If somebody uses feeder rods frequently, than he wants to know more and more about its history, not just about tackle or baits. How did somebody start to think - in the cloudy England - about using the tip of the rod as indicator? Why was it required to develop the technique to fishing in this method while the float fishing is so popular on the water banks in England? I was thinking on such things while I was walking to my favorite lake, my rodbag was on my shoulder. The Sun was shining but the weather was so cold. Winter just arrived.

It was a beautiful, shiny morning. The surface of the lake was just like a mirror. I knew that I will not have so many takes today.

In fact, using the rod tip as the indicator is not a new idea. In strong wind, in heavy flow, if other bite indicators does not do their job very well, everybody used and still uses it well on all-around rods. Anglers of the United Kingdom had the need and the modern rod materials such as carbon fibres to develop a brand new rod and along with that a new fishing style, the feeder method.

The Emerald Feeder is a little bitt softer...

...while the Lux Feeder is the stronger rod. Both are perfect for this technique!

Their windy weather has greatly facilitated to develop the new method of fishing. There was a strong need for a rod, which is high sensitive, can be used easily in strong wind, waving does not affects it spectacularly and it is possible to fis on greater distance, while the angler can cast accurately not just the bait but the groundbait as well. But there was an other problem, which made the feeder or method feeder a very sensitive technique against the carp fishing method. This thanks to the clear rivers and lakes of the UK. Fishes spots the cheat around the bait in the clear water, so every fisherman has to use light tackle, thin lines, small hooks and tricky bait offering to be successful.

I caught the bream at spring with this rig.

Doesn’t need to tell but they were successful! Nowdays feeder fishing is one of the most popular technique thanks to its sensitivity and versatility. One of the mainstream tackle type (if I can say this) is the method feeder. Originally it meant fishing the feeder using feeder cages for groundbait, but for now it covers a special tackle based on the method feeder cage. But why should we use this stuff, what type of rods and reels needed?

Fortunately there is always somebody on the bank to talk to.

I want to answer for the last question first. Practically any feeder rod and reel can be used. The method feeder cages covers all the casting weights you need from silverfish to big carp as well. The zone starts with ⅔ oz and ends at 5 oz leed weighted cages. The first on can be used for fishing for rudd, crucian carp or any silverfish while the last is usable in strong flow rivers for carp for example.

Reliable freerunner reels are waiting for the take.

I did not placed the rods parallel to the bank. In case of so sensitive tips like this, the taqke can be easily!

The main advantage of the method feeder cage thanks to the asymmetric weight point of the cage. We are talking about a ribbed lead slab and this is the big idea itself. The rig itself is quite similar to a standard, anti tangle rig used mainly in carp fishing. The cage needs to be laced to the main line, after it you should use a rig stopper before the swivel. The hooklength can be 4-6 inches long and you can use any hook and bait you like. The most simplest version needs only four parts and two knots, one for the swivel - the clinch knot - and one for the hook. Thats all. The whole tackle can be made within two or three minutes.

The groundbait for cold water is usually black coloured, in these times, we can put more maggot into it, they will not brake the balls into patrs.

To be honest I like feeder fishing because if we keep three or four sizes from all parts in our fishing box, we covered all the situations we can have. So we can be well prepared while keep the costs low avoiding serious questions at home. I usually have hooks in size 10 to 16, cages from ⅔ oz to 2 oz, two types of rig stops and three size of swivels only. I always drop some hooklenght lines in different sizes to the box as well and some other accessories.

The method feeder was loaded...

...and the bait prepared as well. I didn't put the maggot baited hook into the groundbait, because on this way it is easier to sport.

After we checked the parts, let’s see why is this simple tackle working so great under the water. The main ability of it is that it slams in the water and sinks to the bottom of the water similar in every time due to the lead weight which drives the tackle. On this way we can use drier groundbait or pellet- which opens faster under the water -, but we can hide the bait and the hook directly into the groundbait. Don’t be afraid that the bait will be landed just under the cage. Furthermore you can’t have any tangle on this way. No chance! Furthermore fishes find the bait faster, because it is in the middle of the groundbait. A small sniff is enough and the hook is in the curious fish’s mouth. Nothing more to do, just strike in and catch the fish simply.

A small carp at the middle of the summer. We can use such a strong rod (ET Power Feeder) for the method feeder.

Every coin has two sides of course. Now we have to talk about the borders of flaws of the method feeder. The casting distance is limited while we are using such a method cage than if we use a standard, distant casting anti tangle cage, which is very popular here in Hungary. But don’t be afraid.

The light are wonderful at morning.

Everybody can cast around 70 yards easily without having any tangle. Its a good exchange to me. And at the end of the article, let’s check the available baits for fishing the method. Basically you can use any baits you want. Living bait can be worm, maggot or casters but corn, miniboilies, pellets, bread also available and can be used directly on the hook or put on the hair rig. You can use almost everything, what you can imagine.

Spectacular result at the middle of the summer. It is good to remember for the fine catches.

Start using the method feeder, I had plenty of new opportunities to catch more and more fish. Even if I want to catch small bream in the river or a carp or tench from the lake, using this technique leads me to be successful. Because it is simple but effective!