How do you properly nourish fish in winter?

For avid anglers, the season doesn't matter - there's always a good time to go to the water! But the truth is that weather conditions have a very big impact on the angler's equipment, as well as the way of fishing. And while a dozen years ago anglers did not even think about bream or carp fishing in winter, today - with the use of feeder method - it is possible. All because of the changing climate, as well as the dynamic development of the fishing industry.

How do fish behave in winter?

In order to be able to discuss how to properly nourish fish in winter, it is worth considering how they react to this time of year in general. As with most cold-blooded organisms, metabolic processes slow down in fish then.

While some species go into torpor and stop feeding, others significantly reduce the intensity of foraging.

- In deeper lakes, some fish congregate in large schools at depths of several meters - mainly over places where the bottom becomes flattened over a large area.

- In smaller and shallower reservoirs, small numbers of particular fish species remain active throughout the winter.

In early winter, for example, perch and roach can be found in large numbers in the shallows, eating the leftover food left over from the summer. Then, as winter progresses, there is a significant drop in foraging intensity. Fish revive again in the pre-spring, when the activity of the bottom fauna increases, the number of plankton increases and the vegetation of aquatic plants begins.

- Advice. Not for all fish the winter period is a time of rest. During the winter months, pikeperch, perch and burbot, among others, feed intensively.

How to choose a fishing spot?

Even a novice angler should know about the fact that the changing ambient temperature affects the location of fish in water bodies. At low temperatures, fish congregate in areas that remain well-oxygenated and where they do not need to use much energy.

Since the water at the bottom of a body of water remains at a more or less constant temperature, fish generally stay at great depths during the winter. For this reason, in winter, anglers avoid fishing in deep and large bodies of water, opting instead for small ponds or old river beds.

How to properly bait fish in winter?

The already mentioned reduced metabolism of fish in winter means that they do not need as much food as in the warm months of the year. Some species practically completely stop feeding in cold water - these include carp, carp and tench. Their fishing requires a specialized approach and knowledge and experience.

Easily digestible mixtures

When composing groundbait for winter, you need to adjust it to the changed activity of fish. Therefore, bet on easily digestible, nutrient-rich mixes that are gentle on the body of fish during the period of slowing metabolism. An example of such bait can be Feeder Bait 800g - Hot Krill, ideal for the cold months.

The attractiveness of the bait in winter can be increased by aromatic oils, extracts and dips (such as Dynamite Baits Evolution Oil -Tuna attractor). In winter, fish are more responsive to intense aromas - so using such additives can attract their attention, even in conditions where their natural activity is limited.

Smaller particles and portions of bait

In winter, focus on using smaller particles and grains in your bait, which will gently attract fish. Experienced anglers in the colder months use tiny pellets that suit the winter preferences of fish. An example of such a product is feeder pellets with a weight of 2 mm.

Remember that in winter less is more. Since fish are more picky at this time of year, you should reduce the amount of bait. Excessive feeding will be counterproductive. Moderate and precise feeding, on the other hand, will allow you to concentrate the fish in the desired area.

Take advantage of clay and suitable worms

When preparing your groundbait for winter, it's a good idea to have clay (check out, for example, Mount Argile Bright 2 kg clay) or peat earth on hand. They are used not only because they deliberately deplete the groundbait and reduce its nutritional value, but also because in the right proportions they can create a so-called streak in the water, which attracts fish.

Bait, especially that prepared in late autumn or winter, should be mixed with clay or earth in the right proportions. The mixture is made by mixing one part of the bait with two, three or four parts of earth. Are you baiting with balls? Make sure they are not too large. Those about the size of a ping-pong ball, or even smaller, work best.

When it comes to groundbait vermin, casters, white worms, pins, chironomids and dendroben are particularly popular among feeder anglers in winter.

Keep in mind that not only the composition of bait, but also the technique and pace of baiting are very important in winter.

How to increase the chances of successful fishing in winter - proven tricks

Keep in mind that just choosing a fishing spot and the right bait, does not mean success automatically. You need to keep in mind that winter water is usually very clear, and therefore the fish have a very good visibility. Therefore, the set used for winter fishing should be as delicate as possible. You can count on more bites if you use a thin line, a delicate leader and a small hook.

When winter fishing, you must be very vigilant and carefully watch the signals on your rod. After all, delicate bites can be very difficult to spot in winter. To minimize the risk of missing bites, use sensitive and thin rod sets.

Pay attention to choose days with more stable weather for fishing, when the temperature is slightly higher. Experienced anglers indicate that fish activity can be increased on days with mild temperatures.

In winter, as in other seasons, it is really worth experimenting with your approach to fishing. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to the situation are key qualities for any angler. If the methods you have been using for a long time are not producing any results, consider changing them.

In conclusion - using the right bait for winter is just one of many factors that affect the efficiency and success of fishing. When going to the water, also do not forget about warm clothes, which will allow you to survive even the least favorable weather conditions unscathed. And always use proper technique!