Winter Fishing

I like to try to keep fishing during the winter if weather allows. This year we have been out a few times during December and fishing stinks. There are no ling and cod yet and all that seems to be available are blackfish and they seem to be succumbing to all the pressure and cold water temperatures. Usually this time of year the ocean is full of life with herring and mackerel attracting whales, dolphins and all sorts of birds. The past few trips the ocean looks like the dead sea, and seems barren. I feel like it is due to "pop" any day now and the fish to start biting. I hope I'm right.