Chub ~ the Greedy River Fish

Chub ( Leuciscus cephalus ) is the name of a popular freshwater European’s sport-fish, belonging to the Cyprinidae family which includes the carp and minnows and a close relative of the European dace.

Identification

It has a streamlined body with a blunt head and large mouth. The pharyngeal teeth are strong and sharp. The back is dark-brown, lightening to pale bronze on the sides and tapering to a whitish belly. The pelvic and anal fins are tinted orange-pink while the erect dorsal fin and forked tail are dark-grey.

Distribution

The chub is primarily a river fish but due to stocking it can be found in still waters. They are widespread in flowing waters, from shallow small streams to deep and large rivers in most of U.K. and much of Europe.

Habitat

They are extremely shy and their inhabitants include weed beds, gravel pits, and beneath overhanging branches -- waiting for falling insects and berries.

Spawn

Spawning takes place in spring on rocky shallows. The young below 2 kg in weight will form schools, or shoals, often with other species such as roach or dace, eating eagerly almost anything that comes their way. However, mature fish roughly about 2 kg and above will break up from the schools and lead more solitary lives.

Immature fish are often confused with dace. The easiest way to tell them apart is by the shape of the anal fin – the anal fin of the chub is convex while that of the dace is concave.

Size and Lifespan

They can grow to over 18 lbs, but are mostly between 1-4 lbs. However, fish over 5 lbs are very rare. The all-tackle world record is 9 lbs 3 oz. They can live to over 25 years.

Diet

Chub are renowned for their voracious appetites, they will eat anything they can find or catch, making them one of the top freshwater game fish in Britain and much of Europe. But they like very much to feed on invertebrates, crayfish, snails, frogs and small fishes. They will feed in all kinds of weather and all levels of the water column.

Fishing

In terms of fishing for this greedy species anglers employ the same gear, baits and methods as they are dealing with other coarse fish. Any angler with some basic fishing skills can enjoy this sport. They are not aggressive fighters when hooked.

Fishing is mostly done on the shore. The most popular method is stillfishing with or without a float, and with any bait that you can get. These scavengers will grab anything you can offer such as corns, bollies, paste, worms, maggots, luncheon meat, bread, cheese and many others. Prebaiting or chumming is a must to draw the fish near to your baited hook.

Fly-fishing for this freshwater sport fish with dry or wet flies is also growing in popularity nowadays and so do lure fishing with soft plastics.

Rod length depends on fishing situations but most anglers use 10--14 foot rods. Light lines from 3—6 lbs are used but in situation when fish are located in ‘bad neighborhood’ heavier lines are used. Hook-sizes are from # 8—16.

Chub is a perfect willing partner for angling but not one that you will bring to the table. The meat is soft, tasteless and full of bone. Catch and release is the norm for anglers who enjoy fishing this species.

Custom Search

Back to Top: Chub

Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater Fishing Bait

Home