by Simon Wright

Created on: December 22, 2011

Many anglers only fish during the warmer summer months but this means that they are missing out on a lot of great fishing opportunities. In particular, the winter months are often considered to be the prime time of year for targeting popular species such as cod and whiting. For those thinking of indulging in some winter fishing, here are some tips to help ensure that your fishing trips are safe, successful and enjoyable.

Always check the weather forecast in advance:

Weather can be more unpredictable and extreme in winter, so always check the weather forecast before setting out. Your first consideration is how easy it is going to be to get to your intended fishing venue. Heavy snow or black ice might make driving hazardous, in which case it’s probably best to postpone.

You will also want to know what weather to expect whilst you are fishing. Rain or cold temperatures might not prevent you from fishing but may influence where you choose to fish from and the clothing that you bring. Be especially careful if fishing from rocks in icy or wet conditions. The predicted wind speed and direction will also be of interest and too much wind will make fishing impossible.

Whilst shore angling continues throughout winter, there is a marked decrease in the amount of boat angling. Winter conditions are often not conducive to being on the open water, so only consider launching a boat if you are very confident that the weather conditions are benign.

Day or night fishing:

Species such as cod and whiting feed best during the hours of darkness, so many anglers choose to fish at night or very early in the morning to maximize their chances of success. It is still possible to catch fish during the hours of daylight, so you will need to determine which approach works best for you. Night fishing clearly involves more risk and extra care should be taken. Where possible, try to fish with a friend and make sure that you have chosen a safe mark to fish from.

Clothing:

Obviously, winter fishing requires more thought in terms of fishing attire. You need layers that are going to keep you warm and dry. Your boots should have good grips to deal with wet surfaces, and you should pack a wooly hat and gloves. Thick socks and a warm jumper will help keep you warm. Then you need waterproofs to keep your torso and legs dry. For those who intend to fish regularly, it may be worth buying a all-in-one floatation suit. These act as a waterproof outer layer and also provide buoyancy as a safety feature

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