If you’re chucking a method feeder at carp, you’ll know it’s rarely gentle. One minute you’re watching the tip, the text, your rods getting towed in. It is certainly a brilliant way to catch fish, but it’ll quickly wear out your gear if it’s not up to the demanding nature of this tactic.
So, what makes the best method feeder fishing reel? It’s not about fancy features or a thousand-ball-bearings, it’s about grunt. You want a reel with the winding power to cope with repetitive casting and heavy loads. A proper workhorse that doesn’t flinch when you’re cranking a fish away from an island or wrestling a lump out of the lilies.
The best reels for method feeder fishing at a glance
If you’re serious about Method feeder fishing, then your reel needs to match your intent. Strong, smooth, and solid under pressure. We’ve picked out the ones that can take it to ensure you are never let down by your fishing reel again!
How we test the best Method feeder reels
These Method feeder reels were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing reels for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!
Team members, Mark Sawyer, Jonathan Longden and Dan Webb have been testing a variety of feeder reels, under both match and pleasure fishing scenarios, to ensure they perform and get a thorough testing.
Our decision process of what makes the best Method feeder reels takes into account various factors including price point, cranking power, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling, rather than confuse you with a load of specifications.
The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for Method\Hyrbid feeder fishing to help find a reliable reel for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
Best for distance casting
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It’s got the cranking power to haul back heavy feeders without feeling like your arms going to drop off, The Preston Intensity 620 is built for the job, and it’s the more compact of the two Intensity models, which makes it spot on for standard-length Method rods. No need to overgun it with the bigger 720 unless you’re launching to the moon.
The drag is great too. Preston’s SDS (Speed Drag System) lets you lock things down or back it off in an instant, perfect when a bite turns into a full-on rod-yanker. Inside, the worm drive gearing keeps everything running smooth.
Supplied with a tough aluminium spool, a lightweight but solid body, and all the grunt you need for commercial carp. It’s dependable, no-nonsense, and built to cope with the demands of method fishing.
Pros
- Awesome drag system.
- Light in the hand.
Cons
- Bail arm is a bit chunky
Small in size, but big on performance. The Daiwa 20 Ninja BR LT designed around Daiwa’s Light & Tough (LT) platform, is an evolution of the popular Daiwa Ninja reel, this compact freespool reel is a brilliant all-rounder for feeder anglers who want control, smoothness, and a bit of muscle when it matters.
The standout is the freespool (BR) system, dial-adjustable and ultra-responsive, it’s perfect for those tip-wrenching moments. Perfect for fishing a method feeder for commercial carp, but equally at home launching a method feeder on the river for chub and barbel, the freespool engages effortlessly and flicks back to the front drag in an instant.
Internally, Daiwa’s Digigear delivers solid cranking power with silky smoothness, and the drag handles sudden surges with ease, especially important when using fine hooklengths. The Longcast ABS spool cuts down to boost casting distance, while the Crosswrap tech ensures line lay is nice and tidy.
Available in 4000 and 5000 sizes, the Ninja BR LT covers most feeder jobs with ease. It’s light, tough, and well built.
Pros
- Freespool function gives extra dimension
- Durable and light weight
Cons
- No spare spool supplied
Best freespool reel
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A reel with a real pedigree the Shimano X-Aero Baitrunner 4000 FB doesn’t just follow in the footsteps of its popular predecessor, it adds a bit of finesse, without losing the guts that made it so reliable in the first place.
It’s a cracking choice for method feeder fishing, especially when you're up against bigger commercial carp that like to slam the tip round and head for the other side of the lake. The Baitrunner system is buttery smooth, fully adjustable, and perfect for soaking up those savage takes.
Built to last. The XT-7 body, and rotor keep things light but solid, and inside you’ll find zinc die-cast gears doing the grunt work. It’s proper Shimano engineering; tough, tight and smooth.
The double handle balances the reel perfectly and makes winding in heavy feeders feel more controlled. If you're after a reel that can take a hammering on commercials, and deal with fish that hit and run like they mean it, this one’s right in the mix. It looks sharp, performs even better, and will compliment any method feeder setup.
Pros
- Superb Baitrunner system.
- Comfortable double handle.
