Legering / Bottom Bait for European Chub
A weighted rig holding bait hard on the bottom, with bites shown on a tip or alarm. Applied to european chub, that means 4–8 lb main line and a light to medium float or feeder rod; light spinning rod for lures rod as your baseline.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Rod, reel, line and hooks
- Rod
- Light to medium float or feeder rod; light spinning rod for lures, 9–13 ft
- Reel
- 2500–4000 spinning
- Main line
- 4–8 lb
- Hooks
- Size 8–16 depending on bait
- Method — Rod
- 7'–12' depending on venue and casting distance
- Method — Line
- 10–30 lb by species
- Method — Hook
- Circle hooks for catfish; wide-gape for coarse species
Where the species baseline and the method spec differ, the method spec is the more specific advice — the species row tells you the strength you need, the method row tells you the behaviour you need.
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How the rig works
A lead or feeder pins the bait in place so current or wind cannot move it. Bite indication comes from the rod tip, a bobbin or an electronic alarm instead of a float.
European Chub behaviour
Opportunistic omnivore: bread, maggots, worms, insects, crayfish, small fish and fruit.
Rivers of all sizes; overhanging trees, undercut banks, weed beds and snags.
When to fish it
Rivers after a small rise in level; year-round, including cold winter days.
European Chub tips
- Keep low and quiet — chub spook easily from bank movement.
- Bread flake and cheesepaste are classic winter baits.
- The UK river coarse closed season applies in England and Wales (mid-March to mid-June).
Other methods for european chub
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Common questions
What line do I need for legering / bottom bait for european chub?
Use 4–8 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for legering / bottom bait for european chub?
Size 8–16 depending on bait.
What rod and reel suit legering / bottom bait for european chub?
A light to medium float or feeder rod; light spinning rod for lures rod around 9–13 ft with 2500–4000 spinning.
Is legering / bottom bait hard to learn?
Difficulty is 1/5 (very easy). Use a running lead or a safe lead-release setup so a fish can never be tethered by a snagged lead.
When does legering / bottom bait work best for european chub?
Rivers after a small rise in level; year-round, including cold winter days.