I often hear people talk about ‘fishing for liners’ in winter. Wouldn’t fishing with tight lines like this spook the fish when they bump into them?

DAN WILDBORE:

Carp will slow down in the winter months and they don’t seem to be as aware of, or as spooky of, lines as they can be when the weather is warmer. I wouldn’t fish super tight lines, however, as it doesn’t give you the best indication. A semi-tight line with the bobbin an inch or so below the alarm is ideal, especially if you turn the sensitivity on your bite alarm right up.

Liners are a good indication to let you know if fish are around, especially if they are playing hard ball and are not showing. If you have nothing else to go on, liners can be good way of finding out where they are.