Squalius cephalus
A clear, plain-English guide to chub for parents, coaches and juniors. See where they live, the best starter tackle, simple bait choices and a three-step plan to help young anglers catch their first one safely.
Skill level
Easy (4/10)
Great for coached juniors and confident beginners.
Best time
Spring–Autumn
Pick mild, settled days for junior sessions.
Typical size
1–4 lb common; specimens over 6 lb possible.
Always match hooks, nets & lines to expected fish size.
Beginner baits
Bread flake, Lobworm, Meat (luncheon meat) …
Keep it simple — small hook baits, little-and-often feeding.
A simple, repeatable plan juniors can follow with help from a parent, coach or older angler.
Step 1
Find steady river glides
Choose safe banks on rivers with steady flow, rafts and overhanging trees. Chub love cover and broken water.
Step 2
Simple trotting or freelining
Use a float rig to trot maggots, bread or pellets down the run, or freeline a bigger bait under trees with suitable tackle.
Step 3
Travel light and move swims
Teach juniors to feed little in each spot and move if bites don’t come. Emphasise safe wading (if used) and keeping away from steep or undercut banks.
Designed with juniors and fish welfare in mind. Start with an IDEAL or GOOD setup for easier casting and safe unhooking.
👉 Swipe sideways to view different setups.
The Chub is a powerful, broad-headed river fish that will eat a wide range of baits. It loves cover such as overhanging trees, rafts and undercut banks, and fights hard on light tackle.
Junior tip
Try free-lining bread flake or a big pellet under trees and bushes. Keep quiet, travel light and be ready for big, confident bites.
Logged a Chub recently?
Add a catch report so juniors can see where they’re being caught, which baits work and how your tackle was set up.
Want to discover more species? Browse the full species guide.
Linked conditions and guidance for Chub.
Ergasilus briani is a tiny parasitic crustacean that sticks to a fish’s gills, a bit like a microscopic crab. It irritates the gills and makes it harder for fish to breathe. Heavy infections can stress the fish and slow them down.
Argulus mongolianus is a newly discovered fish louse recently found in the UK. It attaches mainly to the gills, mouth, and head of fish, causing irritation, stress, and sometimes deaths. It has already been confirmed in carp, roach, and bream, and may infect all freshwater species. Because it is new and potentially harmful, reporting any suspicious lice or fish behaviour is very important.
Blackspot is a common parasite that forms tiny black cysts on the skin and fins of freshwater fish. It looks alarming but is normally harmless and part of a natural cycle involving snails and birds. Only very heavy infections or small fish are affected. In most cases, blackspot is nothing to worry about.
Chilodonella is a fast-spreading parasite that attacks the skin and gills of freshwater fish. It can cause heavy mucus, grey patches, breathing problems, and even death if untreated. It thrives in poor water quality, overcrowded waters, and when fish are stressed. Good fishery management is the best way to prevent outbreaks.
Ichthyobodo necator (Costia) is a rapidly spreading parasite that attacks a fish’s skin and gills. It causes lethargy, breathing problems, weight loss, and can be deadly—especially for young or stressed fish. It thrives in both cold and warm water, so good management and low-stress conditions are essential to prevent outbreaks.