The Method feeder has become a popular and effective technique for both pleasure and match anglers. However, as fish become more wary, anglers must adapt their approach to maintain success.
One effective strategy I have been using a larger baiting-up or "bosher" feeder to introduce bigger baits aggressively and accurately into the swim. This can help to attract fish and give you an edge over both the fish and your competitors. Here's how I do it...
THE METHOD ON COMMERCIALS IS BEST USED WITH A SHORT FEEDER ROD, OUR BUYER'S GUIDE CONTAINS SOME OF THE BEST.
Choose your weapon!
Getting the right feeder is essential. The bait-up feeders I use are wire mesh open-end style, but with additional meshing across the top.
YOU CAN THEN PRESENT A METHOD OR HYBRID FEEDER OVER THE TOP OF BAIT, SEE OUR GUIDE OF THE BEST HYBRID STYLE FEEDERS.
Give them a pellet mix
If I could choose one bait it would be hard pellets. I often combine 4mm, 6mm and 8mm sizes in a tub as I like the variety this offers the fish.
OUR GUIDE OF THE BEST FEED PELLETS WILL HELP YOU CHOOSE THE IDEAL PELLETFOR YOUR FISHING.
Kick things off
I like to introduce two to three feederfuls of the hard pellet mix, capped with groundbait, although on hot, calm days I’ll rein it back, maybe introducing only one feederful. You can generally get a feel of how the fish are going to react, if there is lots of activity, a good wind blowing and its warm the fish are general up for a feed.
THE BEST REELS FOR THE METHOD WILL HELP YOUIMPROVE YOUR FEEDER FISHING.
Vary the hookbaits
My hookbait is a 6mm or 8mm hard pellet, to match what I’m feeding, but if you’re putting corn or meat in your feed you can try these as a change bait.
FISHING THE METHOD IS EXCITING, BUT YOU ALSO NEED TO BE COMFORTABLE. OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST FEEDER FISHING CHAIRS DISCUSSES THE COMFIEST AROUND.
Tackle up strong!
Scaling down hooks and line is false economy. My Method feeder hooklengths use a size 16 or 14 KKM-B eyed hook to 4ins of 0.17mm Powerline.
HAVING YOUR REEL LOADED WITH THE BEST FISHING LINE IS ESSENTIAL, HERE WE DISCUSS THE BEST FISHING LINES.
Pick your method
On soft, silty, open water style pegs I prefer the bigger, flatter style Method feeder, but smaller, heavier models are brilliant for casting to islands.
THERE ARE BESPOKE BAIT-UP RODS AVAILABLE BUT A CARP ROD IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE JOB, OUR GUIDE LOOKS AT THE BEST CARP RODS UNDER £100
