Chub and barbel: two river approaches

Chub: cover and choices

Chub use rafts, overhangs, bends, creases and glides. Fish near cover only when your angle and tackle let you guide a fish clear. The landing position decides whether a float, feeder or allowed freelined bait is sensible.

Barbel: flow and recovery

Barbel may use gravelly glides, seams and deeper runs. Use tackle that can land them without exhaustion. Support a barbel facing gentle flow until it holds upright and leaves strongly; never push it away early.

River checklist

• Check the close season and local byelaws.
• Assess banks and rising water before setting up.
• Keep clear of overhead lines.
• Never enter dangerous flow to land a fish.

Fish-care source: Angling Trust best-practice guide to freshwater angling. Follow the rules for the fishery in front of you.

Read the close-season guide.