Hey all. Have you got a go to winter bait? I've been using Sticky Manilla boilies, pop ups, Wafters, pellets, liquid, bait spray... and have blanked on my last 4 trips?!! Been looking at cc Moore live system or maybe their Pacific tuna. All this bait starts adding up, and not great when your not catching!
In reply to Post #1
Are you putting it in front of fish ??
Are you putting it in front of fish ??
In reply to Post #1
There is no wonder bait. The manilla will catch fish but only providing you have fish in front of you
There is no wonder bait. The manilla will catch fish but only providing you have fish in front of you
In reply to Post #1
Times is hard everywhere at the moment mate, and it's not even really winter yet. You can't expect to catch every trip at this time of the year.
Do you feel like you should have had bites but didn't? Or are you just not seeing any activity?
Rest assured, what you're using will undoubtedly catch carp if it's put in the right place at the right time.
Times is hard everywhere at the moment mate, and it's not even really winter yet. You can't expect to catch every trip at this time of the year.
Do you feel like you should have had bites but didn't? Or are you just not seeing any activity?
Rest assured, what you're using will undoubtedly catch carp if it's put in the right place at the right time.
Location is always the first priority, doubly so in winter. A good bait is always a good bait, put it in front of a hungry (feeding) carp and job done.
In reply to Post #1
Are you fishing popular venues ?
You also have to factor in, and remember that most have been Furloughed to death this year !
Many are cautious about eating, full stop.
Manilla is not the problem, need patience you do.
Are you fishing popular venues ?
You also have to factor in, and remember that most have been Furloughed to death this year !
Many are cautious about eating, full stop.
Manilla is not the problem, need patience you do.
In reply to Post #1
Manilla is a good bait....concentrate on location, its not the baits fault. The fish will eat it if you put it in the right place
Manilla is a good bait....concentrate on location, its not the baits fault. The fish will eat it if you put it in the right place
Last trip was on Nick's lake, Hartley Lands Fishery. Fish were jumping fairly often throughout the day so I was putting my bait straight on them. Nothing. Not one take. Although I heard they had dug out the silt from the lake in September so not sure the fish have recovered from that yet. I changed to a white pop up last thing and had a drop back but nothing when I struck.
Wednesday I'm on Prairie lake at Elphicks, I'm not one for giving up!
Wednesday I'm on Prairie lake at Elphicks, I'm not one for giving up!
In terms of location, are you on the right lake? Does the lake you are fishing have regular winter form? Some lakes regularly produce fish in winter. Other lakes don't and you need to get your head round the gruellers. Can you do a hundred blanks in winter? I would say the number of blanks you mention would be normal on many lakes, with a lot more to come.
In reply to Post #1
When we really talk about winter, aka freezing and snow i fish single fluoro pop ups and or maggots.
As long as the water temp is above 8degrees Celsius, I add some bait. It can be crushed boilies and/or ground bait. Since i use small quantities a very attractive bait is preferred, e.g. One that hooks you 1001 breams during summer.
When we really talk about winter, aka freezing and snow i fish single fluoro pop ups and or maggots.
As long as the water temp is above 8degrees Celsius, I add some bait. It can be crushed boilies and/or ground bait. Since i use small quantities a very attractive bait is preferred, e.g. One that hooks you 1001 breams during summer.
In reply to Post #8
Tbf nicks lake is good for a bite in winter. Not easy but not overly hard. But like any lake they can be tricky. It's just fishing. I fished my syndicate last weekend and had fishing showing over my spot for 3 hrs. Could I get a pick up? Not a chance. Sometimes things just don't go your way. If you start chopping and changing bait when your not catching you'll only confuse yourself even more
Tbf nicks lake is good for a bite in winter. Not easy but not overly hard. But like any lake they can be tricky. It's just fishing. I fished my syndicate last weekend and had fishing showing over my spot for 3 hrs. Could I get a pick up? Not a chance. Sometimes things just don't go your way. If you start chopping and changing bait when your not catching you'll only confuse yourself even more
In reply to Post #8
Zigs!
