The best reels for method feeder fishing

The best method feeder fishing reel needs plenty of winding power to cope with weighty feeders and frequent casting. They also need to be robust and have a strong enough clutch to deal with the fish you will often be hooking on the Method - and that's carp!

Fishing the method feeder can put a lot of strain on your tackle, generally frequent casts are required, which means lots of reeling in too. Not only this but when you get a bite, they tend to be savage often pulling the rod in and as you maybe fishing upto an island, the best reels for method feeder fishing need to have lots of cranking power to steer those fish away from snags and into your net.

The best reels for method feeder fishing at a glance:

• Best budget reel: Nytro NTR Fishing Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle

• Best for distance casting: Preston Innovations Intensity 620 Feeder Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle

• Best mini baitrunner: Shimano Baitrunner ST 10000RB - View offer on Go Outdoors

• Best all-rounder: Daiwa Ninja Match and Feeder 4012 - View offer on Fishing Tackle and Bait

Using a method feeder can be exciting and some days, when the fish are really feeding well, you won't have to wait more than a few seconds for a bite. It does work better the more active you are, so keep recasting to get the bait into the swim and the fish will respond. Make sure you use a reel line of around 8-10lb to ensure those big carp are landed safely. The reels in this list all have the required power to fish a method feeder with ease, so take a look at some of the best method feeder fishing reels here...

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 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 hat 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.

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 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 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 manufactures 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 Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.