From small and slow-moving to a raging torrent, our rivers are as diverse as the gear we use to tackle them. Here are six ‘must have’ feeders for every occasion...
Kamasan Black Caps
A decades-old favourite, these maggot feeders are dead easy to fill, thanks to the black cap which is held in place by stretchy powergum. Available in three sizes and weights from 10g to 50g.
Why you need them: There is simply no better dedicated maggot feeder on the market. The mini 20g is perfect for tempting a chub or two on a rock-hard low and clear river, while the large 50g version is ideal for delivering large helpings of grubs in faster flows.
Price: £2.10-£2.30, www.drennantackle.com
Nisa Plastic Cage Feeders
A fast-releasing cage design that rises quickly on the retrieve. Available in four sizes and weights from 12g to 44g.
Why you need them: The ‘go to’ small fish model. If you’re looking to feed hemp, casters and groundbait and hoping to catch dace, roach or skimmers on fish-filled venues like the Trent or Yare, these are the perfect choice.
Price: £1.55, www.nisafeeders.co.uk
Preston Hexmesh Plastic Cage Feeders
Created using Preston’s popular Hexmesh material, to offer a superb compromise between bait retention and attraction. Comes in five sizes and weights from 15g to 50g.
Why you need them: Ideal for when you want the attraction and release of a cage feeder, but need enough protection to get a load of worms to the bottom.
Price: £1.99, www.prestoninnovations.com
Korum River Feeders
A low-profile open-ended feeder designed to hug the riverbed, meaning less weight is needed to hold bottom in strong flows. Available in one size and weights from 60g to 150g.
Why you need them: No matter how strong the flow, you’ll hold bottom with one of these! It’s well worth having one of each weight with you on a big river – just in case!
Price: £2.25, www.korum.co.uk
Guru Gripper Feeder
An anti-roll design, with weight-forward bias for casting, a tapered cage ensuring bait release on retrieve, and a clever removable stem allowing them to be used inline, conventionally or on a lead clip.
Why you need them: A highly adaptable feeder available from 1oz (28g) to 4oz (113g) that can be applied to almost any kind of big fish river approach.
Price: £3.49, www.tackleguru.com
Drennan Groundbait Feeders
A classic-style open-ended feeder, side weighted with a powergum link. Made from tough plastic, they rise quickly on the retrieve, making them perfect for swims with weed and snags close in.
Why you need them: There is hardly a better feeder for targeting bream on flowing water. Able to take a host of baits straight to the bottom, they are available in four sizes and weights from 12g to 50g.
Price: £1.95, www.drennantackle.com
