Winter wonderland

Winter can be the trickiest time of the year to catch a carp . With the carps metabolism slowing down as the water temperature gets colder the fish become more inactive and feeding is not so much a necessity “but” like any living creature they just like ourselves still need to eat at some point ?
If your fishing a venue regularly through winter you should start to see a feeding pattern, this could be an hour or two per 24hrs or sometimes twice a day for a very short time. Make a note of the times your catching and also of others catching around you, this information can prove valuable when your fishing time may be restricted or may not want to do overnights. You can arrive at the venue knowing that only a few hrs at a specific time might produce a fish or two rather than wasting all day waiting for a run. A venue with a good head of stock is also a good idea for your winter fishing. Although some might want to stay on there low stock syndicate hoping to land that elusive target at top weight location will be key.
Many people believe that all carp retreat to the deepest part of the lake in winter and remain there until spring which is not completely true, whilst they may be comfortable in the deeper water that doesn’t necessarily mean they will feed their ? I’ve personal caught fish in just a few feet during the colder months, things to look for and consider when setting your traps for me would be spots I may have caught on through the year, fish have been used to finding food there throughout the year, weed which may not have been fishable in the warmer months might not now be visible on the surface but will without doubt be laying on the lake bed and will still hold some naturals.
Popup rigs come into there own through winter, I probably use them now more than any time in the year, single hook baits that can be reeled in and recast in seconds. My preferred winter rig is the combi I can fish a popup or bottom bait if need be. I normally shorten the stiff section and use an inline lead.
Winter baits for me would be popups and boilie, particles are a no for me especially when the water temp becomes very cold, The biggest attraction of nuts and seeds are there oils and sugars but with the water being so cold there not as effective as they would be during the summer in my experience.
High attract popups like the Nash Citruz will be my weapon of choice over the next few months fruit ester, essential oils and the awesome Talin which is a completely natural sweetener will attract the attention of any carp in the area.

Citruz concentrate attractor available in spray form is an excellent little edge I use a few squirts on the lead as well as my hook bait for added attraction. Add to this the new limited edition Citruz bottom baits available in 10,15 and 20mm make for a winning combination for winter.
Wherever or however you decide to approach your winter campaign this year always remember nothing is written in stone and don’t be afraid to try something different to the angler in the next swim.

And most of all enjoy it.
Jason Massay

Photos by Jason m and Oli Davies