Zigs!
In reply to Post #1
The same bait as I use in summer, in my case RH KMG.
Most of the time it is not the bait at fault if you don't catch.
You may not be in the right location, or they may not be feeding.
On my syndicate lake, the fish are currently holed up in 2 areas, one of which is in the 'no fishing' zone, the other is a group of originals in front of a spot another member has been baiting and working, which I think is also a natural feeding area possibly full of bloodworm. However, the syndicate respect his efforts so aren't jumping in his swim.
On another lake a few years ago, one day session I had 4 decent fish. I fished the same spot the next day for nothing. They had either moved or simply weren't feeding. The bait was the same, and I was using 1 rod as a rover to try to locate them.
The answer is there is no wonder bait, just finding the right spot.
There are times when you may need to change.
On Thwaite back in the 2006- 2008 seasons, in winter particular baits worked at various times. One week it was Dynamite Green Zing pop-ups, a couple of weeks later the fish only came on Pineapple pop-ups, next week it was sweetcorn.
The next year, at various times, Monster Crab, Squid and Octopus, Tutti-Frutti. Basically you started each trip on what produced the results the week before, but tried other baits on the other rod.
One session, I managed a week between Christmas and New Year, the first 2 or 3 days every fish came on Spiced Garlic and Pineapple pop-ups. From day 3 on, they were only caught on my food bait which I had been trickling in each day.
I had around 20 carp that week.
The same bait as I use in summer, in my case RH KMG.
Most of the time it is not the bait at fault if you don't catch.
You may not be in the right location, or they may not be feeding.
On my syndicate lake, the fish are currently holed up in 2 areas, one of which is in the 'no fishing' zone, the other is a group of originals in front of a spot another member has been baiting and working, which I think is also a natural feeding area possibly full of bloodworm. However, the syndicate respect his efforts so aren't jumping in his swim.
On another lake a few years ago, one day session I had 4 decent fish. I fished the same spot the next day for nothing. They had either moved or simply weren't feeding. The bait was the same, and I was using 1 rod as a rover to try to locate them.
The answer is there is no wonder bait, just finding the right spot.
There are times when you may need to change.
On Thwaite back in the 2006- 2008 seasons, in winter particular baits worked at various times. One week it was Dynamite Green Zing pop-ups, a couple of weeks later the fish only came on Pineapple pop-ups, next week it was sweetcorn.
The next year, at various times, Monster Crab, Squid and Octopus, Tutti-Frutti. Basically you started each trip on what produced the results the week before, but tried other baits on the other rod.
One session, I managed a week between Christmas and New Year, the first 2 or 3 days every fish came on Spiced Garlic and Pineapple pop-ups. From day 3 on, they were only caught on my food bait which I had been trickling in each day.
I had around 20 carp that week.
I never change my bait no matter what time of year it is, I use krill all year round and arch throughout the winter, all I do is use less bait than I normally would. Manilla is a good bait I not a fan of cc Moore live system I just find it a very poorly made bait but either will catch you fish if your in the right place
In reply to Post #1
My lad has just bought some Snowberry off Blakes Baits. Looks good for 6 quid a kilo. I used sticky Manilla and didn't really get on well with it.
My lad has just bought some Snowberry off Blakes Baits. Looks good for 6 quid a kilo. I used sticky Manilla and didn't really get on well with it.
Well today was another blank 😕 using Manilla and hemp. Really wanted to use maggots to top off my bait but annoyingly the shop on site had sold out. Spoke to a fella on the lake and he said he always used maggots on this particular lake. Me and my friend didn't have any luck all day casting to different spots, tweaking our Baits etc. At about 3pm the fella using the maggots shouted, hey, can you come to take a picture for me, we weighed the fish at 35 and a half pounds, a lovely mirror.
Maggots could be the key to catching winter carp. It certainly was today.
Maggots could be the key to catching winter carp. It certainly was today.
