![Cool Runnings](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/11201/389507/5de73be897e65/Cool-Runnings.jpg)
I DON’T know about you, but no matter how many times I go fishing, I am always seeking an edge, but just a little one, as I’m not greedy.
If I catch ten fish, I want to catch 11 the next time. If I don’t catch any, I want to know why, and I will just sit about sulking until I’m back on the bank. At this time of year, those little tweaks and twists are needed more than ever.
You run the risk of your session being feast or famine if you plonk yourself in any peg without having any prior knowledge of how it has been fishing. Strange as it sounds, it’s the famine pegs that I want to get the most out of.
I popped over to my local lake to try something that I hadn’t done before. It was another itch that needed scratching. Which bait to use in winter has always been a conundrum. Do you use spicy and oily or sweet and dry, in black, brown, red or white?
When you have selected your peg and worked out what colour bait to try, you then have the mind-bending question that can make a good day turn bad, or vice versa: how much should you feed?
I have been on lakes where one piece, yes one piece, of corn is all you need for a bite, and others where you could feed ten pints of maggots and still not catch a fish. I have been on lakes where you pick a peg and just throw out a white wafter on a straight lead. That’s it. Any feed will kill your swim dead.
So, what do you do? Well, while I was in a tackle shop, I came across a few packs of groundbait specifically designed for winter, with the taglines ‘Low Feed’ and ‘Cool Water’, and immediately I thought I could gain an edge.
While I was there, I thought I would buy all the terminal bits to go with it, a whole new tackle wardrobe for the winter season.
Denne historien er fra December 03, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
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Denne historien er fra December 03, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
![Venues on the menu](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e697c64ec3/crp_Venues-on-the-menu.jpg)
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
![“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e414c49a3a/crp_By-failing-to-prepare-you-are-preparing-to-fail.jpg)
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
![My best catch!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e69dd93c21/crp_My-best-catch.jpg)
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
![Huge zed after run of disasters](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e3d12d9b1a/crp_Huge-zed-after-run-of-disasters.jpg)
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
![Christmas stocking](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e40686281b/crp_Christmas-stocking.jpg)
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
![Alien aquatic plants](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e6d86c5351/crp_Alien-aquatic-plants.jpg)
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.