First chub of the season

[Down-the-drain]

Just got back from a 5 hour session on the river Great Ouse in Bedford.

I decided to go barbel fishing for a few hours today using a hair rig for the first time. After a few hours of utter annoyance losing bait to tiddlers I almost decided to pack up and go home but decided to put a stonking great lump of luncheon meat on a size six hair-rigged hook and hope for the best.

First cast about 10 mins in , I almost lost my rod to an enormous bite which could only have been a barbel. Stupidly I forgot to put the baitrunner on (I've only just bought a baitrunner type reel) and at the 1 minute I wasn't paying attention Mr Fish decided to have a go. I struck , but alas was far too late.

After this little escapade I thought I'd have a final cast before going home. Almost as soon as my bait settled on the bottom my rod whipped round and this time I was ready. The hook set home and 5 or so minutes later I landed this little beauty :





Sorry for the awful quality but my camera phone is rubbish and it was about 11pm so very dark.

Not a barbel but it saved me from blanking and was my biggest chub to date. I'm well pleased , I've only just started getting back into fishing after 3 or 4 years away and this has definately got me "hooked" again

[fullcreel]

Well done, chub might be greedy bait thieves, but they can save you from a blank, and in winter time they are a real bonus.

[Down-the-drain]

I love 'em. I'd sooner catch a decent chub than almost anything else and I'm more than happy for them to scoff my bait.

[pingu]

cracking fish

dave

[blackwater]

Well done

Cracking fish, Even though it wasnt a barbel i'm sure you are still over the moon

BW