Christian Barker has certainly had a good season so far with some sizeable chub coming his way, including the muscular 5lb 9oz sample pictured.

“I have been using simple tactics, including free-lining natural baits, bread and luncheon meat,” he explains. “I have been using either my Matchpro Medium Feeder rod – an awesome tool, with plenty of backbone to tease fish out of dense weed – or my classic Drennan Super Specialist 1.5lb test.

“I have also been experimenting with the Wide Gape Specialist hook pattern this year. They give a better hook up when using insect baits and have proved invaluable!”

The Drennan Wide Gape Specialist is an eyed pattern that is available in both Barbed and Barbless designs. This super-strong, forged hook has a bronze finish, short shank and special bend with a curved, chemically etched needle point. It is a reliable choice when targeting all manner of quality fish, such as chub, tench, carp and barbel.