Method Feeder Fishing For Carp
Method feeder fishing for carp seems to be a bit of a forgotten tactic these days, but historically it has always been one of the all-time great methods for catching Carp. Maybe it’s because in more modern times people generally prefer to fish with solid PVA bags as the alternative option.
With this in mind, why not give method feeders a go? Try something different to the norm and you might be surprised by just how many great results you can have fishing this way. In my opinion, it is one of the best ways of catching carp. Over the years I have caught countless fish using this tactic, resulting in some of my best-ever sessions, and in this piece I’m going to explain why I believe it’s so effective and how you can get the best out of this often-forgotten method.
I’ve had some of my best-ever sessions using method feeders
Although on the odd occasion I will still use a solid bag – as they are also a very effective and reliable tactic – I have almost exclusively used a method feeder for more than 10 years now when choosing this style of fishing, depending on the venue.
When fishing with a method feeder, once you’ve made your mix, I find the whole process much quicker and easier than tying solid bags. They are used extensively on commercial fisheries because they are so efficient and effective. Many anglers might think it’s only a small-fish tactic, but that certainly isn’t the case. I’ve caught numerous big carp over the years using method feeders.
You can catch some very big carp using method feeders
Choosing The Best Method Feeder For Carp Fishing
There are many different ways of fishing a method feeder. You can use traditional inline method feeders with the three plastic fins where you mould the groundbait or softened pellets around the frame before casting. You can also use the same principle around inline leads or lead clip systems.
My preferred choice – and the one I use for all of my carp fishing – is the large inline flatbed method feeder. I genuinely believe these are the best and most effective option available.
There are several reasons why I love these feeders so much:
- They are compact
- Extremely aerodynamic
- Cast incredibly well at long range
- Very quick and convenient to use
- Virtually tangle-free
Using the 3oz version and 18lb line straight through, I’ve cast them up to 136 yards, just to give some perspective. In the right hands they could probably go even further.
If you miss a cast, it only takes seconds to reel in, reload and cast again. Compared to solid bags – where you either need loads tied in advance or have to wait for components to dry – method feeders make life far easier.
Another huge advantage is presentation. They very rarely tangle because the weight sits underneath while the hookbait sits neatly on top in the centre of the feeder. As soon as a carp picks up the mouthful of bait, you’re in business.
I’ve had takes happen while sinking the line after casting out. Most bites tend to come within the first few hours while the feeder is still “live”, although I’ve also had bites after 14 hours, depending on the lake, water depth and nuisance fish.
If I feel I should be getting bites, particularly during the daytime, I’ll often recast every 3-4 hours.
The different types of method feeders
Best Groundbait For Method Feeder Carp Fishing
Groundbait choice can come down to personal preference, but ideally you want something packed with attraction and pulling power.
My two favourite mixes are:
Crayfish Heavy Bag and Feeder Mix and CLO are my favourite groundbaits for method feeders
Premium CLO
As far as I’m aware, Premium CLO is primarily used as a birdfood-style base mix for boilies, but it also makes an exceptional groundbait. It’s packed with around 12 ingredients that carp absolutely love, while also offering fantastic texture and binding qualities.
Crayfish Heavy Bag & Feeder Mix
The Crayfish Heavy Bag & Feeder Mix is another superb option. It’s a dense, heavy groundbait infused with pungent crayfish flavour and contains Crayfish Mini Mix pellets for extra attraction. Again, it binds brilliantly and is ideal for method feeder fishing.
Both of these mixes are full of attraction and have caught me an unbelievable number of Carp over the years.
How To Make A Method Feeder Mix
I tend not to get overly technical when making up a groundbait mix because, in my opinion, it doesn’t need to be complicated.
Many anglers worry about the mix breaking apart during the cast, but once prepared properly it becomes virtually bulletproof.
My Method:
- Add your chosen groundbait to a bucket or mixing bowl
- Add water little and often
- Stir vigorously between additions
- Avoid over-wetting in one go
I usually flick small amounts of water into the mix using a small container. Keep repeating the process until the groundbait begins to feel slightly damp and starts binding together.
At this point many people think it’s ready – but it isn’t quite there yet.
Leave it for around five minutes and you’ll notice it dries slightly again. Repeat the process two or three times and eventually you’ll achieve the perfect consistency:
- Damp
- Fluffy
- Binds together nicely
- Strong enough for casting
With Premium CLO, I’ll often add Crayfish Mini Mix pellets for extra attraction. Once added, you may need a little more water to maintain the perfect consistency.
If you want to boost attraction even further, you can also add:
- Liquids
- Insect Meal
- Krill Meal
I’d avoid adding larger particles as they can affect how well the mix binds together.
If using pellets instead of groundbait, simply cover them in boiling water and leave them for 5–20 minutes depending on pellet size until softened and ready for use.
It doesn’t need to be complicated
Method Feeder Carp Fishing Set-Up
You can fish method feeders straight through or on a leader. Personally, I mostly fish them on a 4ft 30lb fluorocarbon leader.
One important thing I always do is cut the tapered bore sleeve all the way down on the top of the feeder for fish safety in the event of a crack-off or cut-off. If fishing straight through on the main line, you don’t need to do this.
I always cut the tapered bore sleeve all the way down on the top of the feeder for fish safety
My Typical Set-Up:
- 4ft 30lb fluorocarbon leader
- Size 11 Flexi Ring Swivel
- Figure-of-eight loops
- 4–6 inch supple braid hooklink
The feeder slides down over the swivel to create a bolt-rig effect.
Hookbait Choice
I generally favour small hookbaits such as:
- 10mm fluoro pop-ups
- PBs
- Milky Malts
- Small wafters
I’ll usually balance them with a No.6 shot under the hook. Keeping the hookbait small and neat helps massively when moulding the feeder mix around the set-up.
10mm fluoro pop-ups are perfect for this method
How To Load A Method Feeder Mould
Step 1
Place the hookbait into the bottom of the mould and keep the hooklink straight through the gap.
Step 1: Place the hookbait into the bottom of the mould
Step 2
Fill the mould with groundbait and press down firmly.
Step 2: Fill the mould with groundbait and press down firmly.
Step 3
Place the feeder on to the mould and compress it into the mix.
Step 3: Place the feeder on to the mould and compress it into the mix.
Step 4
Push the button on the mould and gently remove the loaded feeder.
Step 4: Push the button on the mould and gently remove the loaded feeder.
Step 5
If desired, give the feeder one final squeeze before casting.
Final Thoughts On Method Feeder Fishing For Carp
So that concludes my piece on method feeder fishing for carp. I hope you find this useful and that it inspires you to give them a proper go.
Whether you’re fishing three rods over a baited area to build a hit, or casting singles at showing fish, method feeders are incredibly effective in almost every style of carp fishing.
Very few anglers seem to be using them these days, and that alone could give you a massive edge on the bank.
Be lucky!
Few people use method feeders these days, which is a massive edge in itself!
