How to choose the right feeder

Steve Ringer explains how to choose the right feeder


by Tony Grigorjevs |
Updated on

Turn up at a typical commercial fishery and I bet that the first feeder you’ll reach for is either a Hybrid or a Method version – and that’s no real surprise. These two feeders have caught countless thousands of fish down the years, thanks to their ability to deposit a tight package of pellets or groundbait, with the hookbait buried neatly inside.

However, at times they aren’t the best option, and something else is needed, and this is when the pellet feeder or even the good old maggot feeder come into play.

Knowing which one to use, and when, is the thing to get right – and that’s not always down to simply matching it to the species of fish you’re targeting.

YOU CAN HELP BOOST THE ATTRACTION IN YOUR BAIT WITH THE BEST ADDITIVES AND LIQUIDS.

Hybrid feeders

For me, the Hybrid is the ultimate feeder, as it offers brilliant bait protection on the cast and perfect presentation. I use a Mini for short chucks, a Small for general usage, and a Large for really big casts. The walls on the feeder help protect the bait on impact with the water to ensure it makes its way to the bottom intact.

THE BEST CARP FEEDER ROD WILL HELP YOU FISH THE HYBRID OR METHOD EFFECTIVELY.

Method feeders

The original ‘king of commercials’, the Method feeder has been around for years, but I don’t use them quite as much now. They still have their place if I want to attack a swim with a large amount of bait.

THE BEST SHORT FEEDER RODS ARE PERFECT FOR THE METHOD FEEDER ON COMMERCIALS.

Pellet feeders

Not quite as fashionable as the others, yet pellet feeders are still handy, and great for short chucks to islands and tight to features. Because everything is enclosed, there’s no risk of the rig of tangling in any foliage either.

FEEDER FISHING CAN BE DEMANDING ON YOUR REELS, OUR BUYER'S GUIDE CONTAINS THE BEST ONES TO USE.

Maggot feeders

For me, these are best used for winter tactics on F1 venues where the fish love maggots. Sometimes, I like to enlarge the holes for a quicker bait release, because maggots tend not to be too active in cold water.

IF YOU WANT TO GIVE FEEDER FISHING A TRY, SEE OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST FEEDER FISHING VENUES.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us