Zdenek Ipser

0

If we found fish it will depend on how precisely we can cast the rig which should be gentler than ever. A must is a small very sharp hook, fine fluo carbon leader which should not be too long. Short because we must think of the limited movements of Carp in cold water and we need to see even the slightest movement of fish. Keep in mind that water at a low temperature is often very clear so all the components of the rig should lie on the bottom and not be in a column, where they could scare the Carp. In this case it is very effective to use unloaded Swingers and loose lines. Of course we react to the slightest movement of lines because usually no ride can be expected.

My gear for the winter fishing

The most important basic rule in cold water is certainly very few baits. Colder weather means less bait. Just a few extra baits often means that the fish has had enough. At a constant water temperature when there is no tendency to cool nor warm, it is the best not to feed at all. Due to the lazy behavior of Carp fishing with intensely scented bait which tempts them to eat is recommended. The best is when the bait contains some water-soluble alcohol based flavor.

A mixture of small pellets without oil is the right into the cold water

Another possibility is a bait which consists of low oil pellets. They are ideal winter bait, because compared to boilies they don‘t fill the Carp too quickly. Very useful are the smallest diameter CSL pellets that we can let soak with CSL liquid that has in a cold water an even stronger effect. I would also like to highlight quality Method mixes that are suited to the purpose very well. We will of course not bomb the chosen place with balls the size of tennis balls and feed as for some race. Just a small amount of food in the form of a few balls that will not be too sticky is enough. Tiny pieces of method mix are washed into the column and provide a very tempting track for Carp to take our bait.

My favorites under the hook

Once we decide to use boilies as a bait, its composition should be based on carbohydrates, because fish have difficulty in digesting proteins in cold water. Boilies should be of very small diameter. We must remember that our fishing is affected by circumstances such as clearer water and less food competition between individuals in the group. The question is whether to use bait and lures with brighten colors. A bait with bright color will probably not help, because I´ m afraid it would rather scare the fish. It should be more a focus on the bait aroma itself and its food signals. On the other hand a significantly colored lure is not a problem, because it can cause in Carp to be more curious. It paid for me to make a bait in the form of floating boilie in fluo colors dipped for several days in pure alcohol essence or essential oil.

Significant fluo pop-up worked very well on this large Carp

Bait variation with combi rigs

Another good winter bait proved to be the CSL Hookers Catch pellets, you let them absorb the CSL fluid which is included. The pellets smell strongly and in the water they emit light puff of this liquid. In addition they have an advantage in tiny pieces which are falling down and attract Carp to eat them. They are produced both in the sinking version, and in floating as well. Like this you can respond to the Carp mood and offer a bait from the very bottom to almost below the surface. I practice both variants of these baits during winter fishing. I have usually one rig with a little bait made from one sinking catch pellet and other from a floating pellet. So I have a neutral balanced bait that sits lightly on the bottom. The other rig I fixed a small, strongly colored and fragrant floating boilies. Thereby I fish through different layers of water, adjusting the length of leader. Sometime I end on the one meter long-leader, which is often very effective if the fish are moving in the column.

My last advice is for you to be very careful when winter fishing, do not underestimate the need for good warm clothing, be in a good mood and be very patient.

I wish you success in fishing and life.

Yours for the SBS team Zdeněk Ipser

By: Zdeněk Ipser