How to Fish the Method Feeder for Carp
The Method-Feeder has dominated match fishing on many venues over the past few years. Today I am fishing the Match Lake at Blind Lane Fisheries in Essex where the huge population of carp really respond to this method.
Conditions are far from perfect so I’ve chosen my swim carefully, one that has plenty of cover on the island, an area I’m sure the carp will head too once the sun gets up. I’m also tackling this venue with a different bait, something you probably haven’t heard of or used before but one that’s bought me great success recently. All will be revealed later.
Tackle for the day consists of one of my favourite rods, the beautifully balance 10’ Sphere Bomb, however as I’m fishing clipped up right next to the snags and can’t give these fish an inch have opted for the slightly more powerful +10% version. This has been complimented with the silky smooth Sphere MgTi 920, the smallest of four in this range, which is loaded with Cenex 0.16mm Feeder Mono. This mainline is a medium-stretch sinking line so bites are registered far quicker than standard monofilaments and the lack of stretch stops fish getting within the unforgiving snags on the far bank. On the business end I’m using a 30g Hydrus Metal Method Feeder which I set up so its semi fixed creating a bolt effect along with a four-inch hooklink made from Cenex 0.16mm Hybrid Power Mono which has a size 16 barbless Sphere Beast tied knotless-knot style with a hair containing a Silicone Pellet Band.
Onto bait, one that’s very versatile, cheap and will catch you loads of fish wherever you take it. What is it, corn pellets? These can be bought in bulk from any animal feed outlet and all I do is place a small piece within the bait band. This bait is really light so a fish can really suck it in easily and it’s something they haven’t seen before and believe me it will catch you loads of fish. For the feeder mix what I do is create a 50/50 mix of finely ground corn pellets and Champion’s Choice Big Fish Groundbait. Together these create a light fluffy mix, great for the method feeder and oozing out a lovely irresistible sweet smelling flavour of corn, almond, vanilla and marzipan!
The Sphere Bomb +10% Power rod is ideal for light Method feeder fishing on commercial fisheries.
Use the line clip on your reel to cast accurately every time. This is especially useful when fishing tight to far bank cover.
Always use a strong, abrasion resistant line when Method Feeder fishing. Cenex Feeder mono is ideal.
"Corn pellets are a versatile and cheap bait that carp love."
Cenex Hybrid Mono is perfect for hookengths, being clear in colour and with a very high strength for its diameter.
The Sphere Beast hooks are the best carp hooks I have ever used. Not only are they very strong for the wire thickness, but they are incredibly sharp too. Be sure to check them out.
Bait Bands make changing the hard pellet hookbait very easy.
The session has gone to plan and as expected the bright conditions have seen many of the carp heading for the shade of the snags. Other anglers around fishing into open water are struggling, yet by continuously casting to the same spot I’ve tempted a nice net of carp and F1’s. The tackle I’ve used is balanced, yet robust and strong enough to stop everyone getting into the snags, so all in all a great mornings fishing showing that if you choose the right swim, use appropriate tackle and a bait they just can’t refuse, even on the toughest days, great sort can be had.
How to fish the method feeder for carp.
Alec Roberts
Alec’s Tackle
Sphere 10’ Bomb Rod +10%
Sphere MgTi 920 Reel
Cenex 0.16mm Feeder Mono
Hydrus 30g Metal Method Feeder
Cenex 016mm Hybrid Power Mono
Sphere size 16 barbless Beast Hook
Silicone Bait Band
Alec’s Bait
Corn Pellets
Champion’s Choice Big Fish Groundbait
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Place your hookbait in the indentation in the centre of the Method mould.
Fill the mould with groundbait, place the Method feeder over the top and push down firmly.
Flex the mould to release the feeder. The loaded feeder should look like this, with the hookbait sat right in the middle.