The Method was designed by Matchman Dave Hough for bagging up on
Mallory Park, Leicestershire.
This was then taken further by former England International Roy
Marlow and it's his feeders that the feeders in the shops today are
based on.
What is a Method Feeder?
A Method feeder is a frame feeder (most are inline) that is fished
with a short hooklength. The groundbait is packed around the feeder
and the frame is such that it helps hold the groundbait together.
Using a short hooklength ensures your hookbait is always close to the
feeder/groundbait.
How do I use the Method feeder?
There are two main ways to use a Method feeder:
- Fixed rig style.
Free running.
Fixed rig
With the fixed rig the fish picks up the bait, feels the weight of
he feeder, and bolts. You MUST use a stronger main line than the
hooklength with this rig (as you should with any set-up) to limit the
chance of the main line breaking while playing a fish and the fish
left towing a feeder around.
Mainlines should be around 8lb (no less then 6lb) and hooklengths
should be around 5lb (no less then 4lb for carp).
Bites with The Method can be pull rounds or drop-backs.
Free running
With the free-running rig the fish is able to pick the bait up and
start moving off before it realises something is not right. Sit with
your rod at a 45 degree angle to your line and stay close to the rod
as bites can be hard and fast. Make sure you have good strong Method
rod rests too.
Where can I use the Method?
The Method is ideal for still waters and mainly used for carp
fishing, but it can be used for other freshwater fish.
What baits can I use with it?
Any baits can be used with the Method feeder including hair-rigged
baits.
What groundbaits should I use?
Because the Method is so popular most of the groundbait
manufacturers have supply at least one or two Method groundbaits to
the tackle shops. When you get used to the type of groundbaits used
for the Method you can start making your own and try to give yourself
an edge over others. Method groundbait is designed so that it will
stick to the Method feeder for long periods.
Can I add maggots to the groundbait?
No, not live ones anyway.
If it wiggles or moves then leave it out as it will break your
groundbait up too soon and might not even last the cast.
You can add dead maggots to the groundbait though.
I'm using an inline Method feeder and I keep getting knocks and
decent bites, but when I strike there's nothing there - why?
Firstly you should never strike when fishing the Method, the fish
will hook itself. The knocks could be false bite due to fish
attacking your groundbait while it is still stuck to the feeder.
With The Method you will get knocks showing on the rod tip, but
just watch and wait. Ignore the knocks and wait for the rod to pull
round. When it is pulled round, don't strike, but simply lift the rod
and play the fish.
Stewart Bloor
