Lure fishing over the winter

[Baz T]

Now the weather is bit better I am hoping to be fishing for pike again in next few weeks in the canal. Having only just started pike fishing in September last year, I have never fished for pike over the winter period. Is it still worth belting out lures, (I imagine slow n deep is the best bet?) or do most people opt for static deadbaits etc. I am in the southwest so it is a bit milder than up t'north..!

[Chappa]

There's no harm in giving it a go mate, especially if you have dead baits out already. (belt n braces). However despite all the youtube footage of people winching in 25lb fish from the great lakes and scandinavia at this time of year, personally I've had no luck with lures when the water temp is below 5 deg C. I just think the British fish are not as hardy as those elsewhere. A good alternative would be to slowly wobble a small dead like a smelt? I've seen video of Mick Brown scoring in winter with this method on the broads.

Remember though that all waters are different and it may be just the trick on the water you're considering, there are no hard and fast rules!

Good luck!

[Baz T]

Thanks for reply, was thinking of one rod dead bait, and then lure on another rod, and keep moving every 30 mins to another spot. Might as well give it a go as you say, and can always change to 2 rods deadbait, or try a wobbled for a while too if necessary.

[Chappa]

Good plan mate, let us know how you get on

Chappa

[pingu]

definately
the canals now thawed and access ok, although if got a posh car the lime kilns road is potholed badly now)
water high but couloured but should clear soon

dave

[Baz T]

thanks for update pingu, also noted you replied on the shout too, thanks. Got an old beat up astra, and the potholes on swans nest road are bad too..deep enough to fish in some of them!..

[Baz T]

As it happens, didnt make it down to canal on Friday, and had prior committments on saturday before back to work sunday!..perhaps next week sometime, and I can dust the cobwebs off my rods

[kfsand]

Defo worth a go with lures this time of year. I had an 18lber from a small fen drain in december and the water temp was only 4dc! I also had 5 from the broads last week 3 of which were on lures. I would not go pike fishing without my lure rod as you can outfish baits most of the time.

Kev

[Baz T]

Thanks for info. Did try lures Monday for while, but no takes. Got 1 jack on deadbait. However have realised now I was fishing an area where somebody had just done an all night session, and I must have arrived as he was leaving, so if he had nabbed a few pike, that is possibly why I had probs getting some myself!

[rob@home]

I'm catching pike on lures mate the trick is to find some your confident with to start with, try a proven pattern I love to use big 's' type lures which have a fish shape with a rattle inside with 2 sets of trebles on them. They have a spoon on the front to help the lure dive & they have a lovely swimming pattern try them out....Good luck & tight lines.

Rob.