In reply to Post #16
Or matey using the maggots simply put them in the right place
The key to catching winter carp is to locate them... Granted, maggots may make a difference, but you'll still blank every trip if you're not in the right area.
Or matey using the maggots simply put them in the right place
The key to catching winter carp is to locate them... Granted, maggots may make a difference, but you'll still blank every trip if you're not in the right area.
In reply to Post #17
Couldn't agree more with this statement
Couldn't agree more with this statement
In reply to Post #18
Location is key above all else.
If you aren't on them, it won't matter what wonder/average/crap rig & bait you cast out it isn't going to rattle off
Location is key above all else.
If you aren't on them, it won't matter what wonder/average/crap rig & bait you cast out it isn't going to rattle off
In reply to Post #17
That sums it nicely👍
That sums it nicely👍
Completely agree. Shame the lake was so busy, no opportunity to move around to find the fish. Seems like everyone has taken up fishing 🎣 Hopefully next year there will be more space on the banks when people can holiday again 🤞
In reply to Post #1
Give MAD Baits a go if you fancy a change.
I've always done well on a mixture of pastel coloured baits over the winter. Their stable of NUTZ and Wicked Whites mixed together are perfect for the colour spectrum i'm after in the cold crystal clear water throughout winter.
I think they have some good deals on at the moment.
Give MAD Baits a go if you fancy a change.
I've always done well on a mixture of pastel coloured baits over the winter. Their stable of NUTZ and Wicked Whites mixed together are perfect for the colour spectrum i'm after in the cold crystal clear water throughout winter.
I think they have some good deals on at the moment.
In reply to Post #15
Ive just had free samples today by blakes flair play rhey gave me every boillie range and free tub of fruity orange pop ups. Never tried them beforr
Ive just had free samples today by blakes flair play rhey gave me every boillie range and free tub of fruity orange pop ups. Never tried them beforr
In reply to Post #23
Always had top service from Blake's.
Always had top service from Blake's.
In reply to Post #1
i use live system all year
i use live system all year
In reply to Post #15
That is a lovely bait, tastes amazing
I actually used it in the summer ironically and did really well on it.
So much choice out there!
That is a lovely bait, tastes amazing
I actually used it in the summer ironically and did really well on it.
So much choice out there!
In reply to Post #26
Blakes Snowberry or Mads Strawberry Whites?
2 lakes to choose from are a clear water with lots of dying weed this time of year 20+ acres with fish of my dreams in it but less stock, the other is a hardbottom better stocked 25+acre gravel pit with water colour mainly clear, although seems to change with the weather,(lightbulb moment!!) I think I just made my choice of lakes while writing this, for the winter anyway.
So its a 25+ acre gravel pit that'll be my winter lake, there's also a lot of cats to over 60lb, shouldn't be a problem this time of year, although you never know, so like to avoid these.
Both Snowberry & Strawberry Whites are on a special offer, but I cant decide which to buy, wish I could afford both but times are hard for all at the moment, so am asking for advice from you knowledgeable anglers which is better for my gravel pit?
I was going to delete the above but its how my brain works so I left it
Blakes Snowberry or Mads Strawberry Whites?
2 lakes to choose from are a clear water with lots of dying weed this time of year 20+ acres with fish of my dreams in it but less stock, the other is a hardbottom better stocked 25+acre gravel pit with water colour mainly clear, although seems to change with the weather,(lightbulb moment!!) I think I just made my choice of lakes while writing this, for the winter anyway.
So its a 25+ acre gravel pit that'll be my winter lake, there's also a lot of cats to over 60lb, shouldn't be a problem this time of year, although you never know, so like to avoid these.
Both Snowberry & Strawberry Whites are on a special offer, but I cant decide which to buy, wish I could afford both but times are hard for all at the moment, so am asking for advice from you knowledgeable anglers which is better for my gravel pit?
I was going to delete the above but its how my brain works so I left it
In reply to Post #27
Snowberry is a good bait but I'd be wary about it in a clear lake if there's lots of birds.
