In reply to Post #12
I have stopped using pva bags in the winter, back to three bait stringers
I don't want excessive silver fish activity around the hook bait while waiting for a carp.
I have stopped using pva bags in the winter, back to three bait stringers
I don't want excessive silver fish activity around the hook bait while waiting for a carp.
In reply to Post #16
Nobody uses stringers anymore
Nobody uses stringers anymore
In reply to Post #17
Is it because so many rigs these days are full of metalwork and people think anything added effects the rigs abilities?
Is it because so many rigs these days are full of metalwork and people think anything added effects the rigs abilities?
In reply to Post #16
Or 3 or 4 baits on the hair when fishing stringers
Or 3 or 4 baits on the hair when fishing stringers
In reply to Post #18
It's a fashion thing.
Stringers are not the fashion set-up, whereas bags or stick mix meshes are...
It's a fashion thing.
Stringers are not the fashion set-up, whereas bags or stick mix meshes are...
In reply to Post #20
Most can't think for themselves, that's the real reason
Most can't think for themselves, that's the real reason
In reply to Post #18
It was a joke hence the I was telling him to keep it quiet as I don't see many using them these days and I have alot of confidence using them 
It was a joke hence the
I was telling him to keep it quiet as I don't see many using them these days and I have alot of confidence using them
In reply to Post #21
Sadly that is the truth!
Magazine or media article followed to the letter...
God help them if their is a typo.
Sadly that is the truth!
Magazine or media article followed to the letter...
God help them if their is a typo.
I honestly think, the golden rule to winter fishing is knowing when to go and when to stay at home, because there is absolutely a time when it's just best to stay indoors.
If it's been minus 2 or minus 3 for days or a week, your chances of catching are so low I honestly think it's a complete waste of time. You do get outliers, where somebody will turn up and somehow manage to catch, but for 99.9% of the time, it is a complete waste of time.
If on the otherhand, there's been a good few days or a week where the temps have gotten to double figures, chances can increase hugely and I think it's well worth a shot.
I think when it gets really cold and the water temps get close to freezing, due to the fish being cold-blooded, they just slow right down become lethargic and barely move. They can spend long periods sat in silty areas of the lake, or near any old or decaying weedbeds - not doing anything at all, or days at a time.
I think you need to be an opportunist, go when the conditions favour success - otherwise you'll end up sat in a freezing bivvy blanking, no matter what rigs/bait/whatever you're fishing.
If it's been minus 2 or minus 3 for days or a week, your chances of catching are so low I honestly think it's a complete waste of time. You do get outliers, where somebody will turn up and somehow manage to catch, but for 99.9% of the time, it is a complete waste of time.
If on the otherhand, there's been a good few days or a week where the temps have gotten to double figures, chances can increase hugely and I think it's well worth a shot.
I think when it gets really cold and the water temps get close to freezing, due to the fish being cold-blooded, they just slow right down become lethargic and barely move. They can spend long periods sat in silty areas of the lake, or near any old or decaying weedbeds - not doing anything at all, or days at a time.
I think you need to be an opportunist, go when the conditions favour success - otherwise you'll end up sat in a freezing bivvy blanking, no matter what rigs/bait/whatever you're fishing.
In reply to Post #24
To be honest I'd prefer to be sat in a bivvy even when it's cold than at home. I'm an outdoor person.
I've been on the bank just after a thaw when the lake was cold, but the strong current coming into the lagoon from the river and other lagoon moved the fish. 4 fish over that was worth it. Every fish came on the same rod, the middle and right hand rod just metres away produced nothing.
26, 20, 26 and a 17lb. The 17 was the best looking as well, definitely photographed.
I'd walked around the lake before setting up, and thought I saw a roll or boil from the fish. Whether I convinced myself that it was a fish, or it was I set up on it.
I wasn't sure as the inflow was coming in so hard. A 3oz lead wouldn't hold bottom in the main body of the lagoon.
I always think in winter, at some point, every day, at least one fish is going to have a feed, its just getting the right bait to that fish.
Don't forget, that in winter most of the time, the bottom of the lake is 4⁰C. Warmer or colder water is not so dense.
Saying that, no point going right now the lake has frozen over since Friday.
To be honest I'd prefer to be sat in a bivvy even when it's cold than at home. I'm an outdoor person.
I've been on the bank just after a thaw when the lake was cold, but the strong current coming into the lagoon from the river and other lagoon moved the fish. 4 fish over that was worth it. Every fish came on the same rod, the middle and right hand rod just metres away produced nothing.
26, 20, 26 and a 17lb. The 17 was the best looking as well, definitely photographed.
I'd walked around the lake before setting up, and thought I saw a roll or boil from the fish. Whether I convinced myself that it was a fish, or it was I set up on it.
I wasn't sure as the inflow was coming in so hard. A 3oz lead wouldn't hold bottom in the main body of the lagoon.
I always think in winter, at some point, every day, at least one fish is going to have a feed, its just getting the right bait to that fish.
Don't forget, that in winter most of the time, the bottom of the lake is 4⁰C. Warmer or colder water is not so dense.
Saying that, no point going right now the lake has frozen over since Friday.
In reply to Post #24
Depends if you care about blanking or just like going fishing. It was -4 packing up this morning on a blank but I'd rather that than not go.
Depends if you care about blanking or just like going fishing. It was -4 packing up this morning on a blank but I'd rather that than not go.
I'd have to agree with the top two comments. A few sessions lately I've known catching is very unlikely, however I enjoy my evening during the week with time to myself to not go. I only tend not to go for the night if local lakes are lidded but I can usually find one somewhere to spend time on
In reply to Post #24
I honestly think, the golden rule to winter fishing is knowing when to go and when to stay at home, because there is absolutely a time when it's just best to stay indoors
Same here, all year round for me, couldn't fish for a worst species
All about being there at the right time unless you are happy being there all the time. The windows of opportunity can be small
I honestly think, the golden rule to winter fishing is knowing when to go and when to stay at home, because there is absolutely a time when it's just best to stay indoors
Same here, all year round for me, couldn't fish for a worst species
All about being there at the right time unless you are happy being there all the time. The windows of opportunity can be small
Yeah I don't really like sitting behind rods just for the sake of it, I can't physically fish if I don't have fish in front of me, or I know I'm not in with a chance of catching - I move or pack up and go home, if that's the case. 
I understand though, some people do like to just be out fishing for the enjoyment of being there, and that's as valid reason as any.
I understand though, some people do like to just be out fishing for the enjoyment of being there, and that's as valid reason as any.
In reply to Post #24
Agree with Tim - fish to conditions / changes in the weather window; life is too short to sit freezing in a bivvy when a short sesh on a river can scratch the same itch.
Only good thing about winter and lids is trying to visit your regular water just as it starts to thaw . . .amazing to see where the warm spots are (areas in the ice that melt first) and logging them for future use . . .some are in completely unexpected places!
Agree with Tim - fish to conditions / changes in the weather window; life is too short to sit freezing in a bivvy when a short sesh on a river can scratch the same itch.
Only good thing about winter and lids is trying to visit your regular water just as it starts to thaw . . .amazing to see where the warm spots are (areas in the ice that melt first) and logging them for future use . . .some are in completely unexpected places!