If you’ve always been of the opinion that winter fishing is a complete waste of time, there are many fishing enthusiasts who would disagree with you. Fish obviously don’t die in the winter – they have to feed – and with a little local knowledge, you can be catching in a spot where people don’t bother to fish.
If you want to break your tackle out in May through to September, grab one of those FCL Labo rods from Fish Head and follow these useful tips to help make it a successful expedition.
- Avoid Night Fishing – Generally, the water temperature is too cold at night, and you are best advised to fish between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when you have some daylight. While every species of fish will have its own unique requirements, generally speaking, a drop of temperature by more than 3-4 degrees will impact the feeding pattern.
- Be Well-Prepared – Whatever the type of fishing, make sure you are suitably dressed and have wet weather gear, plus all the equipment you will need for a comfortable stay. You can find a wide range of clothing and accessories from online fishing tackle suppliers, which will ensure you stay warm and dry. Gloves and a warm hat are essential, especially on a windy day, and make sure you have a hot thermos flask filled with your favourite coffee.
- Choosing The Fishing Spot – Whether saltwater or freshwater fishing, the spot you fish should be one that offers some natural cover, specifically a windbreak. This will help shield you from the wind, and if there are overhanging trees, these might offer a good fishing position. Skip fishing under a tree in the event of a storm, for obvious reasons, but otherwise, it can make for a cosy sheltered spot, although that will have little bearing on whether or not you catch any fish.
- Using The Right Bait – If you consider that the winter would offer the fish a different menu, make sure you have a range of baits that are known to produce results. Many creatures migrate during the winter, and the local fish will likely change their diet according to the shift in seasons, and, of course, Google is your best friend when searching for answers such as these. There are a few more fishing in cold weather tips that you can find online.
- Sunny Days Are Best – As the sun warms up the water, days with some sunlight are likely to produce better results, the water temperature will rise slightly, and the sun will also warm you up. The weather obviously plays a major role in fish feeding patterns, and a few hours of online research might help you determine the ideal weather conditions for the fish you are trying to catch. This doesn’t mean you won’t catch at other times, just that your chances are greatly improved, which is never a bad thing.
As with fishing at any other time of the year, try to find some local knowledge of the venue, and make sure you have at least 3 different baits with you, which will allow you to experiment. Fishing in the winter will certainly require a lot more preparation, and if you plan for bad weather, you are covered whatever happens.
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