Autumn/Winter Fishing

From now, right through to Spring, can offer some of the best chance to pick up specimen sized chub, perch, roach and pike. The fishing can be uncomfortable to say the least, but with the right kit you can keep warm and dry. Lots of layers is the answer, with a waterproof breathable outer layer, Drennan make some lovely salopettes and matching jacket. Numb toes and fingers are without doubt the most problematic thing for any fisherman. Gloves tend to snag hooks, even when there was, what seemed, no contact with the hook point... Gloves are hook magnets. Impractical when it comes to mixing groundbaits, tying rigs, hooking bait and unhooking fish. But whilst sitting there on the bank, awaiting the tip of your rod to pull round or your float to slip away, or on the walk across the fields, they are an absolute saviour! For my hands and feet, I wear Sealskinz.... Worry not, there are no clubs involved, these items are made of merino wool, with a waterproof neoprene outer. Warm, toasty, waterproof hands and feet, can it get any better? If you are lure fishing you can keep the gloves on, save the painful hands and fingers, along with the numb fingertips... Why do we do it? It's because we can't stop! As I write this piece, with my bare, painful, chilblained toes, I think about the next time I will be out chasing perch and chub in the icy conditions, tomorrow if I get my way!
Don't be a fair weather fisherman, get out there and keep fishing! The calls of redwings, fieldfares and long tailed tits will be your company, along with jackfrost, hiding in the early morning and late evening hours, waiting to tickle your fingers and toes!
But you won't complain not once you've encountered a 3lb perch or 5lb chub, you may even thank him.