After landing a decent chub a few weeks back on Lamprey intended for pike, I've decided to purposely target chub with small sized chunks of lamprey at night. Tactics are simply a link ledgered swan shot, through to a size 4 hook and chunk of lamprey. There has been no need to put any additional bait in; the lamprey seems to draw the chub in within ten mins of casting (if they are there).
Each trip (lasting no more than 2 hours) has resulted in decent chub, with bites being very confident pulls or drop backs. They seem to take the bait right back and are easy to hook. I've also managed a couple of eels, which seem taken by the lamprey as well.
I'll definitely be persevering this winter with lamprey to go alongside my usual steak, and hopefully it might get me a Tees or Wear 6lber.
I got out on the middle tees for dawn today, on what is traditionally the start of the pike season (though obviously a date for such things is pointless as temps vary greatly year on year). Two rods out in search of pike, one with lamprey, other with smelt. After half an hour or so, the lamprey was taken but I realised what was hooked quickly after setting the hooks, and soon landed this nice chub of 4lb 6oz. They have a thing for lamprey, so it was no surprise - one of my favourite chub baits (along with steak), but not really what I was after.
Didn't get anything else despite trying three other spots. I noticed the dace topping which is good; they will soon be shoaling up and migrating downstream.
Air pressure was 1014 and rising quickly through the day. Temp 9C overnight
