Spinning with Lures for European Chub
Casting and retrieving spinners, spoons or small soft plastics on light spinning tackle. 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
- 6'–7'6" Light to Medium spinning rod
- Method — Line
- 6–12 lb mono or braid, matched to the species
- Method — Trace
- Wire or 40 lb+ fluorocarbon trace whenever pike may be present
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.
Check prices for this setupWhy this works on this fish
How the rig works
A rotating blade or wobbling spoon puts out flash and vibration that predators detect on the lateral line as well as by sight, so it works in coloured water where sight-only baits fail.
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 spinning with lures for european chub?
Use 4–8 lb main line, adjusting for cover and water clarity.
What hook size for spinning with lures for european chub?
Size 8–16 depending on bait.
What rod and reel suit spinning with lures 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 spinning with lures hard to learn?
Difficulty is 1/5 (very easy). Spinners twist line badly. Use a quality swivel and re-spool when coils appear.
When does spinning with lures work best for european chub?
Rivers after a small rise in level; year-round, including cold winter days.