Catch more on the Method feeder with Dr Paul Garner’s top five bait mixes.

...and discover how versatile this technique is

ORIGINALLY developed for catching carp, the Method feeder has invaded just about every aspect of coarse fishing.

The small pile of bait with the hookbait right next to it is devastating. Not only does it pull fish straight to the hookbait, but it acts as a bolt rig too.

From the original coiled-spring designs, Method feeders are now available in a huge range of styles, some of which lend themselves to a specific type of bait.

Get this combination right and it is surprising how versatile the Method can be.

PELLETS OR GROUNDBAIT?

Call me contrary, but as the whole world appears to have moved over to using pellets with the Method feeder I have tended to go the other way, and you will often see me using groundbait instead.

One of the main reasons is that I use the Method, not just for carp, but for a whole host of different species. While it might not always be the most pleasing way to catch fish, you cannot knock the effectiveness of the Method for bringing bites.

I think of pellets as more of a slow-burn approach – great if you want to build the swim up, because they are a great feed, but not as effective for catching quickly. Pellets are also easier for the fish to eat, and can fill them up faster than groundbait.

WHICH BAIT?

There is such a vast array of styles of feeder available that combining the right type with the right bait can be confusing. Whatever trendy name the companies call their latest feeder designs, I tend to base my bait decision on how much grip the feeder offers.

For example, a flat Method feeder, with several semi-circular bars along its length, will hold the bait on more securely than an open-style feeder with no bars.

Next, think about the depth of the water and how far you need to cast. As either of these two

variables increases you will need the bait to be retained by the feeder more firmly, so you’ll need a stickier mix, or a feeder that holds the bait more firmly.

At one extreme you might be casting 60m into 15ft of water. This will require a groundbait that binds well, or Sticky pellets to keep the bait on the feeder.

On the other hand, if you are fishing in the margins in just a couple of feet of water, an open feeder with dampened fishery pellets will be fine.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

I always think you are better to recast regularly when fishing the Method. After all, the chances are that you are going to be relying on the feeder to deliver your payload of bait.

A carp can make short work of a feederful of bait, so I make several quick casts to begin with, just to get some bait in.

From then on I recast regularly, stepping up the frequency once I start to get bites.