PVA In Winter

When using PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) in colder months, it’s important to know that some oils can negatively impact its effectiveness. This is especially true for the popular funnel web mesh. Many anglers use oily stick mixes, but when water temperatures drop, the melt rates of the PVA can slow down if oil seeps into the PVA fibres. This can make the PVA completely useless, leading to situations where you reel in a tiny stick that’s covered your hook after being in the water all night.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Avoid Thick Oils: Stay away from using thick oils in stick mixes or glugged baits.

2. Opt for Brine: If you’re using tuna, consider the brine version instead.

3. Make Sticks Fresh: Avoid making your sticks the night before; create them as you need them for better results.

PVA Stringers:

Another useful tip for winter fishing is to add a stringer to your rig. A stringer consists of a few baits threaded onto PVA tape, which is then hooked over your hook to place a small group of baits close to your hookbait. The 10mm PVA tape works well in winter and is ideal for baits down to 14mm. If you’re using smaller baits, switch to our 3mm tape to prevent splitting.

You can also try our Castaway PVA System – 7m in 18MM for an exploding stringer technique. Insert three baits into the system, jiggle them into a triangle shape, then tie a knot in the mesh. This method helps eliminate any slack in the PVA mesh. By attaching one of the end baits to the hair and using it as your hookbait, you’ll create an aerodynamic rig that casts further and disperses the free baits away from the hookbait upon landing. This makes it less obvious than a standard stringer, improving your chances of a catch.