Coarse fishing’s close season on rivers comes into force next Thursday, so for most anglers, this weekend is the last chance to get out and have a go, writes Stuart Earop.

Big chub will be top of the list for some of them, and if the weather holds, there is every chance of a lunker.

You will probably have to be patient, as bites will be few and far between, but legered bread, either flake or popped-up crust, can be deadly.

If you need any inspiration, take a look at this week’s Angling Times, which has a British chub record-equalling fish of 9.5.0 on its front page – what a fish!

Small roach, dace and gudgeon were caught from North Oxford’s stretch of the Thames at Godstow last Sunday, which suggests the silver fish are feeding well.

There is always the chance of a last-gasp pike, too, from the Thames or its tributaries.

Fishing continues throughout the year on canals and stillwaters, while the river season gets under way again on June 16.