod for fishing near chub camps are obvious, and many cases can be cited when, because of them, the fish left the angler not only without bait, but also without the cord, taking it all away. Here is a typical example.

One late evening, my travel partner, wearing waders in chest-deep water, moved along the shore, making casts. He returned very upset and excited. It turned out that on the next trip his wobbler was grabbed by a big fish. The cord began to rapidly leave the reel, but attempts to tighten the clutch led to nothing. A light spinning rod with a dough of up to 7 g instantly bent to the handle and stopped working. It was not possible to push the fish away from the shore. When the cord ran out, the fish easily broke it off and left. The spool remained completely empty. It’s a pity, by the way, not so much for the cord as for the fish.

Very often on medium rivers you have to fish from the bank, breaking through to the water through thickets of nettles and hops. Casts in such places should be point and very short, along trunks and branches. This kind of fishing is a bit like “flipping”, the only difference being that you have to stand on a steep clay bank, having difficulty maintaining your balance. Fishing is also very short and forceful; the fisherman’s task is to prevent the chub from getting the line behind the snag. Surprisingly, in such conditions, some masters manage to catch and hatch trophy fish. For example, the famous spinning player Igor CHELISCHEV managed to pull a fish weighing about 4 kg from a steep bank! To be honest, it’s hard to even imagine how in such conditions it’s possible to make an accurate cast, let alone pick up such a giant! Igor Chelishchev uses a handmade rod: the blank on a homemade mandrel was made by E. SEREDA, and the assembly was carried out by Igor himself. The parameters of this spinning rod: length is about 8.3 feet, the test can be estimated as 3-18 g. What is typical, Chelishchev believes that such parameters of the spinning rod are the minimum power that should be used for any chub fishing if there is “concern” that there are large chubs in the river.

For such coastal fishing, in principle, many rods with a length of about 8 feet are suitable - it’s difficult to control the bait in such conditions - and the test for baits is up to 14-21 g. It’s not worth taking spinning rods for such fishing that are too slow, “noodles”, You should also use rods that are too hard. After all, the blank must not only have a restraining capacity, it must also dampen the movements of the fish. The models described above for catching trophy chub in many cases are also suitable for such spot fishing from cliffs. By the way, don’t think that this fishing is such a rare occurrence. In my recent trips to the southern rivers for chub, many points were fished exactly as described above. And the “harvest” captured in this way was many times greater than what was achieved by comfortable fishing by wading from the river, when the spinning angler could comfortably stand in a roll.

Basic parameters of a spinning rod for chub

In any conditions, fishing for bigheaded fish is carried out using the same baits, so the main guideline that you should pay attention to is the size of the reservoir. Conventionally, the rivers where chub are hunted can be divided into small and large. Based on this, you should select a specific spinning rod model.

The choice of a spinning rod for catching chub on a large river should be based on the fact that you will often have to cast light baits over decent distances. In deep arteries, the food supply is richer, and therefore the specimens here grow larger. Consequently, larger baits are used for trophy bass.

Spinning for chub for fishing on a large river should:

• throw bait far;
• conduct them confidently;
• control wiring at any stage;
• reliably hook;
• successfully catch fish.

The height of a fishing rod for a large river is 2.40–2.70 meters. It makes no sense to take a longer one, and it’s not easy to find similar models on the market. A spinning rod for chub, the test of which will be no more than 12 grams, is suitable for the conditions of large bodies of water; occasionally, a “stick” of up to 15 grams may be needed. The rod action is medium or medium-fast. It is the most powerful and suitable for wobblers and spinners for chub.

When fishing on a small river, long casts are not required. The accuracy of the throw is much more important here. Therefore, the spinning rod’s action should be fast, and the length should be within 1.80–2.10 meters. A taller “rod” will restrict movement, especially when fishing from a boat or in conditions of an overgrown coastline.

On a small river, smaller and lighter baits are used, so the rod test is chosen accordingly. The optimal upper value ranges from 7–10 grams, on streams and micro rivers – up to 5 grams.

The handle in both cases should be ergonomic and fit well in the hand. During the fishing process, the angler should not experience a feeling of discomfort or any inconvenience. The reel seat must clearly and firmly fix the reel; its spontaneous unwinding is not allowed.

