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IF I HAD to rely on just one species to target in the cold on commercial fisheries, then without a doubt it would have to be the skimmer.

These small bream seem to be less fickle than carp or F1s when the temperature is low and a few bites are normally guaranteed, but one thing you can’t rely on is how big the fish are going to be.

It’s great to be catching when it’s brass monkeys outside, but everyone likes to hook something a little bit bigger.

For that reason, I always like to rely on pellets, which normally produce a bigger fish every time the float goes under.

One big question to solve, though, is whether to feed tightly and accurately with a pole pot or to spread things about a little with the catapult. I’d always try to use the catapult to pull in more fish, but be aware of the weather. If it’s bitterly cold, the pot is crucial to eke out as many bites as you can.