A return visit to the upper Adur in the hope of catching some Chub. Last time, armed with float gear and maggots I caught dozens of hand size Roach and Chub. This time with an Avon quiver tip rod and Luncheon meat, I planed to rove this short stretch called Cemetery Wood in search of bigger fish. My plan was a simple one, fish a running rig with a size 4 hook and a 20mm cube of Luncheon meat, staying in each swim for just half an hour. In the past at other locations I have found this to be quite a successful method, testing each swim and over time finding the productive areas. After several trips it becomes clear which swims are best for Chub, then I concentrate on just those swims.
River carp – no chub
On this occasion I learnt little about the Chub because all I caught was one river Carp. It was interesting watching the bite develop on the tip, very delicate taps at first followed by a gradual pull. I struck in the hope it was a Chub, but within seconds I knew it had to be a Carp. Chub have a very fast run and head for the nearest snag, of all fish, Chub seem to know where every snag is. This run was a slower powerful run with the fish heading straight downstream.
The river Carp put up a good fight on my Avon with 6lb line. Powerful runs mixed with dogged resistance. I had a good hook hold so unless the fish could find a snag it was just a matter of time. After several minutes a beautiful mirror Carp was on the bank, 9lb 11oz. River Carp are much stronger and harder fighting than their lake cousins, especially if your not expecting them. Although I didn’t catch any Chub I still had a good day in the peace and beauty of the Sussex countryside.
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