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Method feeder ?


andyj008

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Getting back into fishing after 15 years plus away I've not used the method feeder although it's probs been around a while . I'd live to give it a go , any hints and tips appriciated , thanks

Andy

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It depends to a large extent what you're fishing for, and how you're doing it. The large, tri-lobed feeders can weigh 5oz or more fully loaded, so unless you're fishing at short range (where a lobbed cast suffices) a rod of at least 2lb TC, and preferably 2.5 or 2.75lb, will be needed.

 

However, since the flat-bed method feeders were introduced - with a smaller weight and payload - almost any leger rod of medium strength and upwards will be enough as long as you're not going for the big cast. Flat-beds used with the supplied mould are aerodynamic and (again, because of the mould) the payload weight is the same each time, which gives you great accuracy. I favour the Drennan ones, which are supplied with a natty quick-change bead that fits snugly in a recess at the front of the feeder.

 

I'm a fan of short hooklinks for the method - 3 or 4" max - which means that the fish feels the weight of the feeder as soon as it picks up the bait. This works very well on the venues I fish, although there are times when a longer link works better, perhaps because the fish are wary of the feeder in its neat little pile of bait.

 

In or out? There are days when burying the bait inside the feed works best, and others where leaving the bait dangling outside will score better, although I always start out with the bait (and hooklink) buried inside. As the groundbait or pellets begin to fall away from the feeder it leaves your hookbait as a tempting bullseye on top of the pile of bait. A hookbait that's bright, or a contrasting colour to your feed can work well, as it's so visible - it pays to experiment. White and fluoro mini boilies in 6 and 8mm sizes have worked well for me this season, but there are times when a piece of corn or maize (real or fake), is just as good.

 

Groundbait or pellets? There are now literally dozens of proprietary method groundbaits to choose from, but I've had better success using pellets. It's easy to prepare a few pellets just before starting a session. Soak them in lake water (you can add a flavour at this point, if you wish) for a few minutes, then turn the lidded box over to drain off the excess. Micro pellets need less soaking time than bigger ones, so it pays to experiment a bit. I find that a 4 or 5 minute soak is about right for a 4mm pellet, which is what I use most of the time. Don't prepare too many at once, as their texture and stickiness will change during a session as the water continues to penetrate. Keep them covered so they're less affected by wet or hot weather.

 

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, they won't stick together properly. There are powdered "sticky pellet" products designed to overcome this problem, but just as good (and less expensive!) is the supermarket's own version of Horlicks. A palmful to a pint of pellets is usually enough - just add it in small quantities until you get it right, mixing it in thoroughly.

 

Bites on the method are usually pretty vicious affairs. For that reason alone, I'll rarely go below an 8lb hook length and a 10lb mainline. Short mono hooklinks have no stretch so you need to compensate by upping the breaking strain to avoid being broken on the take. If you're using a softish feeder rod you might get away with 6lb as an absolute minimum.

 

Baitrunner reels are a must if you don't want to see your rod heading for the horizon. A carp or tench of 2lbs or less will happily drag a rod off the rests when it charges off (seen it done, when I forgot to set the baitrunner lever after casting - just managed to grab my treasured rod by the very end of the handle!)

 

This is really just the bare bones - the subject of baits and groundbaits alone gives endless scope for experimentation - and is just my own take based on personal experience. No doubt some of the other guys here will be along soon to add their own two penn'orth. Get out there and give it a go!

 

EDIT - I've barely mentioned hook baits here, or the hair rig and it's use - I guess after such a long lay-off you may be unfamiliar with the hair rig and the knotless knot used to tie it. Let us know how much you're aware of and someone will be along to fill in the blanks.

Edited by robtherake

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed."

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Agree with what Rob says and will add:

The most important thing is not to move your feeder when it hits the bottom, if you do you may as well be using a cage feeder.

Use flatbed feeders, I Mainly use Preston as I like the push button mould.

If have trouble getting feeder out of mould sprinkle a little dry ground bait in before adding damp pellets.

Baits can range from a Single dead maggot to a 16mm boilie so have a range of hook lengths tied with a range of hook sizes.

Watercraft is still a must, its not a case of chuck it and chance it.

Your quiver tip or bobbins will dance and jangle, ignore, when a fish takes your bait it will give a savage unmissable bite.

DO NOT strike, just lift rod and reel into the fish.

Edited by RUDD

RUDD

 

Different floats for different folks!

 

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The Preston mould is far better than the Drennan, which can stick terribly. To get around this, between casts I leave the Drennan mould in a small baitbox filled with water (which also helps to keep your hands clean, so your gear doesn't get too cacky!). Fiddly, I know, and I like Rudd's dry groundbait idea better.

 

Incidentally, I read that the Guru moulds fit the Drennan feeders and are far better than the Drennan ones. I keep meaning to get one, but once I enter the local tackle emporium with its multifarious baubles on show the old memory goes a bit funny... :crazy:

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed."

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I agree with what Rob has mentioned , what is the extent of your knowledge of hair rigs etc as we can hope out more on the subject. I am more towards the guru feeders as there elasticated feeders are as safe as an inline one with the elastic being connected to the mainline and is a lot more forgiving on takes as absorbs most of the fishes lunges , I don't mind the drennan ones either as have a good amount of both. If it's just to try it out look for ones on eBay auctions you can get a job lot every now and then for a good price. Rod wise I have a 12 ft dedicated feeder with 3 different tips varying in strength for sensitivity on different weather conditions

Edited by Adam247

HONOR IS DOING THE RIGHT THING, EVEN WHEN NOBODY IS LOOKING ...

Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone.

"Yes, I will do the opposite. I used to sit here and do nothing and regret it for the rest of the day. So now i will do the opposite, and i will do something..." George Costanza

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