Snowberry is a good bait but I'd be wary about it in a clear lake if there's lots of birds.
In reply to Post #28
Well seeing as I actually make snowberry I can offer you some good inside advice! I find snowberry is either lethal on some lakes and on others it's the kiss of death! I have used the modern version for a few years and even Lewis read is getting some action on it at the moment. It's actually very well made for a 6 quid bait and contains some lovely peanut protein, milks and haiths clo and it tastes very nice. On waters where everyone is on maggots or particles I find I can always clump them on beds of 12mm snows. If you are the only one putting in white baits it's such a killer technique. The winter I spent on St. John's using it I was getting so many bites every night as I was the only one putting 4/5kg of little white baits out! But if I'm honest I have been to shallow lakes and it's been nothing but a waste of time as the birds can see it from outer space! Put it through a blender and you have what we call “magic fairy dust”........smells peanutty and fruity!
Well seeing as I actually make snowberry I can offer you some good inside advice! I find snowberry is either lethal on some lakes and on others it's the kiss of death! I have used the modern version for a few years and even Lewis read is getting some action on it at the moment. It's actually very well made for a 6 quid bait and contains some lovely peanut protein, milks and haiths clo and it tastes very nice. On waters where everyone is on maggots or particles I find I can always clump them on beds of 12mm snows. If you are the only one putting in white baits it's such a killer technique. The winter I spent on St. John's using it I was getting so many bites every night as I was the only one putting 4/5kg of little white baits out! But if I'm honest I have been to shallow lakes and it's been nothing but a waste of time as the birds can see it from outer space! Put it through a blender and you have what we call “magic fairy dust”........smells peanutty and fruity!
In reply to Post #29
Thank you both for your very helpful advice, some great advice for lakes everywhere.
I will be fishing in depths of 6ft-14ft so not many probs with birds in that respect, on the lake Ill be fishing its a disaster if you use a throwing stick, the gulls seem to be able to hear that sound the stick makes from miles away!!
I like the magic fairy dust, that sounds a fantastic little edge to have in your armoury.
Thank you both for your very helpful advice, some great advice for lakes everywhere.
I will be fishing in depths of 6ft-14ft so not many probs with birds in that respect, on the lake Ill be fishing its a disaster if you use a throwing stick, the gulls seem to be able to hear that sound the stick makes from miles away!!
I like the magic fairy dust, that sounds a fantastic little edge to have in your armoury.
In reply to Post #1
Boilie wise, I use CC Moore Live System - to be honest, I use it all year round, but it does work well in winter. Hook baits, make your own rather than the crap off the shelf in a tackle shop. If I am not boilie fishing, then my go to baits in winter are tigers or maggots. Zigs too, but only on waters that respond to those tactics, i.e. deep, clear ones (usually).
Boilie wise, I use CC Moore Live System - to be honest, I use it all year round, but it does work well in winter. Hook baits, make your own rather than the crap off the shelf in a tackle shop. If I am not boilie fishing, then my go to baits in winter are tigers or maggots. Zigs too, but only on waters that respond to those tactics, i.e. deep, clear ones (usually).
In reply to Post #16
anyone still use purely "attract" type bait like tuttis etc ideal for little crumbled bags and stringers.
really in your face stuff or do other stick with the same all year seeing as it rarely get cold enough for long enough
anyone still use purely "attract" type bait like tuttis etc ideal for little crumbled bags and stringers.
really in your face stuff or do other stick with the same all year seeing as it rarely get cold enough for long enough
In reply to Post #32
I think if you crumbed up the bait you use mainly it would/should be pumping out attraction.
Also like you mention it rarely seems to get really cold for long nowadays.
I think if you crumbed up the bait you use mainly it would/should be pumping out attraction.
Also like you mention it rarely seems to get really cold for long nowadays.
In reply to Post #15
I've had success with various things bit as said before you have to find the fish first.
