SPECIMEN BREAM FEEDER RIG

Method feeders are just as effective for big slabs as they are for carp and tench. Here’s how to set one up for a new PB...

FOR many years, anglers targeting bream routinely used light cage feeders, small hooks and long hooklengths – all designed to fool these supposedly timid fish.

That all changed when carp anglers discovered that their much heavier Method feeder rigs were just as much of a hit with bream as they were with carp. Almost overnight, fishing for slabs was turned on its head.

Today, a more refined version of those early Method feeder rigs is often the first choice of many bream anglers.

Loaded with fishmeal groundbait and with a bright hookbait such as sweetcorn, the Method really does take some beating for bream, both large and small.

Bream are more nervous of a Method feeder than carp so it’s important to use a slightly longer hooklength when they are the quarry. A hooklink of 20cm- 30cm is about right. Also, leaving the hookbait to hang free on the cast, rather than compressing it in the feeder, will ensure that it falls away from the feeder and can earn more bites from bream.

Because of the weight of the loaded feeder, it is important to use heavier line than you would normally associate with bream. A minimum of 8lb mainline is recommended. Also, as the feeder is semi- fixed to the hooklength, it is important to use a strong hook and hooklength to absorb the shock created by the bolt effect. This rig is just as likely to catch carp and tench as well as bream on many venues, so it pays not to fish with tackle that is too light.

As we approach the best time of the year to fish for bream, give this rig a try on your local venue. With a shoal of hungry bream in front of you, expect to bag up in style!