SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS

START ON A METHOD

I always start on a Method feeder. On each cast you’re building up bait in the peg. However, when line bites occur more regularly, and the tip won’t go round, now’s the time to switch to the pellet feeder. The fish will have only your hookbait to grab hold of.

MAKE FIRM PELLETS

Add water a little at a time and stir it into the pellets. Leave for 30 minute for firm pellets that bind together, but quickly break down in water. You can wedge these right into the feeder, knowing the ones at the front will melt away slowly.

SWITCH HOOKBAITS

If fish become wary of a harder bait, a 6mm banoffee-flavoured Pro Expander makes a great alternative. A 6mm bait works with a size 16 hook, but for bigger carp try using two pellets on a size 14 or 12.

USE 4INS HOOKLENGTHS

I use a 10ft Supera rod, reel line being 6lb Sinking Feeder Mono. The feeder is fished with a free-running ICS stem and quick-change bead. Hooklengths vary, but 4ins of 0.18mm to a size 16 KKH-B hook would be my starting point on most commercials.

MIX IN GROUNDBAIT

For the Method feeder only, groundbait is SonuBaits Match Method Mix mixed damp. I combine pellets and groundbait together to get the perfect consistency. Groundbait is great at pulling fish into your peg in summer.

VARY YOUR CASTING

Start by leaving two to three minutes between chucks. Don’t think that you have to have an island to cast to, though. The margins also hold big fish late on, but remember to hold on to your rod!