I tend to go for more natural baits in winter and my favourite is a bunch of maggots with the odd buoyant rubber one to balance the hook
I've had success with various things bit as said before you have to find the fish first.
I tend to go for more natural baits in winter and my favourite is a bunch of maggots with the odd buoyant rubber one to balance the hook
In reply to Post #22
Ijust checked out Mad Baits and they are doing 20kg of any of their baits for £109 delivered which includes your choice of pop ups, wafters and liquid.
They also doing 20kg Strawberry Whites, pop ups and wafters for £99 inc p&p. 10kg deal £49 inc p&p
Im not affiliated in any way, just thought its a brilliant deal for winter.
Ijust checked out Mad Baits and they are doing 20kg of any of their baits for £109 delivered which includes your choice of pop ups, wafters and liquid.
They also doing 20kg Strawberry Whites, pop ups and wafters for £99 inc p&p. 10kg deal £49 inc p&p
Im not affiliated in any way, just thought its a brilliant deal for winter.
In reply to Post #35
Does look a good deal but know very little about madbaits and even less about the strawberry whites. Hopefully some of the other companies will follow. Poacher, aqua, essential and baitworks all had some winter deals around black friday.
Does look a good deal but know very little about madbaits and even less about the strawberry whites. Hopefully some of the other companies will follow. Poacher, aqua, essential and baitworks all had some winter deals around black friday.
In reply to Post #36
I have to agree my mate is a madbaits team member and tbh from what I've seen I'm not impressed with it, bait doesn't seem that good quality from what I've seen. Dna do good bait deals on Boxing Day normally so I would go there instead, unfortunately the bait I use no company seems to do any decent deals on so I'll just buy my 30kg in March and 30kg end of august like usual
I have to agree my mate is a madbaits team member and tbh from what I've seen I'm not impressed with it, bait doesn't seem that good quality from what I've seen. Dna do good bait deals on Boxing Day normally so I would go there instead, unfortunately the bait I use no company seems to do any decent deals on so I'll just buy my 30kg in March and 30kg end of august like usual
In reply to Post #29
Keeperboy - what ever happened to the cocopex? I used to love those! I've lost the blurb on them so I can't even remember if they were on a nut, milk or birdfood base. The only thing I can remember is that they were pink and contained scopex and a cream stimulant. Can you shed more light on this bait now that its no longer produced?
Keeperboy - what ever happened to the cocopex? I used to love those! I've lost the blurb on them so I can't even remember if they were on a nut, milk or birdfood base. The only thing I can remember is that they were pink and contained scopex and a cream stimulant. Can you shed more light on this bait now that its no longer produced?
In reply to Post #38
Exactly the same as plan b if I'm correct
Exactly the same as plan b if I'm correct
In reply to Post #38
Yeah it was a milk/nut type bait flavoured with coconut and scopex. It was a bait I never used that much myself but it did have a small following for a few years then like all of those baits the sales just slipped off. I did like the little pink hookbaits we made for it. We sold several similar versions of that mix in the early days but I guess the fact that everyone else sold similar versions, it meant it just became a price war. Cocopex was always the slowest seller back then. I don't know if abs still make all those baits anymore
Yeah it was a milk/nut type bait flavoured with coconut and scopex. It was a bait I never used that much myself but it did have a small following for a few years then like all of those baits the sales just slipped off. I did like the little pink hookbaits we made for it. We sold several similar versions of that mix in the early days but I guess the fact that everyone else sold similar versions, it meant it just became a price war. Cocopex was always the slowest seller back then. I don't know if abs still make all those baits anymore
In reply to Post #40
Think Geoff will make you anything if you ask him nicely and but enough of it....
Think Geoff will make you anything if you ask him nicely and but enough of it....
In reply to Post #41
Plan b is still on the abs website and a lovely bait. It probably isn't as popular as Geoff's other baits but still listed on the site so people must still be buying it
Plan b is still on the abs website and a lovely bait. It probably isn't as popular as Geoff's other baits but still listed on the site so people must still be buying it
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