Mention the feeder on commercial fisheries and most anglers picture two situations. Either you are winding up for a long chuck into open water, or you are dropping a Method or hybrid-style feeder tight to an island or far bank to nick extra bites beyond pole range. What often gets overlooked is that the feeder can be just as deadly, and sometimes even better, right under your feet in the margins.
It looks odd at first. Underarming a feeder into 12 inches of water feels almost too easy, like you are not really feeder fishing at all. But the thinking is the same as casting to an island. You are putting a tight parcel of attraction into a shallow area where carp want to feed, and letting the rig do the work.
THE BEST SHORT FEEDER RODS ARE IDEAL FOR FISHING A FEEDER IN THE MARGIN.
Why you should try it
The big advantage is how settled the fish stay. With the pole you have movement over their heads and line through the swim and, in shallow water, that can make carp cautious. With a feeder you can sit back, keep everything quiet, and let them move in.
Margin fishing can be plagued by false indications and the odd foul-hooker when fish brush the line. With a feeder, bites are usually unmistakable because the fish hooks itself and the rod gets pulled in.
This approach also opens up swims that are awkward with the pole. Some pegs have long margins where there is a corner or a little “safe” area beyond comfortable reach. With a feeder you can still present accurately and feed without much disturbance.
IF YOUR PREFER A POLE FOR THE MARGINS THEN CHECK OUT THE BEST MARGIN FISHING POLES.
Where to fish
An empty platform is the obvious starting point, especially later in the day. It is a natural patrol route and it often holds fish because it is a regular feeding area. Rather than casting straight in front of the peg, fish to the side where the water is usually shallowest. That tends to reduce liners further.
THE BEST FISHING REELS HAVE GREAT DRAG SYSTEMS IDEAL FOR MARGIN FEEDER FISHING.
Feeder choice
You want something heavy enough to sit still and large enough to carry a proper mouthful of bait. A 30g hybrid-style feeder is about right on most commercials. Fish it with a slightly slack line so carp are less likely to feel resistance if they brush into it. Do not worry about missing bites. When one takes properly, you’ll know.
NEVER TRIED THE METHOD FEEDER? LEARN HOW TO RIG UP A METHOD FEEDER IN THIS GUIDE.
Let depth pick the bait
If the margin is around two feet deep or more, micro pellets are a safe choice, paired with a hard pellet or small wafter on the hook. If the margin is ultra-shallow, around 12 inches, groundbait can be better because it breaks down quickly and draws fish without overfeeding them. In that shallow water, a small bunch of dead red maggots can be a great hookbait.
LEARN HOW TO PREPARE GROUNDBAIT WITH THIS HELPFUL ARTICLE.
Timing
If you see fish in the edge, be patient and let them find it. Six or seven minutes between casts is a good rhythm. If nothing happens and there are no signs of carp, wind in and try a different line until they show.
CHECK OUT OUR BUYERS GUIDE TO THE BEST HYBRID STYLE FEEDERS.
