Trotting for Chub

[Andy Millichamp]

Yesterday I had a change from my usual fishing, and had a first go at trotting for chub on the Teme. I haven't had my pin for very long and this is the first time I've done any trotting ... and I blanked big time

This stretch seems to have plenty of chub, and as this is my first go, I can't help thinking that I must be getting it wrong.

My tackle was 6lb floating line, a wire-stemmed 4AAA avon-type float (fixed top-and-bottom) straight through to a size 8 Raptor T6 hook with a piece of flake squeezed on. I put one AAA shot about 4" from the hook and three about 15".

I waded out so that I was in the flow or could get my rod tip over the flow. Then I just let the float trot down the flow, using it's weight to pull line of the pin. From time to time I would hold it back for a moment, and occasionally if needed, I would mend the line.

The swims were mostly wherever I could get into the river and there was enough water (the faster bits are only 6" deep at the moment). Several of the swims took the float close to overhanging trees and bushes, some were down the middle. The depth was anything from 18" to 4 feet, some swims were slow, some quite quick, and the water was crystal clear.

As I'm writing this, it all sounds okay - but the chub weren't interested. So what was I doing wrong? Am I spooking them when I wade in? Do I need to hold it back more? Fish different depths? A different approach to shotting? Or just use a different bait? I could probably feed a swim to get them feeding and competing, but I was hoping to rove the stretch, picking off the odd fish here an there.

Any thoughts?

 

[Mike Hodgkiss]

For what it's worth your technique seems sound enough to me . Were you fishing dead depth , mid water , over depth ? Holding back as you were ,usually works better when you are fishing slightly over depth . You say there are plenty of chub in the stretch , could you see them ? it might be that they simply weren't around . I would have tried other baits as well , perhaps sweetcorn or maggots both of which chub love . Although not as critical as with other species constant depth variation is sometimes needed until you hit on the right depth where they will take the bait . Plenty of little and often loose feed is always good , if fish are around they will compete and lose inhibition .I would perhaps go for a smaller hook as well maybe a 10 or 12 , and perhaps a string of spaced out smaller shot nearer the hook given the very clear water . Hope this helps

 

[Darryl Davis]

I would suggest a light and often feeding regime - even if you are roaming - as Mike sugests.
Take a read of "Floatfishing for Barbel" by Keith Speer on the Articles section as it will give you insights whether trotting for Barbel or Chub.

 

[Nathan Walter]

Overall sounds OK. I personally wouldn't use a 'AAA' as a dropper shot, it's too big and clumsy. Try scaling down to a No 4 or 6 about 6 inches from the hook. You may even get away with a BB as you are using large pieces of flake. Try the setup out in close where you can see how the bait reacts with the size of the hook and then you can judge how big the dropper shot needs to be. You'll be surprised how little it takes to get the bait down near the bottom, especially when using bulk shots 15-18'' from the hook.

 

[Steven Devereux]

well the chub probably just sulking ,same as the other guys opinion really ,in winter or coloured water you'd been ok set up wise ,the basic set up is spot on ,probably needs refinning for summer conditions .

i'd swap all the AAA's for eight BBs ,put seven in a tight bunch (2mm gap between shot) about 18" or just over half depth .the eigth BB i'd swap for two n#4 stick one 4-6 inches from hook and the other directly under the float lightly pinched on the line (this is your depth marker) the hook i'd swap down too a 14 or 12 .

by having the 7 bb shot bunched as bulk ,you can always if the need arrises move them too a equally spaced out pattern .

 

[James Hinley]

Casters fed little and often work a treat. However, feeding mashed bread can also turn them on in the right conditions! Try altering your shotting pattern, altering the depth and changing float until you start getting takes. You'd be suprised the difference it makes.

 

[Ken Jones]

I would look at using a Drennan clear loafer in water of that depth and reduce the size of your shot and have the last shot no closer that 10 ''.2AAA is OK in that depth.
For me this time of year the only bait on the float for Chub is hemp and caster 2pints of each and feed for ten minutes at least before running a float down, then five minutes after each fish once they are having a go feed every run down.Sometimes twice.
I would fish a lighter hook length of old fashioned stretchy line to.With balanced tackle you will be surprised what you can do.Autumn is the time for bread.

 

[Michael Brough]

I've fished alot for chub on the float this season on a small, low, clear river.For what it's worth I've used a 2 swan shot clear Drennan loafer shotted with AAs about a foot from the hook with 4lb line straight through to a size 10 Drennan speciman hook.

I've caught fish in 18 inches of water to several feet and just move the float up and down to suit. Bait was bread flake with a few free sample before I run the float through. Most of the fish have come from the faster water but not turbulent water.

If I catch in a swim I move on as disturbence on a small river spooks the fish. I bait up with some more free samples and come back later and often catch another fish.

By roving with the float rod I feel I cover more fish than remaining in the same place. To do this it pays to travel light, all my tackle [what little I take] is in my waistcoat pockets, a loaf of bread in a Gardner bait bucket [great purchase] rod and landing net.

 

[Andy Millichamp]

Thanks for the replies, that's all very helpful and given me a few things to try different next time.

Not sure about the casters though, I was looking for a cheap way of fishing

 

[Andy Millichamp]

I've fished alot for chub on the float this season on a small, low, clear river.For what it's worth I've used a 2 swan shot clear Drennan loafer shotted with AAs about a foot from the hook with 4lb line straight through to a size 10 Drennan speciman hook.

I've caught fish in 18 inches of water to several feet and just move the float up and down to suit. Bait was bread flake with a few free sample before I run the float through. Most of the fish have come from the faster water but not turbulent water.

If I catch in a swim I move on as disturbence on a small river spooks the fish. I bait up with some more free samples and come back later and often catch another fish.

By roving with the float rod I feel I cover more fish than remaining in the same place. To do this it pays to travel light, all my tackle [what little I take] is in my waistcoat pockets, a loaf of bread in a Gardner bait bucket [great purchase] rod and landing net.

That was exactly what I was hoping to achieve. I like the idea of grabbing a few bits of tackle and buying a loaf on the way, with no trips to the tackle shop with bait boxes, or lugging around extra tins of corn. Next time I'll try sending down some free samples first, but also take some alternative baits until I can find out what works for me.

 

[Mick Duffy]

Hi Andy, I'm no expert but what your doing sounds good to me, I would probably go a bit lighter 12 hook and I've had a bit more success with a flourocarbon hooklength of 6lb (whilst ledgering), its the diameter of 3lb line but a little stiffer. I would definately feed some loose offerings. Maybe try some maggotts or casters and just a pinch of them when you send the float through. They are canny buggers though, I've watched them hoover up all the loose offerings and watch my hookbait go by. It might be good for you to catch a few smaller fish to get a feel for it too. Good luck mate.