Carp fishing in the winter can include long periods of inactivity.
It is important that you stay warm, especially now that the weather looks as though it is ready to turn very cold at the end of January.
Below are some hints and tips to help you stay warm during the long winter sessions.
Most of this is common sense, but it doesn't hurt to remind yourself of the obvious now and again.
Lots of Layers Ensure that you wear several layers of clothing.
The air trapped between the layers acts as insulation against the cold.
Two T-shirts, a thin fleece, jumper, jacket.
If you get too hot, you can just remove a single layer.
Stay Dry few things are as miserable as being cold and wet.
Ensure that you have a good quality waterproof outer layer, such as the Carp Suit from Ron Thompson with FREE Thermal Boots worth £19.
99, stay under, at least, a decent brolly or preferably in a bivvy with an extra skin.
I have a Fox Frontier bivvy which goes up in no time and keeps the worst weather out.
Not only will this keep the rain off, but it will keep the rain out too.
Be a Hot Head As much as 80% of your body heat is lost through your head.
Get yourself a decent hat and wear it all the time.
Hands Get a good pair of gloves.
A good idea is to get a pair that you can quickly convert to fingerless, to allow you full control when casting, reeling in and baiting up.
You might also want to consider getting some hand warmers, a gel-like substance that warms up when squeezed.
Toastie Toes Thermal socks and a really good pair of waterproof boots will keep your feet warm.
Again, several layers will help too.
I know a few guys who wear women's pop socks (cut down stockings) on their feet under their socks and they swear that this keeps their feet really warm (just don't tell your mates what you're wearing!) Food and Drink Invest in a really good large thermos flask for day sessions and a portable camping cooker for longer sessions.
Obviously, take extreme care when cooking.
Cook outside your bivvy to prevent risk of fire and noxious gases.
You can now get reasonable quality pouches of food that heat themselves when you open the packing.
These can be a little expensive, but do provide a good option for hot food if your cooking skills aren't up to it.
Tackle Bargains hold a good range of flasks, kettles and cooking utensils.
Bag Up Catch so many carp that you haven't got time to feel the cold.
Seriously though, if you are still feeling the cold, a 4 Seasons sleeping bag will keep the worst of the cold up.
Also invest in an waterproof sleeping bag cover.
Maybe you have picked up a tip or two, so enjoy your winter fishing, stay warm and keep on BaggingUp.