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Thrilling winter trip sees 40 carp banked in epic session

by Aidan Bordiuk |

Published on9th February 2026 at 10.57am

Carp fishing in winter can be bleak, and even the most dedicated carp anglers will agree that January is arguably the most difficult month to target these fish. Landing just one fish during the depths of winter is considered a result, as putting together a hit of multiple fish is incredibly difficult, even on the most prolific waters.

Carp will still feed in cold weather, but usually only for much shorter periods, and it is the anglers who can capitalise on these brief feeding windows who are often rewarded. After planning a trip that coincided with some favourable weather, Max Whitehall was confident he might get a few takes as he embarked on a winter session at Linear Fisheries, but even his own expectations were surpassed, as he went on to bank an astonishing 40 carp in just under 48 hours.

CATCH MORE FISH WITH THESE WINTER CARP FISHING EDGES...

One of the carp Max banked during his epic trip!

“I’m lucky enough to have the Linear Fisheries complex on my doorstep, so with the knowledge I’ve gained over the years, I knew to keep a watchful eye on the weather app,” Max told us.

“As soon as I saw a new wind due, it only made sense to take action and get myself down to Brasenose 2. Low pressure and high winds always have a huge effect on the lake, the fish get moving and start feeding, most importantly though, you still have to find them,” he explained.

With his thorough knowledge of the water, Max headed to the bowl area, knowing this is often where the fish hold up during colder conditions. Sure enough, after walking the bank and checking a few swims he fancied, Max spotted fish showing, confirming this was where he needed to focus his efforts.

THE BEST FISHING BIVVIES WILL KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE IN THE DEPTHS OF WINTER!

The fish just kept coming for Max

“My go-to approach on B2 is to fish three rods on one spot, with a few spods of bait over the top. Once the rods were out, I started setting up camp and within minutes the first rod was away with a lovely mirror carp. After that, the bites came thick and fast!” Max recalled.

“It was an unbelievable session and, over the duration of my 48-hour trip, I managed to land 40 carp, 12 of them over 30lb, including three over 35lb and one just ounces under 40lb.”

“All the fish were caught on Ronnie rigs with 12mm Sticky Baits Peach & Pepper pop-ups. The bait I used over the top was Sticky Baits Manilla crumb, combined with hemp, corn, and boilies.”

“Having action like this in January makes it all worthwhile, especially with the weather we’re faced with over the winter months.”

"So, for anyone being put off by the conditions, hopefully this gives you the incentive to get the gear in the van and head down to the lake.," he concluded.

The biggest of the trip, what a way to round off a prolific trip!

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