Varying the length of hooklengths is vital

I’m sure most of you reading this are very much like me, in that when fishing the open-end feeder you kick off with a set length of hooklength and then rarely change it.

This is something I’ve been guilty of in the past, as I tend to tie most of my hooklengths up at 50cm and will fish with that length of hooklength throughout the day.

Looking back, I have to admit this laziness has without doubt cost me fish, so this year I have tried to be

more proactive.

The number of fish I’ve caught on hard days when I’ve gone to a longer, 1m hooklength in the past year makes me think that I haven’t half missed out on a few fish over the years!

When it’s hard, it usually means there are fewer fish in your swim, and therefore less competition.

In reality the fish don’t have to go anywhere near the feeder to feed, and it might actually spook them away from your peg. This is when using a long hooklength can work in your favour.