HELICOPTER FEEDER RIG

This incredibly versatile set-up can be used to successfully target a wide range of species. You really need it in your armoury

THE helicopter feeder has become a mainstay for a great many anglers fishing for species as diverse as specimen roach, tench and carp. This rig has two main advantages. It is very tangle-proof, especially when higher diameter line is used for the hooklength and also an effective bolt rig, meaning that most bites will be very positive. Coupled with a maggot feeder, this is an excellent set-up for big roach. With a larger oval maggot feeder, it lends itself well to fishing for tench. The hooklength should be as short as possible, generally around 3in-6in, which can be quite tricky to tie, but persevere, because the resulting rig is well worth the effort. The hooklength should be stopped just above the feeder, although not so close that the hook can accidently foul the feeder on the cast. As a general rule, the closer the hooklength is to the feeder the more bites you will get. This is the ideal rig to tie if you plan to fish a ‘sleeper’ rod while float fishing, because generally the bites are unmissable. For this reason, it pays to use a reel with a freespool facility that can give line when a fish bolts away.

Leave a 5mm gap between the line stops so the swivel can freely rotate The hooklength should be at least 3lb to withstand a firm strike A clip will enable you to easily swap feeders if you wish to change size