{"id":25936,"date":"2019-01-04T11:27:42","date_gmt":"2019-01-04T10:27:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/?p=25936"},"modified":"2019-01-28T17:45:00","modified_gmt":"2019-01-28T16:45:00","slug":"cold-water-carping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/cold-water-carping\/","title":{"rendered":"Cold Water Carping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n


Your winter carp fishing \u2018short break\u2019 starts here.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why settle for \u2018drive and survive\u2019? Do your homework, and you could just bag a belter on your next French trip\u2026<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terry Hearn talks about those \u2018little edges\u2019 which, combined, can spell the difference between success and failure. Never are those edges more important than in winter. And if you\u2019re considering a trip across the pond, they\u2019re more important still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To risk a tired old clich\u00e9: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. And if a few hours\u2019 \u2018armchair angling\u2019 could spare your blushes (and a blank) next trip out, what\u2019s to lose? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Molyneux <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To the Interweb!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the colder months \u2013 be it in the UK or abroad \u2013 venue selection is everything: choose an \u2018inland sea\u2019 with minimal stock and \u2013 having just a few days at your disposal – you\u2019re on a hiding to nothing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The carp on deep, windswept gravel pits will all but shut down in winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With fish shoaling up tightly \u2013 and likely feeding just a few minutes each day – it\u2019s a brave (possibly delusional) carper that would choose such a venue for their winter short break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news: there are myriad alternatives offering proven cold-weather carp fishing form. And, in winter, near-empty banks – meaning chances are you\u2019ll have the pick of the crop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stock levels are of course paramount: if you\u2019re looking to get an unseasonal bend in the rod, you\u2019ll want to choose a venue with a good head of fish. (And preferably a reasonable chance of chunk.) So where better to start than Angling Lines\u2019 portfolio of French runs waters<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a rule of thumb, shallower venues tend to fish more consistently throughout the winter; so, depth, too, is an important consideration, with relatively featureless venues \u2013 with minimal snags and limited weed growth – making for more peripatetic fish, which remain active all year round (rather lying all-but-dormant, often beyond casting range).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology is your friend here – equipping you to choose not just a venue, but likely spots to target too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media \u2013 in particular, Facebook, and the many angling forums \u2013 can hook you up with a wealth of relevant experience. And Google Earth offers an invaluable overview of each venue, too, equipping you to make informed decisions from the comfort of your man cave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carp as we all know are sentient \u2013 not to say, contrary \u2013 creatures; so nothing is set in stone. But GE gives you a great starting point; helping you to seek out obvious features \u2013 such as sheltered bays, snags, weed beds, and shallower areas\u2013 that may provide your best chance of a bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And for the most part, winter is about just that: fishing for a bite. The fish\u2019s metabolism slows down as the temperature plummets. Meaning they feed less frequently (and less intensively) \u2013 making singles and small bags the order of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So choose your weapons accordingly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the colder months, the lakebed may be littered with leaves, branches, and dead and dying weed, making bait presentation more challenging. So select a rig that ensures your baits are fishing effectively amidst the chod. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether to \u2018scale down\u2019 your bait and hook size is a matter for debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, the carp are lethargic, feeding only for a few minutes each day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Blue Lake<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Consequently, many anglers contend that smaller baits are more likely to be picked up; and allow you to pult out a few freebies without risk of overfeeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I believe there\u2019s a flip side to this argument: if the carp can sate their hunger in a single mouthful \u2013 and that mouthful is a big, bright boilie, jammed-packed with flavour, and impossible to miss \u2013 will they not naturally \u2018home in\u2019 on that mouthful?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You be the judge. Either way, though, try not to get too bogged down in rig components and mechanics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather, you should choose tried and tested rigs in which you have total confidence \u2013 be they choddies, hinged-stiffs, or whatever \u2013 and equip yourself accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a list of all the bits and bobs you\u2019re likely to need (as you could be miles from the nearest tackle store). And tie up a bunch of rigs, in the warm, before your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no harm in researching \u2018going baits\u2019 too. But don\u2019t take the feedback you get from former venue-visitors as gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In winter, all bets are off, with conditions \u2013 and carpy preferences \u2013 changing all the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, \u2018perennial\u2019 particle baits, such as hemp and corn \u2013 a great visual attractor in clearer water \u2013 are effective all year round. And maggots can be absolutely devastating in winter, when nuisance fish are less of a, well, nuisance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever baits you choose to take along, however, the watchword is \u2018attraction\u2019 \u2013 not feed. So be sure to include in your armoury a mix of bright, fluoro hookbaits \u2013 and don\u2019t be afraid to give them a boost with any of the range of Goos and liquids at your disposal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or indeed any of the more traditional (not to say cheaper) off-the-supermarket-shelf alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like salt, for example which, though a great attractor at any time of year, really comes into its own in the colder months<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spices, such as turmeric (a great addition to maggots), chilli (de rigueur in your hemp)and belachan all serve to crank-up those food signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And pastes are a great change bait too, preferably mixed with alcohol to maximise flavour dispersal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being relatively odourless, vodka is a popular choice; but lest we forget one of the most successful cold-weather baits of all time: Nash\u2019s whisky boilies. Oh and \u2013 I kid you not \u2013 Baileys, which make a distinctive dip to ramp the appeal of your hookbaits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also consider including a couple of bags of groundbait and \/or a bucket of boilie crumb – both of which will release smell and attraction into the colder water, drawing in the fish without filling them up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And this is key. Winter, generally, is not about fishing over bait. Which is great news for you, meaning – rather than loading the van with kilos of boilies and pellets – you can use the space to add a few extra comforts.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because this is not the time for toughing it out under a brolly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather, the twin skin bivvy and five season bag \u2013 with optional bedchair cover and hot water bottle (no judgment here!) \u2013 are the order of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of course is plenty of warm and waterproof clothing \u2013 including, importantly, thermal footwear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember too, when it comes to cooking, that gas behaves differently at this time of year. Specifically, propane turns to liquid at lower temperatures than butane, so it remains useable when there\u2019s ice in the margins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you do use gas, use a propane \/ butane mix, warming the canisters before using them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But your better bet has to be the ever-reliable Coleman, master of the worst of the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Winter success at an Angling Lines venue<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

