SPECIES SETUP GUIDE
Chub Fishing Setup: Leger & River Float
Simple UK chub starting setups for link leger and river float fishing.
Starting setups
| Method | Mainline | Hooklength | Hook | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link leger / bomb | Around 6 lb mono | Around 0.16 mm or similar; stronger for cover | Size 8–12 depending on bait | Adjustable link leger |
| River float / stick float | Around 5–6 lb mono | Around 0.18 mm | Size 12–14 for pellets/maggots; larger for bread/meat | Waggler / stick float |
How to use these ranges
Start around the middle of a stated range in open water. Move towards the stronger end when fish are larger than average, the venue is snaggy, or current increases pressure on the rig. Hook size should also follow the bait: small maggots and casters usually suit smaller hooks than bread, meat, worm or larger pellets.
Why the answer changes
Chub can be caught on delicate float tactics or very simple link-legers, but hooked fish often head immediately for cover. The setup therefore has to balance presentation with stopping power.
Hook size changes dramatically with bait. Pellets or maggots may suit size 12–14 hooks, while bread, meat or paste can justify substantially larger hooks.
The finder treats these figures as starting points rather than fixed rules. Fishery rules, bait size, water clarity, cover, casting distance and the stamp of fish can all justify a different setup.
Sources
- Angling Times — Tips for winter chub fishing success
- Angling Times — How to tie the adjustable link leger rig
- Angling Times — How to fish a waggler for chub
- Angling Times — How to float fish fast rivers for chub and barbel
Profiles reviewed 2026-09-22.