Chub Fishing Methods and Tackle: From the Early Days to the Present

Introduction
The European chub (Squalius cephalus), a stout and adaptable freshwater species, has long occupied a special place in British coarse fishing. From medieval rods of hazel or willow bound with horsehair lines, to today’s precision-engineered carbon rods matched with fluorocarbon or braided lines, the evolution of chub angling spans centuries. This article delves into the historical methods and the development of tackle that have shaped the pursuit of this well-loved fish.
Early Historical References and Methods
Medieval and Tudor-Era Angling
- Dame Juliana Berners (15th Century):
In A Treatyse of Fysshynge with an Angle (1496), Berners included basic instructions for making hooks from bent wire, twisting horsehair for lines, and using simple wooden rods (often just a sturdy branch). Chub, referred to as chevene or chevin in some texts, were caught with natural baits such as worms or insects. With no reel in sight, the line was tied directly to the rod tip, and the angler relied on steady hand control to tire the fish. - Tackle in Context:
Rods were far less refined than modern equivalents, often consisting of two pieces bound or spliced together. Horsehair lines were strong for their time but lacked the suppleness and reliability of later innovations. Despite these limitations, chub’s willingness to take a range of baits made it a popular quarry.
The 17th Century: Walton and Barker
- Izaak Walton’s The Compleat Angler (1653):
Walton describes using wooden rods—commonly hazel—paired with lines of horsehair or silk gut. Anglers would present natural baits such as worms or insects and relied on a quill float or even freelining to drift bait through a swim. Walton commended the chub’s spirited fight despite labelling its table quality as somewhat “coarse.” - Thomas Barker’s The Art of Angling (1651/1653):
Barker highlights the chub’s eagerness to take many baits in warm weather and emphasises careful observation. While gear was still rudimentary, both Barker and Walton hint at small improvements in hooks, lines, and presentation, setting the stage for more specialised tackle in later centuries.
18th and 19th Centuries: The Rise of Specialist Rods and Lines
- Early Rod Materials
- Greenheart: A tough South American hardwood used in rod building, offering more consistent action than simple local woods.
- Split-Cane Bamboo: Emerged as a significant innovation, with split sections of bamboo bound together. This not only made rods lighter but also allowed a more refined, flexible action, popular among discerning chub anglers.
- Lines and Reels
- Silk Lines: Gradually replaced horsehair, being smoother and more consistent. Anglers often had to grease or dress silk lines to protect them and improve floatation.
- Early Reels (Winches): Basic centrepin designs served largely as line storage rather than aids for playing fish, but they still represented a major step forward from tying line directly to the rod tip.
- Techniques
- Float Fishing (Trotting): Using quill floats made from goose or swan feathers. Anglers refined methods of “running” a float downstream to achieve a natural drift.
- Freelining and Ledgering: Both gained popularity over time. Freelining was especially useful in clearer waters, while ledgering (weighting the line to fish the bait on or near the bottom) helped access deeper swims.
20th Century Developments
Rods
- Split-Cane to Fibreglass: Between the early 1900s and the mid-century, split-cane rods were cherished for their craftsmanship and responsive feel. By the 1950s and 60s, fibreglass offered a more affordable, durable alternative, though many purists remained loyal to cane.
- Carbon Fibre Emergence (Late 1970s onwards): The introduction of carbon (graphite) rods revolutionised coarse fishing, delivering lightness, sensitivity, and strength—ideal for tackling wary chub in a variety of conditions.
Lines and Reels
- Nylon Monofilament: Replacing silk in the mid-20th century, nylon required less upkeep, was more durable, and ushered in an era of more accessible and reliable tackle.
- Fixed-Spool Reels: Gained widespread use for float fishing and ledgering, enabling longer casts, smoother line control, and improved drag systems compared to earlier centrepins.
Techniques
- Trotting a Float: Perfected on Britain’s rivers, trotting with a centrepin or fixed-spool reel and a sensitive float allows for precise control of the bait’s journey through a swim—a key tactic for tempting chub.
- Ledgering (or Feeder Fishing): With rods better suited to casting weights, ledgering or using swimfeeders became standard for targeting chub near structures or in deeper, slower-moving areas.
- Free-Lining: Favoured in shallow, clear conditions—especially with natural baits like bread or cheesepaste.
- Fly Fishing: Increasingly popular during warmer months, when chub rise for terrestrial insects or even small streamers.
Modern-Day Tackle and Tactics
- Rods and Reels
- Carbon Fibre Rods: Most chub rods today range from 9 to 12 feet, featuring a sensitive tip to detect subtle takes and enough backbone to control a decent fish.
- Reels: Centrepins remain cherished for trotting enthusiasts, offering direct contact and fine line control. Fixed-spool reels are common for ledgering, feeder tactics, and casting heavier set-ups.
- Lines
- High-Performance Monofilament: Offers low diameter with good abrasion resistance, often used for both float work and ledgering.
- Fluorocarbon: Valued for its near-invisibility underwater (due to a refractive index closer to that of water) and natural sinking properties, making it ideal for ledgering or fishing in clear water where line-shy chub might otherwise spook.
- Braided Lines: Occasionally used for direct contact and improved bite detection, though many anglers prefer monofilament or fluorocarbon for their more forgiving stretch and stealth.
- Favourite Methods
- Trotting: A timeless approach for any flowing water. A well-shot float, combined with careful feeding of the swim, enables natural bait presentation that even wily chub find enticing.
- Ledgering/Feeder Fishing: Suited to targeting fish tucked under banks or in deeper holes, with modern swimfeeders delivering groundbait and hook bait precisely.
- Surface or Free-Lining: A crust of bread, piece of fruit, or insect imitation can bring crashing takes when chub patrol the surface.
- Fly Fishing: Gaining adherents who enjoy the visual thrill of coaxing a chub to rise for a well-presented dry fly or terrestrial pattern.
- Baits
- Traditional Options: Bread, worms, maggots, cheesepaste, sweetcorn.
- Modern Adaptations: Pellet-based pastes, boilies, flavoured groundbaits, and artificial flies. Chub’s omnivorous appetite makes them receptive to a broad range of offerings.
Stealth and Watercraft
Despite the abundance of modern tools, successful chub fishing often revolves around classic angling virtues:
- Observation: Spotting chub’s haunts beneath overhanging trees, along undercut banks, or around bridge pilings.
- Discretion: Chub can be easily spooked; a careful approach, minimal disturbance, and unobtrusive tackle help ensure clean takes.
- Patience: Especially in low, clear water, watching for subtle cues and waiting for the right moment to present the bait can be critical.
Conclusion
From the days of bent-wire hooks and horsehair lines to the advanced rods and fluorocarbon reels of our era, the methods and gear for chub fishing have continuously evolved. Yet the heart of the pursuit remains the same: careful presentation, respect for the fish’s wary nature, and the shared anticipation of a confident “take.” Whether you choose a traditional cane rod and centrepin or the latest carbon blank and fluorocarbon mainline, the satisfaction of coaxing a chub from its lair endures—a timeless joy that bridges centuries of angling heritage.