Docken Grubs

[Fisherman1947]

Has anyone thought about using real docken grubs I have just bought some artificial ones .

[Stour Otter]

Hello Fishman1947.
As a part time gardener I come across this larva quite often. Its of the Stag Beetle and is on the "Protected Species" list. The artificials may work as "Sink 'n' Draw" method or using a drop shot. But I fear using the real feller would be illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Use a slug insead!

Information:
https://ptes.org/campaigns/stag-beetles ... tle-facts/

[Penninelad]

I tie a fly using elastic bands which looks very similar to the docken grub but perhaps more like a maggot.I have caught a few trout using it but the "purists" are not impressed!

[Ian]

I used the docken grub in the past.trotted down the river.brown trout loved them but seatrout are real suckers for them.i used to gather them from the roots of a plant with yellow flowers,I'm sure we called it the docken plant or weed.ive not used them in years.you had to carry them separately or they kill each other.a guy told me he carried them in shotgun cartridges with the gun belt,if I'm not mistaken they could nip.nowadays a big long shank hook with white or yellow chenille turned on it and a bit of black chenille for a head works just as good,they must look like big stick bait to the fish.