Winter fishing tips that are sure to boost your catches

Angler's Mail

Angler’s Mail magazine staff man Richard Holroyd helps you catch more fish over the weeks ahead.

TAGS:

WINTER ANGLING TIPS are on everybody’s mind now – and despite the cold days and nights, this is a great time to be on the banks.

Remember this though: you have to adapt your tactics in order to find action.

There’s no doubt you have to work a lot harder to get bites in winter, but I feel that catching fish at this time of year is far more rewarding than during the warmer months.

Here are some proven winter angling tips and hints to help you…

Keen species

When conditions are cold, it pays to target species that feed better in lower water temperatures.

As winter angling tips go, this one sounds obvious but you’d be surprised how many people just target the wrong species on the day.

Being a bit of an all-rounder really is a good thing!

If your usual quarry aren’t playing ball, then it is worth broadening your horizons and skills to tempt more obliging winter feeding species.

Amongst targets to consider are: grayling, chub (pictured below), pike, roach, dace, or perch. Click on the name of each species to learn more specific winter angling tips for each one.chub

Little and tight

Fish metabolism is much slower in winter so there’s generally no need to feed too much.

When you do feed it is best to do it gradually, rather than piling it in all in one go.

It also pays to keep your feed in a very tight area, so you up your chances of a fish taking your hook bait.

When pole fishing, a pole cup helps you to achieve this.

Flavour boost

Sometimes there’s no need to feed at all.

Yes, that’s right…. a single hook bait can be all that is require to cajole a fish without overfeeding it with groundbait or free offerings.

To increase your hook bait’s appeal try adding a touch of alcohol-based flavour for extra appeal.

Some anglers swear by hi-hiz colours with hook baits, too, like yellow or white. Think about it: one of the all-time best winter baits is white… bread!

Changing depths

When float fishing, rather than sitting it out with the hook bait set to fish the bottom, it can pay to try different depths.

Chop and change, search the water column until you find where the fish are feeding. Go that bit further overdepth if you’re already nudging the bottom.

It doesn’t just have to be when you are float fishing either – carp anglers have incredible success fishing adjustable zig rigs in winter.

Light tackle

Fish are more lethargic in winter and there’s a lot less underwater vegetation, so in many instances you can get away with using lighter tackle.

Scale down your line, hook and hook bait to increase your chances of a take.

winter

Best times

The warmest part of the day in winter is usually in the afternoons and this is the time when fish are more likely to feed.

Don’t ignore the first few hours of darkness either, as many species feed more confidently under the cover of darkness.

Keep warm

To fish effectively you need to be dressed in warm and comfortable clothing.

This might be the last of these quick winter angling tips, but it certainly is not the least!

Layer your clothes by starting with thermal undergarments.

Build up with a thermal top, trousers, fleece, footwear, hat, scarf, coat and gloves.

Remember to take Polaroid glasses to help you spot any signs of fish in bright winter sun.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH? GOT MORE WINTER FISHING TIPS TO SHARE? Email details exclusively to our print magazine, to: anglersmail@ti-media.com

For the best exclusive content, read Angler’s Mail magazine this week. The print issue of Angler’s Mail is in shops priced £2.20. Get your copy asap.

A SUBSCRIPTION TO ANGLER’S MAIL MAGAZINE MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

Get Angler’s Mail magazine (print or digital version) to you or friend/relative every week at a great price.

▶️ SUBSCRIBE & SAVE HERE!

Subs deals mean you can get every AM magazine issue, delivered, from just £1.30 a week!

An ‘AM sub’ also makes a great gift for you, or for any angler..

You may also like to read these Angler’s Mail stories…

5 winter roach tips

I DON’T know what happened to autumn this year. It still felt like summer a few weeks ago and now…

Winter roach fishing tips

THE humble roach continues to be the nation’s favourite and it’s easy to see why. Many anglers cut their teeth…