I’ve done my fair share of feeder fishing, from chucking a maggot feeder with a winkle picker on a canal to launching hybrids to the horizon with a distance feeder rod. I’ve learned that small changes in kit can make a huge difference in how many fish end up in the net.
The right tackle not only improves presentation but also gives me confidence, and confidence is everything in this game. The feeder itself might be the main tool, but these five bits of kit are what let it work at its best.
HERE IS A GREAT BEGINNERS GUIDE TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR FEEDER FISHING...
QM1 hooks
These hooks have transformed my feeder fishing, originally introduced by Guru the QM1 has become synonymous with this pattern of hook, now available from other brands under different names. Simply put, I love this hook for feeder fishing because I lose fewer fish. When fished on a hair rig, whether with a band, spike, or bayonet. Once they go in, they stay in. The shape and hook hold are just right, and I have complete trust in them. For me, that’s priceless, because you fish better when you know your gear won’t let you down.
IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE IS OUR CHOICE OF THE BEST CARP FEEDER RODS.
Wafters
A small collection of wafters are a permanent fixture on my side tray. I’m not overly concerned about flavour, but colour definitely makes a difference in my opinion. Orange, yellow, and pink are my go-to wafter hookbait choices, and I carry them in sizes from 5mm to 10mm.
I can band them or mount them on a bayonet depending on the situation. When you match hook size to wafter (size 14 up to 6mm, 12 up to 8mm & 10 up to 10mm), the buoyancy cancels out the weight of the hook, leaving a hookbait that’s virtually weightless. That’s the magic of wafters, they’re so easy for a fish to inhale, combined with a short hooklink on is an effective combination, but they're just as effective when fished on a straight led and PVA bag.
THE BEST FEEDER FISHING REELS WILL ENHANCE YOUR FISHING.
Liquid flavour and colours
On venues that use fishery pellets, the fish see and eat the same thing every day. Giving those pellets a boost, either in colour or flavour, for your feeder fishing can give me an edge. It might be the extra attraction, or it might just be the confidence it gives me, but that’s half the battle won before I even cast out. My personal favourite is Cell Stick Mix Liquid. Not only does it add that famous Cell smell, but it also makes pellets extra tacky, perfect for moulding around a method feeder.
YOU CAN PICK UP SOME GREAT BAIT BOOSTERS AND ADDITIVES FROM THE SUPERMARKET.
Butt grip
If you’ve fished the method before, you’ll know how savage the bites can be. In my time as a fishery manager, I’ve seen more than a few rods disappear into the lake because of one thing, no butt grip. It only takes a second of lost concentration. A good butt grip will lock the rod in place and stop that from happening. There are loads on the market, but whatever you choose, make sure it actually grips the butt firmly rather than just cradling it.
THE BEST SEATBOX ACCESSORIES ARE PERFECT FOR ATTACHING A BUTT GRIP.
Feeder arm
A solid, adjustable feeder arm that can be attached to a seatbox leg or fishing chair leg, is essential for effective feeder fishing. It keeps the rod stable and in a comfortable position without the need to drive banksticks into the ground, which is a big advantage on hard or uneven banks. A secure and stable setup means you can focus on the tip, ready to hit a bite the moment the tip slams round.
THE BEST FISHING SEATBOXES ARE IDEAL FOR MOUNTING YOUR FEEDER ARM.