Cons
- A bit large for shorter method rods 9ft or less
Best all-rounder reel
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This cool-looking Ninja LT reel is available in a single-handled or double-handled model that can cope very easily with the rigours of day-to-day Method feeder work. An updated version of the extremely popular Ninja Match & Feeder, the new model benefits from Daiwa's Light and Tough (LT) technology that makes it obviously lighter and more durable.
Feature-packed, the 23 Daiwa Ninja boasts a lightweight graphite body, improve Twistbuster line management system, and a geared-down retrieve rate for even higher winding power. Benefiting from ever evolving technologies this reel will suit all method feeder work
Pros
- A fantastic all-round reel
- Great retrieve rate
Cons
- Not the highest line capacity
Most powerful all-rounder
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A reel made for launching a method feeder and winding it back in all day without complaint,
the Preston Magnitude has the sort of features you quickly come to appreciate when you're chucking 30g feeders to a far bank. Available in sizes from 320 up to 620, there’s a reel in the range for just about any job
It lays line beautifully, thanks to its slow oscillation system, which stacks it neatly up and down the spool. That means fewer tangles and smoother, longer casts. It’ll hold around 125m of 6lb or 8lb mainline, which is plenty for all but the most extreme feeder chucking.
The worm drive gearing delivers loads of winding power and feels solid under pressure, and the twin line clip setup is a lovely touch for anglers who like to switch between two lines or distances without faffing around.
Pros
- Superb line lay.
- Spare spool supplied for different lines.
Cons
- A slightly deeper spool would be an advantage.
Best compact freespool reel
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If you’re chucking a method at match-sized carp on busy commercials, this little reel deserves a place on your rod. The Shimano Baitrunner DL 2500 FB might be compact, but it packs more than enough punch to deal with hard-charging fish, especially when they bolt off at full tilt the second they find the feeder.
The baitrunner system lends itself to method work. Set it just right and you won’t be diving across your seatbox to save your rod when a carp charges off with the hookbait. Turn the handle to disengage the baitrunner and you’re locked in, giving you full control.
Despite its size, it’s got plenty of power in reserve. The front drag is smooth and dependable, and it’s built with the kind of quality you’d expect from Shimano. There’s a cold-forged aluminium spare spool included too, so you’re sorted if you want to switch lines for different venues or tactics.
The reel looks smart, finished in stealthy black, it feels slick in the hand. For the price, this is a tidy little reel that’ll more than hold its own on commercials, especially when you’re targeting carp in the 2–5lb bracket.
Pros
- Compact design with baitrunner
- Feature packed
Cons
- Not the biggest line retrieve
Best Value Freespool Fishing Reel
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The Daiwa 19 Black Widow BR LT is a high-quality, powerful reel that's perfect for a wide range of fishing styles. Whether you're targeting big carp, barbel or fishing commercials this reel has the power and precision you need.
The Tough Digigear design delivers smooth and powerful performance, even under heavy loads. The ATD drag provides instant drag response and incredible stopping power. The Longcast ABS spool reduces line friction for longer casts. The precise free-spool system is ideal for method feeder fishing or straight lead where bites can be explosive.
The Daiwa 19 Black Widow LT offers exceptional value for money. It's a reliable and durable reel that will help you land more fish. Available in 2500 & 4000 sizes.
Pros
- Smooth drag.
- Reliable freespool facility.
Cons
- Not the biggest spool size for big casts when carp fishing.
Best method reel under £50
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The Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel is a very impressive item of tackle, it's really hard to believe you will get the reel and change from £50. The range covers three sizes, including a 2500 model, which is compact and great for lure fishing or light float work, it is also great for kids or beginners.
The 3000 size is the most versatile in the range. It is absolutely perfect for chucking a method Feeder on small commercials or more traditional feeder fishing tactics when using smaller rods.
If you were just looking for a feeder reel to target a bigger commercial or natural venue the 4000 is definitely the size to go for, as it just has that extra power you'll need. It also has a retrieval rate of 95cm per turn, so you'll have those feeders back in and back out in no time.
Pros
- Great range of reels for all styles of angling.
- 4000 model ideal for any feeder fishing.
Cons
- No spare spool.
Best budget freespool reel
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If you’re fishing a method feeder and expecting bites that nearly take the rod in with them, then the Guru N-Gauge Specimen Freespool Reel is built with practicality in mind. It's a proper workhorse, no nonsense, no flash, just solid, dependable performance.
