METHOD FEEDER BASICS

FISHING the Method evolved from standard open and block-end swimfeeders and was initially developed with greedy commercial carp in mind.
It has now become a highly successful approach, not just for commercial bagging style venues but also for fooling those larger lumps.
It’s also a devastating tactic for tench and bream, and even now has a place on sluggish rivers when targeting chub and barbel.
Most groundbaits will mould around the frame of a Method feeder, and dedicated commercially available Method mixes are spot on.
You can also make your own concoctions. Cereal-based dog food Vitalin is an awesome ingredient – just add a little water, allow the mix time to absorb and you’ve got the perfect stiff mix which will cling to the vanes of Method feeders with ease.
Shorter than average hook links are the way to go for fishing the Method feeder.
The trick is to present your hook bait as close to the food ball as possible to guarantee it’s in close proximity to the feeding activity.
Even better is to actually push your hook bait into the ball before gently squeezing a final layer of mix.
Your typical Method feeder rig results in countless nods and twangs on the rod tip as grubbing fish begin to whittle away the ball of feed.
Don’t strike at these knocks, instead wait for a definite positive slamming bite, or a spool churning screamer!

1. Larger in-line Method feeders are usually nose heavy for aerodynamics and stability during the cast. Models such as these from Drennan, Korum and Fox are spot on for targeting larger specimens. The new maggot Method feeder from Fox incorporates a central chamber for wriggling grubs to allow Method mixes and maggots to be combined. All these larger Method feeders work better with coarser mixes such as Vitalin or crumb mixes with lots of extra tasty particles added.

2. These flat Method feeders take less of a payload and are popular on commercial pools. They are also the best option for sloping bottoms. Their aerodynamic shape and underslung lead placing ensures that the feeder casts well and always lands the right way up, so your buried hook bait is in the correct position every time and not trapped underneath. Finer groundbait mixes work well on flat feeders, as do softened pellets when moulded around it.

3. The rough and tumble of fishing the Method feeder calls for the right gear for the job. It’s probably best to shy away from high tech low diameter hook links and tiny hooks and opt for robust lines and strong hook patterns. An Avon style rod combined with a medium reel and 6 lb mono is perfect for flicking out smaller flat feeders on commercial pools, but a fully loaded larger in-line feeder can weigh several ounces so stepped up carp gear is essential, using lines of no less than 10 lb breaking strain.

4. A finished Method feeder rig should be simple in construction to make it as tangle-free as possible. The standard Method feeder rig is constructed in exactly the same way as an in-line semi fixed bolt rig. The only part you’re changing is substituting the lead for the Method feeder. Don’t forget to ensure that the hook link swivel fits snugly in the base of the Method feeder. It should pull free easily under slight pressure to allow the fish to rid itself of the feeder if the line breaks.

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Watch this video for some more Method feeder fishing tips