When I first fished the Yorkshire canal system, a bream or skimmer was a bit of a bonus.
Today it seems all the UK’s big canals have an abundance of bream and skimmers, which have become the main target for pleasure and match anglers.
My local Aire & Calder and New Junction Canals are typical of this, seeing bream and skimmers win almost every match and making them a popular target for the angler who’s after something that pulls back a bit harder than roach.
FIND THE PERFECT CANAL FOR YOUR NEXT FISHING TRIP IN THIS WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.
However, these big waters are very different to the narrow, shallow venues we think of as typical canals. They’re often 35m-40m across and 11ft-plus deep down the middle, and subject to a lot of movement from the big boats that cruise up and down and the lock gates that regularly open and close.
This is what makes the feeder a brilliant way to approach these venues. You can achieve that perfect static bait presentation that the waggler or even the long pole can’t hope to match.
Here's six tips to help you get the most from the feeder on canals...
Feeder choices
Bottom-weighted 20g feeders allow accurate casts. A Hex Mesh Rocket gives way to a window feeder later in the day. Find more feeders in our latest buyer's guides to stillwater feeders.
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
Description
Designed by Lee Kerry and Mick Vials, this unique feeder has cleverly developed plastic mech to offer unrivalled presentation in comparison to other bullet feeders.
The feeders allow for a wide variety of baits, including damp groundbaits and chopped worms. With the overall shape perfect for accurate distance casting.
Available in Small – 20g, 30g, 40g, 50g. Medium – 20g, 30g, 40g, 50g 60g, Large – 20g, 30g, 40g, 50g, 60g.
Pros
- Superb for accurate distance casting.
- Available in a variety of sizes.
Cons
- Can be more prone to snagging on the retrieve than other feeders.
Go for braid!
I use 0.12mm Absolute Feeder Braid with a 7m shockleader of 0.26mm (8lb) Sinking Feeder Mono to deal with bigger fish. Check out our guide to the best fishing braids here.
Best braid for durability
www.fishingrepublic.co.uk
Description
The eight-strand PE material Preston Absolute Braid is a strong, durable and smooth braid. A coating has been applied during manufacture, which really helps it cut through surface tension, especially on flat calm days, and gives it a unique red colour.
Comes on 150m spools in 0.08mm, 0.10mm and 0.12mm, all with breaking strains above 13lb.
This braid is hard-wearing, with top sinking properties, but the red coating does end up on your guides and reel rollers.
Pros
- Incredibly good casting performance.
- Unique colouration.
Cons
- The thinner diameter can be prone to wind knots, make sure it is well wetted before using.
Hookbait changes
Bream love worms and on some days they are pretty much unbeatable. If worms are a good hookbait on the day I’ll start putting more and more chopped worm through the feeder.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FISHING WITH WORMS IN THIS EXPERT TIPS & TACTICS ARTICLE.
Use a bit of fishmeal
My favourite F1 Dark mix with Sweet Skimmer gives the groundbait a touch of fishmeal and is a winner for bream.
Check out our full guide to the best feeder fishing groundbaits.
Best all-round feeder groundbait
www.ebay.co.uk
Description
Originally designed for F1s and commercial carp, this sweet yet fishy-smelling mix of ground pellets and attractors has drawn a massive following among feeder anglers, especially when smaller skimmers are the target.
Pellet-based yet not too potent, you can feed plenty and it mixes really easily.
Pros
- Very versatile groundbait, very easy to mix.
- Smells amazing.
Cons
- Should be used in smaller quantities in the winter.
Positive tackle
My rig starts with a twisted boom and 60cm of 0.14mm AccuPower to a size 14 hook, but I’ll go down if need be.
Read the bites
Look for big pulls on the tip, then gently pick up. Striking at false indications all the time can unsettle the peg, so try to time it right and sit on your hands. With the right hookbaits and careful feeding, those knocks will turn into bites.
HAVING THE RIGHT FEEDER ROD IS VITAL FOR THIS STYLE OF FISHING. CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE HERE.
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