The freespool system is perfect for method work, especially when you’re fishing tight to islands or in open water where big takes can come out of nowhere. One flick and you’re in control, without your rod doing a disappearing act.
Lightweight and smooth, which makes repetitive casting and reeling a lot less of an effort. Whether you're just getting started or have a few seasons under your belt, it’s the kind of reel that just gets the job done. It might not have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, but what you do get is a reliable, no-fuss feeder reel ideally suited to fishing the method.
Pros
- Strong, durable
- Adjustable freespool
Cons
- Very basic, no frills look
What to look for in a Method Feeder fishing reel
Method Feeder fishing can be very demanding on your tackle, especially when the fish are feeding well, and you are constantly casting and retrieving your feeder. Generally, this style of angling requires a lot of casting accuracy, so the first thing to look for when deciding which is the best method feeder reel is a good quality line clip, as more often than not, you will require the use of it. A solid, metal or plastic line clip that you can easily slip the line under is perfect, you don't want one that is too tight as this can cause your mainline to damage as it hits it frequently.
Due to the strenuous nature of fishing the Method, and the generally large, hard fighting fish you'll be catching its always wise to choose a reel that has a quality gear system that will be able to cope with the pressure you'll be putting it under. A method feeder reel that has a good line lay will be a massive advantage in helping you cast any distance combined with a line roller that will stop the line twisting up when retrieving the feeder. Team the reel up with a good carp feeder rod and you'll have a setup that will tame any commercial fishey carp.
Lastly, if you're fishing for particularly big fish or like to take a more relaxed approach to your angling, it can be well worth getting a reel that has a baitrunner/freespool system. This type of reel engages a freespool option so even on the most savage of bites, the fish can take line and won't pull your rod and reel into the water. It is imperative, whatever type of reel you choose that it has a smooth drag as this will prevent breakages and hook pulls, making sure you land as many fish as possible.
Glossary
Drag/clutch: An adjustable tensioning system that allows a hard-fighting fish to pull an additional line from the reel instead of breaking the line.
Freespool: Similar to a clutch but working at far lower tensions, the Freespool will allow a running fish to take line, preventing a rod on a rest from being pulled in. Once the rod is picked up and the reel handle turned, it will disengage, putting the reel back into 'fish playing' mode with the drag working as normal.
Spool: The cylinder at the front of a reel which holds the line.
Big pit: A reel with a long spool designed for extreme long-range casting by reducing the resistance of the line.
Frap up: A tangle during a cast where a ball of line catches in the guides of the rod, typically causing a crack off.
Crack off: Named after the loud cracking sound made as line breaks during a cast.
Line clip: A small clip on the spool that line can be placed under, stopping it from leaving the reel. Originally designed to stop lines from falling off in transit, they are now commonly used to repeatedly cast a set distance.
Line Twist: Casting, retrieving and using the freespool and clutch adds twist to your line, which can weaken it and reduces casting distance. In extreme cases, the line will bounce off the spool and ball up as it untwists. More expensive reels incorporate various technologies to minimise line twists.
Frequently asked questions
What size reel should I use for Method feeder fishing?
A 3000 size suits rods of 10ft or less, whilst a 5000 or bigger will be needed on 13ft or 14ft rods designed for long distances. A 4000, however, is a great ‘go to’ size for all general mid-range feeder fishing. Be aware that sizes vary between manufacturers, so take a look or ask in a tackle shop before you buy.
How much line do I need on top of my backing line?
100m is plenty for most situations and allows you to discard some should it become damaged. 150m or more is the norm for long range feeder fishing. You should use a backing line too, if your chosen line doesn’t fill the spool.
How can I clean my reel?
A damp cloth and warm water should be enough. Although reels are designed to be as watertight as possible, keep their exposure minimal, as any that gets inside will rinse lubricants from the reel. An old toothbrush can be useful too.
How should I load a reel with line?
There are three methods.
1. Ask a second person to place a pencil through the hole of the spool and use a cloth to add friction to the spool to stop it spinning out of control whilst you wind it onto the reel.
2. Place the spool in a bucket of water and allow it to rotate whilst you wind it on. Beware, as getting it wrong will cause line twist.
3. Use a dedicated line loader.
_Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times._