come october 1st the carp rods are hung up and the pike rods come out to play, i still enjoy the odd 48/72hr session for pike even in the depths of winter many a time i have woken to a snow covered bank and a few times ive needed a brick to break the ice to allow me to get my end tackle back.
for me winter fishing can be better than a sweltering summer session. dress in layers rather than in big chunky clothes, and remove layers when you are moving around and baiting up the swim then add layers to sit back and relax.
my favourite top is a norwegian army shirt (its like a thin tight weave fleece) very light weight but really warm then a good jumper and fleece jacket. i have a good thick water proof coat for the times when its raining or snowing and i need to play a fish. for trousers i use thick army surplus combat trousers, lght weight and quick to dry.
i dont bother with fleece thermal one piece suits as i sweat to much moving around and then the sweat can start to freeze when you sit down.
the most important items though are gloves, hat and boots.
i have found mountainering gloves are great as they are not as thick padded as ski gloves and so allow you to play a fish without problems. the hat is a nice simple thinsulate from a garage for £1.99
for boots ive not bothered with the fishing wonder boots all my mates keep buying every few seasons. the british army now issue a really good gortex/thinsulate leather high leg boot and these can be picked up on ebay for around £50-60.
the only real issue ive come across in winter fishing is cheap bite alarms. a couple of friends have had their alarms pack up after a severe storm or a good solid freeze. i still use optonics from the 80's and these have never let me down where as some friends even with fox alarms have problems due to a deep freeze.
also make sure gas bottle on stove is full and you take plenty of water for hot brews and good solid hot food.
follow some simple steps and make sure you plan your trip with care and check your car before leaving home, missing a sleeping bag or hat isnt an issue in summer but in winter will ruin your trip in no time at all