Choosing a spinning rod for chub fishing

Since the habitats of the chub are difficult to access, and extreme caution must be exercised when searching for them, it is best to use ultralight spinning rods to catch them. The spinning test is selected according to the type of bait used and, depending on the manufacturer, can vary from 1 to 10 grams. The most acceptable choice here is to choose gear with a test weight of 7 to 10 grams, since when catching chub light baits are used and a larger test is simply not required. Another plus is that the ultralight allows you to make an accurate cast, which is very important if fishing is carried out in snags or other hard-to-reach places.

The accuracy and casting distance are also affected by the length of the rod; it can reach up to 4 meters if fishing is planned in large standing reservoirs, from dams or dams. This configuration allows you to cast just above the location of the chub and perform a retrieve without scaring the fish. A universal size, which is suitable for fishing both in the current and in backwaters, is a spinning rod length from 2.1 to 2.5 meters.

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The action of the rod should be medium; fast and super-fast are not suitable. Such rigidity has all the necessary qualities - to cast long distances with a small mass of bait, and also to easily land fish if its mass is large. For these parameters, there are three rod models recommended for chub fishing:

1. Graphiteleader GNFPTS-762UL-LT. Professional spinning rod with a length of 2.29 meters, Regular Fast action and excellent test for catching chub from 0.6 to 10 grams, made of innovative graphite-based material with the Super Quattro Graphite Cloth trademark. It has a durable plug design consisting of two sections. Equipped with Fuji guide rings and an ergonomic EVA handle.
2. Aiko Dixi 195 UL. Lightweight two-section plug-in fishing rod weighing 88 grams, ultralight style from the budget line. It has excellent characteristics for its segment, Regular Fast action, length 1.95 meters with a handle size of 27.5 cm, made of EVA material. The rod test ranges from 1 to 7 grams. It is equipped with Alconite fittings and is perfect for beginners for chub fishing.
3. Airock line from Major Craft. A whole series of ultralight rods that go beyond the budget range. Options with different tests are presented, among which the angler will find what he needs for fishing in the chosen body of water.

Of course, only a small part of the possible spinning rods for chub fishing are presented here and are suitable for those who are just starting out, since usually an experienced angler chooses the tackle himself, based on his knowledge and preferences.

Rating of spinning rods for chub

Ultralate and light fishing rods are used for chub hunting. Many of them were created for trout fishing, but found application for lobasta. These two fish are very similar in habits and fishing behavior. Therefore, it is fair that most models can be used in our reservoirs when catching this representative of the ichthyofauna. So, we choose a spinning rod for catching chub, the best rating is presented below.

№1.Banax Ultra

A budget series of spinning rods that are successfully used by many fishermen for chub fishing. There are different models in the line. There are those suitable for small rivers and weightless baits, and there are those intended for trophy specimens. The rods are distinguished by an extraordinary reserve of power. They are practically indestructible and can withstand careless handling. Suitable for the most severe fishing conditions, for example for chub fishing in spring or late autumn. One of the shortcomings is the handle, made of low quality cork. If not properly cared for, it can quickly deteriorate and the fishing rod will have to be repaired. Full review of the stick.

№2.Aiko Margarita II

An elegant, universal budget class fishing rod. This is an updated line, which has acquired a new design and expanded its range with new models. Allows the use of wobblers, spinners, micro-oscillators, silicone baits, walkers and poppers. Suitable for small and large rivers.

Produced from high-quality graphite of the IM9 series. Equipped with Y-series guides with Alconite inserts from Fuji and a shaped EVA reel seat. Supplied in a hard case, typical for premium models. Full review of the stick.

№3.Norstream Area

A legendary fishing rod, specially designed for fishing in our rivers. There are three models in the line, aimed at baits of different weights and diverse fishing conditions. Allows you to hunt for chub of different sizes. They provide accurate and long-distance casting and behave confidently when fishing.

"Areal" is the best spinning rod for catching chub in terms of price-quality ratio. Has an original design. Lightweight Fuji SiC Titanium rings. The classic screw reel seat is reliable and does not unwind while fishing.

№4.Pontoon21 Unitra

The line of rods is above the average price range. Represented by a universal series and a specialized trout series. For chub, you can choose models from the first or second category - both are suitable for wobblers and spinners. They are distinguished by good porosity and safety margin.

Made using innovative technology from high-quality carbon fiber. Equipped with trout rings on a high stem with a lightweight frame from Fuji. The reel seat is ergonomic and fits comfortably in the angler’s hand.

№5.Megabass Hyuga

Our top spinning rod for chub is rounded off by a premium rod from the famous Japanese concern, which specializes in the manufacture of high-quality fishing gear. It throws far, can withstand the pressure of a large predator, and is light in weight.

