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Carp Fishing Q&A: What's the best clothing for Winter carp fishing?
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Written by Andy Ormrod
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Thursday, 23 September 2010 18:41
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Question; Hi, I’m planning on doing my first winter carp fishing sessions this year. Need to invest in some proper carp clothing but not sure what combinations are best for feet and clothing. Have read about the need for layering to retain heat – what would you advise? Regards, Tony
Answer; Hi Tony, it’s really important for you to be warm and comfortable during your fishing. As I’m sure you know there can be long hours of inactivity during the winter months with the fish only switching on to feed for very short periods. It’s always a good idea to try and find where the fish are and when they are most active on your chosen water, this will cut down the time need to spend on the water, short winter sessions can be very rewarding. I’ve found that day sessions can work really well if you are lucky enough to catch a fish, and then get home and get your feet up in front of the fire!
In terms of clothing, a layering approach will work well for you, as you mentioned the layers will retain body warmth. I would start by thinking about thermal long johns and a similar type of top, they don’t sound very modern but they will keep you warm on the bank, add a T shirt and a thin fleece or something similar before you put on a heavier fleece and wind/ water proof jacket. Also remember that your body loses loads of heat through your head and hands so a good thermal hat and gloves will do the job. It’s always worth thinking about dressing for the weather, look at the forecast and then dress as if its 5 degrees colder, remember you can always take a layer off if you’re too warm.
"look at the forecast and then dress as if its 5 degrees colder"
On some waters the banking will dictate which type of footwear you go with, usually walking boots or full on Wellington boots. Out of choice I always go for walking boots, you don’t have to spend a fortune on specialist angling ones either, although there are some exceptional ones on the market, a good pair of ordinary leather walking boots will do a great job. I always wear two pairs of socks, a thin pair and a thick thermal pair. One really good tip I picked up a few years ago is to take spare socks with you, even on day sessions, as your feet sweat like mad especially if you are wearing Wellington boots. If you change your socks periodically, say after a long walk to a swim or after you have done a couple of laps of the lake looking for signs of fish, you will stop your feet getting cold once you stop walking. Make sure that your socks don’t make your Wellington boots too tight on your feet or they will get very cold very quickly.
If your water allows you to take your stove and kettle on day sessions, do it. Hot cups of tea, coffee or cup-a-soups will keep you going and more importantly keeps you thinking and fishing effectively. If you can’t take your stove then a good flask is really important on a day session. I would also think about the food you are eating on the bank too if you are doing longer sessions, it’s not a good idea to just have noodles in pots like a lot of anglers have in the summer months. A good chilli and rice or curry will keep you going too, prepare it at home and take it with you in a plastic container and get it in the pan on the bank. A good hot meal in the bivvy changes the way you see things on the bank - a good idea that leads to a fish on the mat often follows a good meal!
Helpful links: Footwear / Thermal Base Layers / Winter Socks / Fleece Jackets / Waterproof Outer Wear / Stoves / Flasks.
I hope this helps you land a winter whacker or two!
Andy Ormrod
September 2010
Andy Ormrod is a Professional Anglers Association qualified Angling Coach offering a wide range of services across all angling disciplines: http://www.improveyourfishing.co.uk
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