It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me to read that I’m a massive fan of the Hybrid feeder, so much so that I’ve now almost completely dismissed the Method feeder from my fishing.
That’s not to say the Method doesn’t work any more, because it does, but if I had to pick only one type to fish with, it would be the Hybrid.
The question is, then, when does the Method outscore a Hybrid? For me, that’s all down to if I want to build a swim up early in a session. The Method is much better for this job, as it holds a lot more bait than a Hybrid can, and so I can put more in on each cast. I’d suggest starting on a Method and then changing to a Hybrid once you start to get regular bites.
If you want to stick to just the Method feeder, though, that’s fine. The mechanics in terms of hookbaits, what to feed and how to load it are no different to those of a Hybrid. Bear in mind, though, the volume of bait being fed, which is where picking the right size of feeder becomes important.
Hookbait position
The whole idea of the Method is to get carp feeding on the loose offerings, with your hookbait among them, so always load it like that. Never have the hookbait dangling loose below the feeder.
Sizes and weights
I use the ‘Big Bertha’ versions of the Method, in both 28g and 45g weights, for piling the bait in or casting a long way. The 24g small version is better for more general use, and the mini one is mainly for winter.
Bright or dull?
‘Blend-in’ hookbaits (6mm or 8mm hard pellets) match the feed and are useful when fish are a bit cagey, whereas stand-out hookbaits (fluoro boilies or wafters) are highly visible and give the fish a bait they can home in on.
Feeder contents
If in doubt I’ll put 2mm pellets in the feeder as a safe option, but in case things aren’t going to plan with pellets I will switch to groundbait. If it’s right, the fish will let me know in a matter of just a few casts!
