Winter fishing may be quieter, but it’s never short on lessons and good advice. To round off the year, our team have shared their top tips for the colder months — with a reminder that a sense of humour goes a long way on the bank.
I would like to say a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all readers.
As my second year working with Fishing for Schools, I have been far more involved with all our projects through 2025, and with the exciting news of the angling qualification I’m looking forward to doing even more!
Here is a photo from one of my favourite sessions this year, taking my friends and my partner out for a small fishing social, reminding me it doesn’t always have to be specimen hunting to have a good day’s fishing, it can just be a easy day at a local pond!
Jamie Benfield
Season's greetings all. Stay warm walking the banks and visit your local tackle shop!
Justin Cavalier
Top tip: My top tip would be to remember that just because the winter is here, it doesn't mean you can't continue to enjoy fishing in the colder months. If you want to keep catching it's important to have knowledge of the right venues that hold species of fish that still feed regularly in lower temperatures, to give yourself the best chance of a bite or two.
Big Duffs
I have only very recently joined Fishing for Schools, and I am really looking forward to getting fully involved in 2026. I have attached my favourite photograph from this year, taken on a special visit with my son to a small stretch of river, where he managed to catch his very first Grayling, a moment we will both remember for a long time.
I would like to wish all the adults, children, and the amazing coaches of Fishing for Schools a very Merry Christmas, and I hope 2026 brings you plenty of fish, lots of laughter, and unforgettable memories together.
Always remember, life is more exciting when we are outdoors.
Kevin Peet
This Immaculate 55lb Common came at 2am, just four hours before we had to get ready to go home from the mighty Rainbow Lake in southern France. We had blanked up until then so it’s what we call a blank saver; despite its unsociable timing it was very welcome…
Top Tip: “Never give up!”
Phil Humm
Top tip: Keep your tackle in tip-top condition and 'ready to go'. Take advantage of those short-notice opportunities in 2026, as they often deliver the red-letter catch!
He's a bit bigger now but this is my youngest with his first fish.
Martyn Rafferty
Wishing everyone a very merry 'Fishmas' and a 'Reely' happy new year. All the best for 2026.
Top tip: I like to target lots of different fish throughout the seasons, during the winter I like to take my young people fly fishing for trout.
This beautiful brown trout was caught at the start of December by a pupil on his first fly fishing experience.🎣
Top tip: My top tip for winter carp fishing would be to never leave home without some maggots. They always out-fish boilies in the colder months. This 32lbs mirror was the best of a four fish hit on an overnighter this week, followed by a 31lbs PB for one of my students the next day.
Warren White
At this time of year, it is nice to reflect on the highlights of the year. For me, one thing that shines above all others is the work our Mental Health and Disability groups produce each year, which is bloody amazing.
Arts, creativity and education.
And last, but not least: Pippa and Richard Winser:
Your most important single item of tackle is a sense of humour! – ‘Tight Lines’ for 2026”