Tailoring your Method mixes
Discover how you can tailor your bait ratios to bring more bites
ILOVE the simplicity of using a Method feeder, and it has revolutionised my fishing – not just for carp, but for bream, tench and crucian carp too.
The little pile of feed with the hookbait bang in the centre is just right for getting quick bites at this time of the year.
A question that I get asked regularly is which bait is best for the Method.
The fact is that I often use a combination of micro-pellets and groundbait right through the year, as the two complement each other perfectly.
By adjusting the ratio of the pellets to groundbait you can control the amount of feed and attraction introduced, tailoring it to the conditions on the day.
LOADING THE FRAME
The colder the water, the more likely I am to use just groundbait on the Method. With the fish being less active, there’s enough attraction in groundbait to keep them interested, without filling them up.
As the water warms up, though, they’ll want more food, and that means adding pellets to the mix. These don’t have to be larger 6mm baits. A feeder loaded with micros will keep them coming back for more.
I let the weather on the day influence my bait mix. Bright frosty conditions are likely to see the fishing being trickier to catch, so I increase the percentage of groundbait. Conversely, cloudy, warm weather will encourage the fish to feed, so I step up the ratio of pellets. By keeping the two baits separate and only mixing them together as I go along, I can regulate the feed and hopefully keep the quivertip going round.
My Method hookbaits also change, depending upon the conditions and the time of year.
Right now, bright wafters are my first choice because they stand out really well and attract the attention of any browsing fish nearby. Colour makes more of a difference in the cold, because the water is clearer and the fish are feeding more slowly and deliberately.
As the water warms I switch to hard pellets and mini boilies, which tend to be darker in colour. I like a heavier bait when the fish are feeding more confidently because they tend to create a lot of wash as they move around. I don’t think the fish are picking out individual baits when feeding like this – they’re just inhaling whatever is in front of them.
One of the great benefits of the Method feeder is that it’s such a simple, yet effective way of fishing, so don’t get overly picky over what bait to use.
Use my advice simply as a guide and you won’t go far wrong. And remember – don’t be afraid to experiment to find out what works best for you!