UKCARP MAGAZINE 19 JANUARY 3RD 2012Weather apps are available for your mobile.nights. So long as it doesn't settle for ages (which is usually the onset of a freeze) you can also plan your fishing accordingly. Under these conditions the fish don't normally feed very hard, so single hookbaits are the order of the day, but one huge factor to consider is that the carp are often high in the water. This in turn means that zigs can often get a bite or two when all else fails, so be prepared. It can also be surprisingly warm on high pressure days, and it is often worth seeking out those sheltered areas that don't get the cold breeze. The weak winter sun can often create little hotspots where the fish will briefly sun themselves. It is well worth doing your homework and seeing if you have any potentially warm areas on your venue. High pressure often means tricky fishing, but by understanding this and choosing the right tactic or area to suit the conditions may well put a bonus fish on the bank. So there you have it - by understanding the weather basics, you can up your catch rate this winter. PATTERNSn your fi shing accordingly by being your own forecaster

UKCARP MAGAZINE 20 JANUARY 3RD 2012WINTER BAITSNOWTRY A SCOTCHIEDarren Belton's home-made hookbait looks remarkably like a Scotch egg, and his simple rig complements it to the full