The cold months are one of the most enjoyable times for fishing on the Istanbul Bosphorus. The summer crowds are gone, the waters calm down, and winter fishing comes down entirely to the patience of the masters. In this article, through çinekop and sarıkanat in particular, we explain step by step how to fish productively on the Bosphorus in December and January.

Why Çinekop and Sarıkanat on the Bosphorus in Winter?

These are the names given to different size stages of the bluefish family. From small to large, they are called defne yaprağı (bay leaf), çinekop, sarıkanat and lüfer (bluefish). As the weather turns cold, these fish drop down from the Black Sea into the Bosphorus in search of feeding and shelter grounds. The cooling water changes how the bait moves; the fish head to deeper spots and to the points where the current breaks. That is why çinekop in winter tend to roam more between the bottom and mid-water.

The sarıkanat, one size larger than the çinekop, strikes harder. When they roam in large schools in the winter months, they offer an unforgettable catch for the angler who finds the right spot.

Choosing the Right Time and Spot

The most productive hours in winter are generally the dim light just before sunrise and the twilight of the late afternoon. Fish hunt more comfortably in low light and approach the bait more boldly. When planning your December-January fishing, pay attention to these points:

  • Current corners: The headlands and cove entrances of the Bosphorus are where the current slows and bait accumulates.
  • Depth changes: Areas with a ledge-like bottom structure that suddenly deepen tend to hold schools.
  • Wind direction: In southwesterly (lodos) weather the water turns murky and fish take the bait more readily; on clear northeasterly (poyraz) days a finer rig is needed.

Reading the Current

The Bosphorus is known for its two-way current. The upper current runs from the Black Sea to the Marmara, and the lower current runs the opposite way. In winter the fish mostly wait in the calm pockets where the current breaks and the water turns. Drifting your bait along this natural band is often more rewarding than actively searching.

Tackle and Bait Suggestions

When fishing for çinekop and sarıkanat, you can get results with a spoon as well as with live or artificial bait. A general starting guide:

  • Line thickness: Choose thin in clear water and a bit thicker in murky water. Given the tooth structure of the sarıkanat, a steel wire or a thick fluorocarbon leader is useful.
  • Jig and spoon: Adjust the weight to the current; look for the balance where the bait plays in mid-water without driving too far into the bottom.
  • Live bait: A small horse mackerel or a piece of sardine is effective for fish with a keen appetite in the cold water.

When the strike comes, don't rush. The çinekop first tests the bait; the sarıkanat, by contrast, strikes hard. Keeping the line lightly taut and setting the hook with a short, clean motion after you feel the fish turn reduces missed strikes.

Preparing for the Cold

The greatest enemy of winter fishing is not the fish but the cold. An uncomfortable angler quickly loses patience. So before you set out, don't neglect the following preparations:

  • Dress in layers; a windproof outer layer and waterproof boots are essential.
  • A hand warmer and a thermos considerably improve comfort during long waits.
  • Wet gloves soon become torture; always keep a spare pair with you.

The big advantage of fishing from a boat over the shore is that you can reach the current corners and the spots where the fish actually are. Setting out with an experienced captain is the most practical way to make good use of winter's short daylight.

A Short Reminder

In winter the Bosphorus offers a different experience not only for the fishing but also for its scenery. Light filtering through the mist, calm waters and the occasional large sarıkanat make it worth enduring the cold. Be patient, read the spot correctly and adapt to the rhythm of the fish.

If you would like to experience this on a guided outing during the winter season, you can review our fishing tours page and reach us easily for suitable dates. Every tour you take with our team, who know the most productive spots on the Bosphorus, is planned to be both safe and enjoyable.