![Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/11201/402186/5e1e67a675162/Dorset-Stour.jpeg)
I started fishing when I was aged nine. My brother and I fished the small River Chew, in Somerset, for anything that came along.
My brother then got into football, and I started work when I was 15, but luckily I met some other anglers at my workplace. We started fishing for Bristol Avon barbel, and I became hooked on them between 1973 and 2001. I caught the first authenticated ‘double’ from the river in the 1970s, a fish of 10 lb 2 oz.
I then joined a specimen angling group in Bristol, meeting like-minded anglers that had an interest in targeting big fish.
I started fishing with Don and Alan, both of them preferring to target specific species at different times of the year.
Their approach was an alien one to me, as I had been focussing solely on barbel, but I learned so much from them, about pike, tench and chub fishing methods. Sadly, they have both now passed away.
I followed their approach, pursuing different species to suit the conditions, which seems blatantly obvious now, but it wasn’t back then.
A career with Cadbury took me all round the world, but it got in the way of my specimen fishing. Time was precious, and fishing was no longer my top priority.
I still fished whenever I could, but my fishing time was severely limited.
Back on the bank
About 11 years ago, at the age of 52 and when living near Bath, I managed to escape the clutches of the business world, leaving me with plenty of free time to fish the Hampshire Avon, the Dorset Stour and a host of other venues. I was also keen on becoming an angling guide.
I started to catch some good-sized chub from both rivers. A 5 lb chub in a season is a very good result on the Bristol Avon, but on these Wessex rivers you can catch several five-pounders in a day, and there’s always the chance of a 6 lb fish, and even the ‘holy grail’ of chubbing, a seven-pounder.
Denne historien er fra January 14, 2020-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
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Denne historien er fra January 14, 2020-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
![Venues on the menu](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e697c64ec3/crp_Venues-on-the-menu.jpg)
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
![“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e414c49a3a/crp_By-failing-to-prepare-you-are-preparing-to-fail.jpg)
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
![My best catch!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e69dd93c21/crp_My-best-catch.jpg)
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
![Huge zed after run of disasters](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e3d12d9b1a/crp_Huge-zed-after-run-of-disasters.jpg)
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
![Christmas stocking](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e40686281b/crp_Christmas-stocking.jpg)
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
![Alien aquatic plants](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e6d86c5351/crp_Alien-aquatic-plants.jpg)
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.