Be Patient and Fish Will Come
Freezing conditions swept the country last week and fishing was a no no for most. Having spoken to Andy recently about how and where he fished during these conditions we were interested to hear about Port Talbot Dock.
‘I have been fishing the dock for the last few winters and the fishing can be unbelievable. Skimmers averaging a pound are the main quarry but with a big head of good sized roach and mullet (the dock is brackish and full of sea fish!) to go at you never really know what coming next. With 30 feet of water in front of you it never freezes so makes an ideal winter venue.’
‘The feeder is always the main line of attack here and can produce some big weights. With this dire weather though, even in 30 feet it still effects the fishing greatly. But, at least we are fishing and not breaking ice!’
Conditions like this mean a you have to be disciplined in your approach. This isn’t a commercial so you can’t try and force the issue like you maybe would on other venues. Take your time and let the fish come to you.
One
Bait for conditions like this is very simple. A handful of maggots, pinkies and castors and a bag of my favourite Bait-Tech Omen will be more than enough. I will put a few castors and odd maggot through the feeder to start with and then cut that out completely as I build a bed of bait. Cold conditions like this make you think very hard about your feeding and less is definitely more!
Two
In conditions like this discipline is everything and after the first few casts I will then sit and wait for a bite. I am happy to leave the feeder in for as much as half an hour at a time when it’s really hard as I don’t want to keep recasting if I’m not getting bites. If you think that you haven’t had a bite then chances are all your bait will still be there and putting more in will just ruin your swim. Be patient and let it happen!
Three
A slow and steady approach needs confidence, I know the fish love Omen, maggots and pinkies will out fish other hookbaits and by leaving the feeder in for long periods I am letting the fish feed at their leisure without risking too much bait and disturbance to the swim. Take your time and let it happen!

























Nice work Andy,
I think im going to dust off the old feeder rod and give it a shot in the coming weeks!