I got to my eighth swim, a shallow area lined with railway sleepers that were dumped in the river many years ago. As time went by, this area had formed a lovely raft. During my coffee, the sun was shining directly on me and the kingfishers were busy darting to and fro along the opposite line of trees. I began to think things over as to why I had missed so many bites, it's not my very simple rig, nor the hook size or bait, so I just put it down to wily chub.... of course, bloody devil's eh!! Well fishing is all a guess game really
I casted into the flow to allow my bait (cheddar cheese) to roll under the raft. It settled nicely, rod in hand I waited patiently. I didn't have to wait too long though. A small tremor on the tip, followed by a tiny pluck, then a decent pull, just like my previous bites that I'd missed. I lifted into the bite then all hell broke lose. I could feel the lock on, then two very good sized chub errupted to the surface. Bingo!
Cane in full hoop, I wind down hard to avoid the sleepers but I was too late. Bail arm off and I waited. I could feel her rooting around the bottom bed, then just like a crafty fox she began to slowly swim towards me along the margin, and in doing so my line started to slacken even more. I quickly wound in the excess line until we connected again, and then the battle re-commenced. I'm not too sure how long it took me to get her over the hoop, but it sure was great battle, chub being as stubborn as ever hugging the bottom bed trying to find another obstacle to snag you in. After a few more solid head bangs, and last minute dive attempts to cover, she soon tired and emerged to the surface. No matter how many chub you catch, it's always a great feeling when you see their huge wide open mouths, a sign of defeat almost.
And in she went. 6lb 15oz
