10 simple ways to dramatically improve your fishing
Achievable goals – adding one percentage at a time – are a far more successful way of improving your angling than setting yourself massive, scary targets.
“Boilies in winter: firstly, top coat your baits with CC Moore’s Feedstim Powder and roll around thoroughly. If you are using freezer baits then remove the night before and coat with a liberal quantity of L030 or DT Bait’s DNA Fish Pro.” Simon Hammersley
“There are three ways to rev up your maggots: liquids such as Richworth’s Birdfood Enhancer and Solar’s E12 or powders like curry/spice powders are all brilliant for this. The key is nice clean germs and leave them for at least 24hrs.” Tim Childs
“A dab of Propolis on the hook wound seals that instantly, and NT Labs Ulcer Swab on open cuts and scratches with a final coating of their Wound Seal sorts their bodies. These are my choice but lots of other things available.” Shaun Harrison
“If I land a carp that I plan to weigh and photograph, I prefer to leave it in the margins for a few minutes whilst I get ready. This means the carp has a short breather and I can get everything sorted out before the carp is on the bank.” Ian Poole
“Carp care: it’s all about preparation. Don’t leave getting the scales out and a bucket of water ready until you have a new PB flapping about on the mat. Have it all to hand so that you can take care of the fish and enjoy your moment.” Myles Gascoyne
“Candle lights are brilliant in the winter nights. You can buy them from camping shops as well as tackle shops, and the difference they make is phenomenal to the mind alone. And yes, they even warm your hands.” Keith Sykes
“Gas can be a nightmare in the winter months, so keep a spare canister in your sleeping bag; at night stick both canisters and at the bottom of the bag near your feet with a hot water bottle – it’ll make life a lot easier in the morning.” Jack Taylor
“Winter skins on bivvies really do make a difference, not only reducing condensation, but reducing in heat loss. Remember though: they are only effective if they too are taught and DON’T TOUCH the bivvy skin.” Gary Bayes
“When unhooking and weighing your catch, don’t keep ‘em out OF the water for too long. Deal with ‘em and get ‘em back in as quick as possible. It’s the best place for ‘em and they’re better in the pond than on the mat.” Rob Hughes
“If you want to use pellets in the winter, opt for CC Moore’s Pellet Ultramix. It’s a blend of nine different low oil pellets which ooze natural attraction as they breakdown in even the coldest water temperatures – perfect for winter use.” Ian Moore