Five chub from a short evening session...

I've just managed 3 hours fishing on the river. Tactics were a medium feeder to the middle of the river, nothing complicated, night light on the tip, and sit and wait. It didn't take long to get the usual indications as a chub tries to knock the food out the feeder, and then the rod just swing round, first fish landed. This happened four more times in the next couple of hours, and they fought brilliantly, seem to be in fighting fit condition.

Fish of 4lb 1oz, 4lb 5oz, 4lb 8oz, 4lb 10oz and 5lb 2oz (a new pb by 1oz!)

Got to be happy with that!

The bottom fish is the big one.

First trip on the river wear

Living in the north east, I tend to fish the river tees or Swale, which offers an excellent variety of species to go at. The rivers further north, i.e. the Tyne and Wear tend to be classed in the 'game fishing' category, and offer excellent sea trout and salmon sport. However, the last few years I have heard excellent reports of coarse fishing on the river wear, for chub, dace and more recently, barbel. 

Subs paid, and this morning I was walking the hard frosty ground in search of a river wear chub. The river was low, clear (although I'm told the wear tends to run clear because of the rocks it percolates through) and sun was bright. I had feeder tactics, but failed to catch on the usual baits. I was shooting myself in the foot slightly, and wishing I had some stick floats and two pints of maggots. 

I've had a taste of the river, and like the feel of it. Expect some future catch reports (hopefully!).