In reply to Post #28
Right clobber and I don't even have the front on. Let alone
Door down and a heater.

In reply to Post #33
never seen the joy in winter carping tbf . . . been there done that - no one can ever say its comfy irrespective of clothing / bivvy / heating etc. Its dark from 4pm / the fish are switched off / hitting a single bleep at 2am does not fill me with anticipation, neither does getting out of a warm bag to urinate / re-cast 10mins after nodding off. Yes the banks are emptier and some of the scenery can be stunning but I can get the same effect by walking the dog . . .would rather do short sessions on the river enjoying a thermos of soup and catching whatever takes my bait

In reply to Post #34
agreed, Some waters have a bite time and its better to just be around for it!

I use my cooker to take the chill out the air before getting in the bag but never with the door closed and its never left on!

Snugpak gear means you dont need to be cold during the winter months too..........

In reply to Post #34
100% On the same page. Winter carping is not my idea of fun. And fishing should be enjoyed not endured. During winter give me a stick float and a river to trot.

In reply to Post #34
Everyone's fishing is different.
I do the walking the dog along the river, around the local park, or even the reservoir.

I would quite happily fish just days, but distance sometimes mean I fish for a couple of days and nights.

I do do just days pike or chub fishing locally, but on the syndicate I will fish for 2-5 nights, or go up to Norfolk to fish for roach, chub or pike on the Wensum and distance means I will fish overnight, sometimes under just a brolly.


I have an All Season sleeping bag, and cover. At night in that I'm warm and can lay and read a book by bivvy light or headlight or watch downloaded programmes, or even just watch the water. The number of fish I've heard and seen crash even in winter between 4 and 7pm. I've had a lot of fish between those times, in fact to 2am.

I agree, a single bleep at 2am is not fun, but playing a 20 or 30lb carp at that time is everything, suddenly makes it worthwhile.
My largest fish was caught at night in December, the largest fish I caught from Earith was at night in February.


Daytimes I have decent clothing, decent boots, and can keep warm.



Even with the stove, for hot food and drinks, I don't have it in a closed bivvy, preferring to have it just out of the door. Less chance of tipping anything over, and setting things alight.
I have seen too many accidents, including to mates, at least one of whom is lucky to be alive, after suffering serious burns.
https://www.carpfeed.com/fishing-news/article/horrific-bivvy-explosion-is-a-sobering-warning

The build up of heat can send you off to sleep, and leaving a lit stove or heater is just asking for trouble.
It may not happen this time, or has not happened yet, but...

In reply to Post #29
I lost a friend in a similar way in 1990 .... Stove on and bivvy door shut .... tragic conclusion and loss.

But we have to remember that although a tragic accident, he was in his 30s and should of known better than to shut himself in ..... A heater is still safe if used with common sense/safely

In reply to Post #34
I've never disagreed more with anything in my life sorry mate, winter carping is and always will be my favourite time to actually go carping, less people on the bank all the fair weather anglers have gone, the fish are at there highest weights and best colours wouldn't miss it just because it's a bit harder or the weather is bit cold lol it doesn't really get that bad in this country
Me and a few lads fish a lot more in the winter than in the summer, I absolutely love the winter for carping just got to pick the right water my syndicate for instance fishes well in the winter.
All down to being prepared properly decent clothing, sleeping bag and bivvy then your sorted might not be your thing but alot of us like it, unless the rain is coming right at me I don't even shut the door either

In reply to Post #39
I agree with all of this,I too love my winter fishing I just split my holidays up over a year and spread them out some lovely fish can be caught when it's colder plus not so many knobhead out(not just fishermen )
I also like being outside regardless of weather and doesn't bother me if I don't catch just another lesson learned

It's the darkness of winter I hate as opposed to the temperatures. I find myself sleeping far too much and becoming EVEN lazier than I usually am, which is pretty lazy.

In reply to Post #41
I know the feeling

In reply to Post #41
Exactly . . . .

As stated totally get the quiet banks thing; my syndicate luckily doesn't have any d*ckheads and the lake does become more accessible but it still doesn't inspire me / top weights / winter colours all that guff - like I say been there done that. I'm guessing Neil and Phil are still under 50? Plenty of time to change your opinions . . .come back to this thread in a few years lol

In reply to Post #41
I find that as well, even to the point where i think to myself I don't want a bite, I'm too comfy and can't be bothered to get off the bed.

@Belch
yes it must be an age thing

In reply to Post #43
Me personally, I'm over 50

55 here.

Last year I bought a cheaper winter ticket of a new place near me.
Glad I did, as its not for me, for a few reasons. But as I had paid I did at least 24h
Every week from Nov to the end of March.

I was honestly always comfy and happy or I wouldn't have done it. I admit it was often a bit pointless when you know nothing has been caught for 5 weeks...

I'm back on my club this year having scratched that Itch. And whilst I won't have the
Stubborn incentive to go as often. I bet I will still go every 3 weeks or so. Always do. I'm married with a kid and frankly I like a bit of me time.

My club lake fishes better in winter than that one anyway.

In reply to Post #43
Sound like a baby now but I'm well I'd we 50 I'm 33 🤣