Feeder fishing is one of the most popular coarse fishing methods in the Netherlands and Belgium. And for good reason. It is a versatile technique that you can apply to canals, rivers, lakes, and ponds, and it works for a wide range of fish species. From bream and carp to silver bream, roach, and even barbel. In this blog, we explain how feeder fishing works, what the differences are between the Method Feeder and "classic" feeder, and what equipment you need to get started.
What is feeder fishing?
When feeder fishing, you use a filled feeder basket as a weight. This basket sinks to the bottom and gradually disperses bait, attracting fish to your hook. You register your bite via your tip. This is extremely flexible. As soon as the tip moves, you strike. Simple in principle, but with enough depth to immerse yourself in for years.
There are two main variants: the "classic" feeder method and the Method Feeder. Both have their own approach and applications.
"Classic" feeder: refined and versatile
In the classic method, you use an open feeder, a wire feeder or mesh feeder, which you fill with a loose groundbait mix, pellets, casters, chopped worms, corn, and maggots. Classic feeder fishing often involves natural bait such as maggots, casters, and worms, often in combination with pellets to create extra attraction. Your hook hangs freely below or next to the feeder via a leader of about 40 to 100 centimetres. This gives the fish a natural presentation of your bait and works particularly well for finicky fish or in heavily fished waters.
The length of your leader is one of the most important variables. You choose a starting length based on the circumstances. 75 cm is a good starting position, which you then adjust based on the fish's reaction. If there are few bites, a longer leader can make a difference. As hook bait, it is best to combine this with what is also in the feeder. Maggots, casters, worms, or corn are always a good choice. Consistency attracts fish.
In addition, fishing is often done on the line clip, so you always cast at exactly the same distance. This allows you to build up a feeding spot very precisely, which is essential to keep fish at the spot for a long time and to create more bites.
The classic feeder is ideal for bream, roach, silver bream, and carp. On canals, ponds, rivers, sand pits, and polder waters, this method works well all season.
Method Feeder: fast and effective
The Method Feeder became popular in the late 1990s, especially for carp fishing. Instead of an open feeder, you use a flat or oval feeder which you cover with a groundbait mix, the so-called method mix. The hook with bait lies close to or just in the bait and is often fished with a self-hooking system. As soon as the fish takes the bait and swims away, it hooks itself.
As hook bait, mini boilies and dumbells are often used, both in sinker, wafter and pop-up variants. Pellets are also a popular choice. The hook bait stands out well from the feed, so the fish quickly picks it up.
The great advantage of the Method Feeder is its speed. You cast in, wait a few minutes, and then cast in again. By continuously applying bait to a fixed spot, you build up an active fishing spot. This makes the method particularly suitable for park ponds and for times when the fish are active.
Pay close attention to the consistency of your method mix. Make the mix slightly wetter than you think and let it soak in well to get the right structure. If the mix is too dry, it will fall out of the feeder during the cast; if it is too wet, it will not come loose quickly enough underwater. Pellets are also very popular and particularly effective for feeding. To build up a good feeding spot, start by introducing the method mix. As soon as you get the first bites, add pellets. If the bites continue, you can switch completely to pellets to keep the fish active at the spot.
Equipment: what should you pay attention to?
For feeder fishing, you need a rod with interchangeable tips. Choose your rod based on the type of water and the weight you want to cast. For canals and ponds, a medium feeder rod up to about 80 grams, with a length of 3.00 to 3.60 meters, is sufficient. For rivers with current, you need a heavier rod, with a stiffer action and more backbone. Consider a casting weight of at least 100 grams and a length of 3.60, 3.90 or 4.20 meters. Rod series such as the Matrix Aquos Ultra, Cresta Blackthorne PRO-N or the Shimano Aero X5A offer a wide choice of lengths and casting weights.
The reel must be proportionate to the rod. Combine a feeder from 2.40 to 3.00 meters with a 3000 or 4000 reel, 3.30 to 3.70 meters with a 5000 reel and longer rods with a 6000 reel. Consider the Matrix Aquos, Cresta Advantor XT-S or the Shimano Aero XR reels. For the line, you can choose from nylon or braided line. If you choose braided line, always mount a leader of about 2 to 3 rod lengths. Nylon has stretch and is forgiving when fighting fish, while braided line has no stretch and transmits bites faster, useful for cautious bites or when fishing at longer distances. Special leader material or ready-made leaders are ideal for your feeder leaders. Make sure you have different lengths, thicknesses, and hook types with you to be flexible in responding to the conditions.
Regarding feeder choice: use the lightest weight with which you can comfortably reach your spot. A feeder that is too heavy makes cautious bites harder to detect.
For method feeder fishing, the rod choice is slightly more specific: a special method rod is recommended, as it has more backbone to handle larger carp more easily. The length of the rod is determined by the distance you are fishing; longer rods are suitable for greater distances. For ponds, a length of 2.70 to 3.30 meters is usually used. Very interesting are the Shimano Aero X1A, Cresta Snyper Method Feeder or the Matrix Ethos XR-C.
With method feeder fishing, a nylon line is always advised because of its stretch, which is important when catching large fish that are played close to the rod tip. For the reel, sizes 3000, 4000, and 5000 are common, depending on the rod length and conditions. The Shimano Aero BB and the Cresta Advantor XT Plus are definitely worth checking out. The line diameters used are usually between 0.22 and 0.28 mm.
Leaders for the method feeder come in various types. Depending on your bait choice and how you want to present the bait, you can choose a quick stop, spikey, bayonet, elastic or a "regular" hair rig. Having multiple options gives you flexibility to present the bait optimally. A standard length of about 10 centimeters is usually used.
The best spots
Feeder fishing works on almost any type of water. On canals and polder waterways, you preferably fish along the opposite bank or on the depth line, the slope. On lakes, you look for depth changes and submerged structures. In rivers, you often fish just behind groynes, breakwaters or other obstacles, and on the inside of bends, where the current is calmer and fish like to stay. In addition, a lot of fishing is done in the full current, for example to catch active fish passing in the main current or to catch larger barbel found in deeper gullies.
Always start by sounding your spot. Know how deep the water is, where the bottom changes, and if there are any irregularities. A well-explored spot consistently yields more fish.
Finally
Feeder fishing can be a very active way of fishing. Cast in the same spot, use your line clip (if possible) to mark your distance, and keep bringing in feed, even if the fish aren't biting for a while. Building an active fishing spot sometimes takes time, but once it gets going, feeder fishing is a fantastically effective way to fish and catch.
Curious about the right equipment? View our complete range of feeder rods, feeder baskets, lines and bait on FlohPro.com. Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to help you.
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