And don\u2019t forget the entertainment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of the season, fishing is (or should be) a pleasure, to be enjoyed, not endured; so factor into your planning the inclusion of a tablet, pre-loaded with movies, books, games (or whatever) to keep you entertained through the relentless, cold, dark nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also need the means to keep your tablet, and your mobile \u2013 potentially your lifeline, if you get into trouble – fully charged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, pack spare batteries and power packs. (Solar panels, too – though these will be much less effective in the winter.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your mobile contract offers affordable international roaming; for sat nav and other purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And note-down all the names, contact numbers and addresses you\u2019ll need \u2013 both on your phone, and in a notebook (for obvious reasons) \u2013 together with details of the local supermarkets and stores, tackle shop (if available), and of course your international rescue provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check that your insurance covers you for driving on the continent. And remember to check the latest regs to ensure that you\u2019re safe, and fully \u2018road legal\u2019 should disaster strike – equipped with the now mandatory cones, high viz jacket and other kit that the authorities insist upon, in the event of a breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing your homework – paying attention to the finer details before you set out – is your assurance of a stress free and enjoyable trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And your best chance of a few unseasonal biggies to boot.

Steve Calder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browse our 36 French carp fishing venues <\/em>here<\/em><\/a> – many offer discounts on winter fishing. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Your winter carp fishing \u2018short break\u2019 starts here. Why settle for \u2018drive and survive\u2019? Do your homework, and you could just bag a belter on your next French trip\u2026 Terry Hearn talks about those \u2018little edges\u2019 which, combined, can spell the difference between success and failure. Never are those edges more important than in winter. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":25944,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,1113,887],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25936","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carp-fishing-news","category-steve-calder","category-winter-carping"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25936","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25936"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25936\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25944"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25936"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25936"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.anglinglines.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25936"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}