“Prut” is made of high quality materials. Equipped with Fuji guides and a durable reel seat. The handle is made from high purity balsa wood.

Types of baits for catching chub using a spinning rod

Wobblers are considered the most catchy bait. There are many models on the market, each of which is suitable only for a specific body of water. Moreover, the most catchy baits are considered to be those not in the form of fish, but those imitating a grasshopper, as well as large flies and the May beetle. Naturally, you can only fish with such gear using ultralight. However, as an example, it is still worth citing several models of standard wobblers presented by some companies:

1. Yo-Zuri L-Minnow. These are sinking wobblers, the catch sizes of which are 33 and 44 mm. The masses will be 3.5 grams and 5 grams, respectively. They are presented in a wide range of colors, and the price per piece averages 400 rubles.
2. Megabass Baby Griffon. Very effective floating wobblers with a huge palette of colors and a unique, sweeping, stable action. With a length of 37.8 mm, they weigh 5.3 grams, and the depth varies from 0.2 to 0.6 m. The price per unit will be about 900 rubles.
3. Kosadaka ION XS 55. A popular sinking wobbler for catching chub in still waters using a twitch. With a body length of 55 mm, it weighs 4.1 grams, and the working depth does not exceed 0.5 m. The price for one piece is about 400 rubles.

The second most popular when fishing for chub are rotating spoons. The positive thing is that working with them requires minimal skill, since they mostly use a uniform retrieve, which makes this gear attractive to novice anglers, increasing their chances of catching a chub. The main requirement for these spinners is stable operation of the blade from the beginning to the end of the retrieve; often it is the cheap models that do not satisfy this requirement.

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The size of the spinner for chub is selected from zero to two; three is used very rarely. The color of the spinner must be selected based on the characteristics of the reservoir. Today, only two companies have established themselves as manufacturers of the most worthy “turntables” - Mepps and Blue Fox. However, there are other brands, below are some of the most catchy models of spinners:

1. Mepps Aglia Fluo. These spoons are used in sizes from 0 to 2. They are unique in that they noticeably change their color under water, causing an immediate response from the predator. The weights for these models are 2.5 grams, 3.5 grams and 4.5 grams, and the price varies from 114 to 150 rubles.
2. Blue Fox Vibrax Original. A spinner whose merits are recognized by the entire fishing community. It is distinguished by its reliable operation; rotation begins from the very beginning of the line tightening. For chub, the same sizes from 0 to 2 are used, having a mass of 3.4 and 6 grams, respectively. The price on the market varies greatly and can reach 600 rubles per piece.
3. Daiwa Silver Creek SPINNER(R)1040-C amago. A fairly well-known rotating spoon weighing 3.5 grams, which has a fish-shaped core. The complex bend of the petal creates ambiguous vibrations, to which the fish readily responds. The price for such a lure specially designed for chub is on average 500 rubles.

It should be noted that homemade spinners made by experienced fishermen have also proven themselves. It is noteworthy that in some regions, retail stores sell them, since in terms of quality and catchability they are not inferior to factory models.

The third place in popularity when catching chub is occupied by oscillating spoons. If you plan to use this type of bait, you should remember that the size should be very small, so that the weight does not exceed 5 grams. This lure is equipped with both a triple and single hook. The wiring style is necessarily twitching. There are times when the chub attacks the spoon immediately after casting, when it is about half a meter deep. There are a variety of colors, below is a list of some proven “shakers” for chub:

1. Kosadaka Micron. An oscillating spinner 33 mm long and weighing 3 grams. The color palette is very extensive, but good performance is achieved with numbers BS, GL and SL. The price per unit is about 150 rubles.
2. Daiwa Presso Witch. Lightweight “oscillator” with a length of 30 mm and a weight of 2.4 grams. Shaped for axial rotation, ideal for uneven wiring. Equipped with a single hook, colors for chub are yellow and white. The price per unit is about 300 rubles.
3. SV Fishing Lures Koketka. Catchable spinners from a Ukrainian manufacturer, with more than fifty color variations. Suitable sizes for chub are considered to be 21 mm, 25 mm and 30 mm, with masses of 1.2, 2, 2.6, 3, 3.8 grams, depending on thickness. The price varies from 300 to 400 rubles.

As you can see, there are a lot of options for catching chub using spinning tackle. In some cases, chub even take silicone baits, but this is the exception rather than the rule and the choice of such gear should be determined solely in accordance with the characteristics of the water body being fished.