Plenty of things fall out of fashion in fishing, be that baits, methods or tackle, as our sport constantly evolves.
Using groundbait on a Method or Hybrid feeder is certainly one example, so much so that I very rarely see it used. That’s a far cry from when the Method feeder first arrived on the scene over 20 years ago. Back then, we used an almost concrete-like mix around the feeder, encouraging carp to attack the feeder but find just the hookbait.
It’s different now, and the advent of micro pellets has rendered groundbait redundant, but if pellets were banned I’m confident we’d catch just as many fish using crumb around the feeder. It just needs a number of anglers to start using it and getting results for the rest of us to catch on and follow suit.
Groundbait still has a part to play in fishing the feeder for carp, but it’s a more refined role, often in conjunction with pellets. Used at the right time, it can be brilliant.
Pick your target
I tend to use 100 per cent groundbait on a Method or Hybrid feeder only when fishing for bream and skimmers. Pellets are used so much that the fish are totally tuned into them. On some venues where F1s dominate, groundbait plays more of a part, but this is very venue-specific.
Get your mix right
For moulding groundbait around the feeder, you need a mix that sticks on it for casting but will break up rapidly on the bottom.
But you don’t want any particles coming off the feeder on the way down. A medium consistency is about right, erring on the slightly damp side.
Change things up
I often use a 70/30 mix, which is mainly micro pellets with a handful of groundbait added. I do this if I feel that I need to put a bit of a cloud into the water or if I’m not holding fish in the peg with just pellets. Groundbait can also help to bind the pellets together for longer casts, or for fishing in deep water.
Lay off particles
If you opt for 100 per cent groundbait, don’t add any particles. Food items will just break the Method ball up quickly, often on the cast. Whether using pellets or groundbait, the aim is the same – to get fish to the feeder and leave them with only your hookbait as the one substantial thing to eat.
