Chub
Chub sport is at its best during the autumn and winter on the Sussex Ouse. There is a good stock of fish, typically falling to anglers who are prepared to cover a number of swims. We've seen the weight range shift in the last couple of seasons with a 5lb plus specimen now being a real prospect for those who are prepared to put the work in.
Callum says "The chub was caught after prebaiting a spot for carp in fairly shallow water on the tidal stretch. When I got down to the river early in the morning I saw two large chub one was bigger than the other. I sat back watching the two chub eating bait around my rig the low light made it difficult to see which of the two chub then picked up my bait as the line tightened and the rod bent around. A short fight ensued and a short but very fat chub of 4Ib 13oz was landed. I’m not sure whether it was the bigger or smaller of the two fish but if it was the smaller it does make wonder how big the bigger one was!"
Stewart says "This 6lb 3oz chub completely blew me away when I caught it in January 2023. I'd been hoping for an Ouse 'five' at the time and hadn't imagined I'd stand any chance of breaking the six-pound barrier. Since then several other 'sixes' have been reported by our permit holders along with an increasing number of 5lb-plus specimens. There's little doubt that the lower Ouse is an up-and-coming coarse fishery, as evidenced by quality fish like these together with specimen-sized carp, barbel and pike."
Dave says "The last 15 minutes of a freezing cold winter day in 2023. Not the biggest at an oz under 4lb but in top winter condition. I'd fished 3 or 4 swims that morning with no luck. Who was it who said "Chub are the most accommodating of fish? This one was very welcome indeed!"