Over the years, winter fishing has always been a battle of endurance for me—particularly when it comes to keeping my hands and, more importantly, my feet warm. I’ve tried just about everything: multiple layers of socks, different boot combinations, thermal insoles, even various “miracle” products that promise warmth but rarely deliver. The reality is, I’ve spent a small fortune chasing a solution, only to end up disappointed time and time again.
The main issue, as it turns out, has been my feet sweating. It sounds counterproductive, but once moisture gets involved, it becomes almost impossible to retain any real warmth, no matter how good your gear is. Managing that has been the real challenge, and for years I never quite cracked it.
That all changed this winter after I decided to try a small greenhouse heater. It was a bit of an experiment more than anything, but the difference was immediate. Having a consistent, dry source of heat inside the bivvy completely transformed my comfort levels. Instead of constantly fighting the cold, I was finally able to stay warm for extended periods, and more importantly, keep everything dry—especially my feet.
Since introducing it into my setup, winter sessions have become far more manageable and, if I’m honest, a lot more enjoyable. It’s taken years of trial and error to get to this point, but sometimes it’s the simplest changes that make the biggest difference.
You can purchase a 2kW version, not tested myself, if your budget wants to go that far.
Full Discreption
Greenhouse Heater 4.2kW Thermostatic With Regulator + Hose Lifestyle Eden Pro
Fit for the pros (greenhouse heaters <200ft²)
Offering extensive areas coverage, the Eden Pro’s powerful 4.2kW burner proves ideal for larger greenhouses.
Thermostat-controlled self-ignition
Unlike the conventional gas greenhouse heater, the Lifestyle Eden Pro features a bespoke self-ignition system. Thermostat controlled, the Eden Pro offers heat when needed most and happily sits on standby upon reaching your set temperature.
Smart safety system
Featuring an Oxygen Depletion System (ODS), the Eden ensures it runs efficiently with a good oxygen flow. Should conditions be unideal for heating, the greenhouse heater switches off, protecting plants and people.
The Eden’s Flame Failure Device then ensures no gas flows to the burner until conditions return to being ideal for heating.
Robust and rust-resistant
The Eden Pro’s stainless steel body gives the heater a hard-wearing and enduring shell that can endure changing climates and conditions.
Features –
4200W max heat output Thermostat controlled Safety valve Oxygen Depletion System (ODS) Flame Failure Device (FFD) Complete with gas hose and Propane regulator Heat output: 4.2 kW Temperature range: 7°C – 32°C Power: 4200W Gas type: Propane Dimensions: Width: 36 cms | Depth : 14 cms | Height: 48.5 cms Box dimensions: Width: 38 cms | Depth : 15 cms | Height: 50.5 cms Heater weight: 4.4 kg
Please note- always have plenty of ventilation
Hopefully, this will help you get through the winter’s warm.
Remember, angler’s some of us are unlucky and suffer with feeling cold, I wish I didn’t.
I was home in good time after my two-nighter on Meadow Lake, and with all the family commitments wrapped up by 14:30—and a free day ahead—the opportunity was there to squeeze in a quick overnighter and fish into the following day.
The key for me was confidence. Meadow had only really produced at night, and the Airfield Lake, historically, just doesn’t switch on properly in March. That said, it’s something I know I need to keep working at rather than avoiding altogether.
I took a drive over first and spent a good hour just walking, watching, and listening. It didn’t take long before that old spark for the place crept back in. There’s something about it—you can’t quite put your finger on it—but it pulls you in. I already had a feeling that come Sunday afternoon, when I’m next due out, this lake could well be calling me back.
I gave myself until 16:30 to commit to a swim, which left me a solid couple of hours to get sorted. The middle lake drew me in more than anywhere else. I settled on a swim I’ve done very well from in previous Aprils—maybe a touch early, but not by much. Sometimes it pays to be a step ahead rather than behind.
I was fishing in front of a point that I could easily walk around to, which made baiting much more efficient. Rather than complicating things, I kept it consistent with what I trust—introducing a mix of boilies, pellets, and a light Active stick mix element, as well as hemp and buckwheat, all boosted with oils to give off that extra bit of attraction in colder water. I spread it by hand and catapult from the far side where possible, then topped up with the Spomb to keep a tight area building.
This was the last of the bait I’d prepared for the week, originally intended for a three-night session, so I knew the quality was there. My PVA bags were kept simple but effective—my usual stick mix approach, using a combination of fine crumb, crushed boilie, and pellets, all lightly glugged to leak off attraction without overfeeding the swim.
Hookbait-wise, I went with what’s served me well time and time again in early spring—an Orange Blank Saver for that visual edge in clearer water, alongside my ever-reliable white version. Both are high-attract singles that I’ve got complete confidence in when bites are at a premium.
Conditions weren’t ideal, and on a quick overnighter like this, you’ve always got to accept the risk of a blank. I kept an open mind—either I’d nick a bite through the night or early morning, or I’d be ready to move if I saw something elsewhere.
The night passed under clear skies, and not a single sign of carp showed. Still, I slept well, only waking around 08:10 as the sun started to warm things up. That early spring sunshine can be a game-changer, so I gave it some proper thought.
In the end, I decided to sit it out until lunchtime. If nothing happened, I’d pack down and go for a proper walk, using the time to learn more about the lake rather than just sitting behind motionless rods.
Deep down, I’ve got a feeling about this place again. If Meadow doesn’t offer me the right opportunity next week, I can see myself ending up back here for what will likely be my final session on there before the real spring switch-on. Confidence plays a big part in that decision—I need to feel I’m on fish, not just hoping.
Regardless of the result, it’s been a real pleasure to be back on the Airfield Lake. There’s something special about it—the tranquillity, the birdsong, the wide-open feel of the place. It’s properly idyllic, and sometimes that alone is enough.
Packing up came around all too quickly. I made sure to have one last proper look, setting myself a firm cut-off time—I could easily have stayed another night, but discipline is key.
UK Carp & Coarse Fishing 