My advice would be try touch ledgering
Set up as the first poster described with a running set up. Cast to an area that you think is a likely spot. (You could use a swim feeder if you wish, but I prefer not to at this time of year. Depending on what fish are likely to be in front of you choose your hook size and bait, i.e. Small roach I would go with single maggot size 22 - 18 hook, Large roach Bread flake size 16-12 hook. Etc...
Cast out and place the rod in one rod rest, place the handle in your lap (make sure you are sitting comfortably, tighten the line till you have a bend in your tip, hold the line between your thumb and finger and hit every bump, knock or pull you feel, (instantly as you are holding the rod.
I find this the best way to ledger in the winter as bites are hard to come by and if it’s in the rests you will miss most bites by the time you get your hand to the rod.
Also don't fish each cast to long, its more a case of searching out the fish, you will find most fish in snags , undercut banks, under reed rafts, depression in the river/Lake bed ETC. Search out the swim and you will catch, if not travel light, (rod, rest, landing net if needed, seat, bait and small bag tackle) and move to a new swim.
One other tip, if your bait is getting sucked or taken and your not feeling the bites shorten you hook length.
Hope this helps. Good luck
Cheers Richard