Winter cod in shallow Welsh bays have become some of my favourite early-morning prizes — slow, methodical fish that turn a quiet tide into a proper chase. One of the techniques that consistently helps me get more bites during the colder months is using scent and chum thoughtfully. In this guide I’ll walk you through how I use those tools responsibly: what works, what to avoid, the rigs and baits I favour, and how to keep our bays healthy while still targeting quality cod.

Why scent and chum help in winter bays

In winter, cod metabolism slows and they become less willing to chase. Small pockets of food — crab, sandeels, or fish scraps — can be the difference between a reluctant bite and a confident take. Scent acts as a long-range attractor and helps your bait smell like the local menu, while chum creates a localised feeding area so cod will congregate near your baited hooks.

From my time fishing Pembrokeshire and the Gower, I’ve found that scent and chum are most effective in bays where tidal flow is gentle to moderate. Strong currents wash scents and crumbs away too quickly, and in very shallow, flat bays the scent can spread too thin. Pick spots with a subtle current or an incoming tide that pushes scent toward a likely holding area — rocky points, sand-bottom gutters or kelp edges are ideal.

Legal and ethical considerations

Before I touch on tactics, a quick but important note: rules about baiting and chumming vary by location. I always double-check local bylaws and Marine Protected Area restrictions. In Wales you’ll often find specific rules around bait collection and discharges in protected areas. If anyone asks me, I point them to the local council or Natural Resources Wales website for the most up-to-date guidance.

Ethically, I follow three simple principles:

  • Keep it controlled. I never create a smelly mess that attracts gulls, dogs, or other people’s complaints.
  • Use natural, legal baits. Ragworm, lugworm, peeler crabs, sandeels and responsibly sourced fish offcuts are what I prefer.
  • Leave no trace. I remove any unused bait containers, netting, or packaging and pick up any scraps after the session.

    • Choosing scent and chum types

    Not all scents are equal. I split them into three categories I use interchangeably depending on conditions:

  • Liquid scents — concentrated, applied directly to baits. Brands like Pro-Cure and Berkley Gulp are common; I favour a fish oil or crab-scented liquid for cod.
  • Ground chum — chopped fish flesh or minced crab. I use these sparingly to create a tight patch around my rods.
  • Pelleted or crumb chums — processed fishmeal pellets or crumbs that hold together and slowly break apart. They’re tidy and easier to manage than raw scraps.

    • For me, a combination works best: a few spoons of ground chum to establish a feeding patch, plus aniseed-free liquid scent on the hooks to give that immediate ‘take me’ aroma. I avoid strong sweet or synthetic scents — cod respond better to natural fishy and crustacean smells.

    How much chum to use — and how to deliver it

    Less is often more. I don’t want to create a smelly smorgasbord that attracts every gull and seal for miles. My typical winter session plan looks like this:

  • Initial feed: 4–6 small handfuls (roughly 200–400g) of chopped fish/crab scattered in a tight area where my leads will sit.
  • Top-up: 1–2 handfuls every 30–45 minutes if the tide is slack and fish are present. If there’s no activity after an hour, I stop — over-chumming can push fish away or attract unwanted predators.

    • Delivery methods I use:

  • Spodding spoon or bait rocket — perfect for accuracy and distance if you need to reach a shelf or a gutter. I use a medium spod and keep the load light so the chum disperses quickly.
  • Hand-throwing — for close bay work when I’m fishing from rocks or a low bank. I chop the chum fine and toss it into the patch so it doesn’t clump on the surface.
  • Catapult with mesh pouch — for delicate, precise placements when I don’t want to spook the water.

    • Baits, rigs and terminal tackle

    My go-to winter cod rigs for shallow bays are simple but strong. I want a setup that presents bait naturally while allowing the fish to pick up and move off without feeling resistance immediately.

  • Running ledger — 3–6 oz lead depending on tide. I use a short running trace (20–30 cm) of 30–40 lb fluorocarbon to resist abrasion from shells and rocks.
  • Flapper or de-hooking rig — for soft baits like whole sandeels or peeler crab. A barbless circle hook (size 4/0–6/0) works well and makes unhooking easier.
  • Trace material — I favour 40–60 lb fluorocarbon for its low visibility and abrasion resistance. Brands like Seaguar FX2 or Berkley Vanish are ones I’ve trusted.

    • Hook choice: circle hooks are excellent for cod in winter because they often hook in the corner of the mouth and reduce deep hooking. If I’m using strips (mackerel or herring), I’ll use a slightly larger 4/0 circle. For crab baits I step up to 5/0–6/0 and sometimes add a helper hook for larger chunks.

    When to scent the bait and how often to reapply

    I always scent the bait right before casting. A light bath in liquid scent for 10–20 seconds is usually enough — too much makes the bait artificial and can deter fish. For pelletised or rubber baits (like Gulp! sandeel), I rub a little scent into the surface.

    Reapplication: every time you recast or at least every 30–45 minutes in cold water. Winter cold reduces scent dispersion, meaning you don’t need to drench baits as often as in summer, but freshness helps. If a fish takes the bait and you find the rest untouched, change the bait style or scent — cod can be picky.

    Reading the water and adjusting tactics

    Winter cod patterns can change from one bay to the next. I spend a lot of time watching the tide and the birds. A few cues I watch for:

  • Feeding birds or diving gulls indicate shoals of sandeels or fish nearby — a great sign.
  • Patchy kelp edges and rock gutters hold warmth and prey; bait here works well even in shallow water.
  • If fish are shy, switch to smaller baits and a longer trace — allowing a more natural presentation.

    • Minimising environmental impact

    Chumming responsibly means keeping the bay's ecology in mind. Avoid using non-native bait species as chum, don’t overfeed, and always pick up leftover packaging. I also avoid chumming near known nursery grounds or conservation areas. If seals or porpoises start congregating, I stop chumming immediately — they indicate you’re feeding the wider ecosystem beyond cod.

    Lastly, practice good fish handling. Winter cod are tougher, but they still need care: use a knotless landing net, keep handling to a minimum, and return undersized fish promptly and gently.

    If you’re planning a winter cod session in one of Wales’ beautiful shallow bays, these principles have helped me catch more fish while keeping the coast healthy. If you want, I can share a simple rig diagram or a short gear list for specific tackle setups in a follow-up post — just tell me the conditions you typically fish and I’ll tailor it.