My winter carping tends to be short sessions, on well stocked waters, and when possible with lighter gear. This approach usually means I get a take or two and really enjoy the experience of playing the fish, hopefully, to the net.
A recent day session to Tyram Hall match lake was a perfect example. A well stocked, snag free lake with a large island in the middle I didn’t need to go heavy so opted to use my Powermesh Twin tips, combined with GS reels loaded with 10lb sensor. At the business end a Korda hybrid clip setup, 2 oz flat pear lead, an 8lb fluorocarbon hooklength to a size 10 Korda Kurv hook and short flexible braid hair. Bait was a mixture of 14mm Nutrabaits Trigga Ice frozen boilies and glugged up Tecni-spice 15mm Corkie Wafters.
The weather was not good, a cold night had been replaced by a wet day and a chilly wind. I opted to fish one rod tight to the island and the second in open water. Despite not seeing any signs of fish I decided to put about 20 free baits round the open water rod, but just fished a PVA bag on the island rod.
Nothing for a couple of hours then take one on the open water rod, which came off just before the net. I recast and topped up the area and soon had take two. A nice mirror which was great fun on the lighter gear, all thoughts of the cold wind and rain was forgotten. Two more fish during the afternoon and I packed up happy ….
I often get asked how I stay motivated in the colder months. Setting realistic targets and using lighter is a good place to start.
