Using a method, hybrid, or pellet feeder has quickly become one of my favourite ways to fish on commercial venues. All three types of feeder are extremely easy to set up, they require very little kit to get started and they will catch everything from big carp to small roach.
This isn’t an in-depth guide on how to choose the correct rod, reel, or style of feeder. If you’re looking for help with any of those questions, I’d suggest you speak to anglers at the venue you intend to fish at or visit your local tackle shop.
This guide aims to provide you with a list of inexpensive items that will help you get fishing quicker, and make method, hybrid and pellet feeder fishing easier. They may also give you the edge and help you catch more when fishing with a method, hybrid, or pallet feeder.
Use an Interchangeable Feeder System
Several tackle companies like Preston Innovations, Matrix, and Guru offer a variety of interchangeable feeder systems. These systems streamline the process of adjusting your setup, enabling you to switch feeder sizes or styles swiftly without dismantling your rig.
With a simple sliding motion, you can detach the feeder from the feeder stem and remove the feeder from the line using the slit in the back. To put a new feeder on, you put it back on the line using the slit on the feeder, and slide it down back over the feeder stem to lock it in place.
Carry Additional Quick Change Beads
Most method, hybrid, and pellet feeders come with a convenient quick-change bead included in the packaging. Positioned beneath the feeder, this bead is attached to the main line using a simple knot. The opposite end of the bead is then attached to the loop of your hook length, which allows you to quickly switch between different hook lengths during your session. While these beads offer practicality, there’s a risk of damage or loss, particularly when encountering snags. Having spare beads will allow you to get fishing again quickly.
It’s important to note that these beads are specifically designed to fit into the feeder’s stem. Beads from one manufacturer may not be compatible with feeders from another, so it’s advisable to purchase beads from the same company that produces your feeder to ensure a proper fit.
Carry a Pellet Wetter/Strainer
To mould small pellets around the method or hybrid feeder, and fill a pellet feeder, you will need to soak them first to make them soft. There are different techniques to prepare your pellets at home before you go fishing, but with many commercial fisheries requiring you to use pellets purchased on-site, you will inevitably have to prepare them on the bank at some point. Using a pellet wetter or strainer is a quick and convenient way to soak your pellets and then drain away any excess water without making a mess.
Use a Method/Hybrid Feeder Mould
Whilst it is easy to fill a method or hybrid feeder with pellets or groundbait by hand, using a proper mould offers a couple of advantages. One of the main advantages is that they allow you to load the feeder with a consistent amount of bait every time. This will assist with bait presentation and accurate casting. It will also keep your hands clean as most groundouts and pellets specifically designed for use with a method or hybrid feeder are sticky to assist with binding them to the feeder.
You will need to make sure that you buy the correct mould for the size and style of feeder that you are using, so it may be necessary to carry several moulds with you.
Add Bait Boosters and Additves to Give You an Advantage
At commercial fisheries where on-site pellets are mandatory, you can gain an edge by making your pellets and hook baits distinctive. Enhance their appeal with various scented soaks and oils, alter their colour with dyes, or infuse them with glugs that release attractive elements throughout the water column. When fishing proves challenging, incorporating a unique element into your feeder can significantly boost your chances of enticing additional bites.
Use a Pellet Bander
You can use a wide variety of hook baits in conjunction with a method, hybrid, or pellet feeder. One of the most common combinations is to use a hard pellet or dumbell-style wafter/sinker which is attached to the hook length by a small bait band. When your hands are cold or wet, opening the band to insert your bait of choice can be tricky.
This convenient tool simplifies the process. Just insert the point of the bander into the bait band, gently press down on the handle to widen the band, attach your bait, then slide the bander out of the bait band, and you’re all set to start fishing.
Use the Right Rod Rests
One of the biggest advantages of using a method, hybrid or pellet feeder is that fish will almost hook themselves when they pick up the hook bait amongst your tight pile of pellets. When a carp or F1 takes this bait, this can often result in strong bites that will pull the tip of your rod right around.
Employing a rear rod rest that securely holds the rod handle, combined with a front rest offering stability and smooth line flow, can mean the difference between your rod staying put and the risk of it being pulled into the water.
Bring Plenty of Hook Lengths
Regardless of if you decide to tie your hooks or use pre-made hook lengths. Make sure you bring plenty with you. On a busy session, your hooks and hook lengths will take a battering from strong bites, and it’s not uncommon to get snapped off at some point in the day. The last thing you want to do is pack up when you’re on feeding fish.
Carrying a variety of hook sizes that you can adjust to suit the type of fish that you are catching can also help speed up bites. You may also wish to change baits at some point in the day, so having a selection with a bait band, hair rigs or a hook alone will help you switch baits quickly and easily.
Bring a Variety of Hook Baits
Having a few different choices on the hook can be the difference between having a busy day and a quiet one. You don’t have to go crazy and have a side try full of options, but having a few different sizes and colours of wafters in addition to some hard pellets, corn or maggots can give you an advantage and allow you to experiment through the day.
Whilst buying tubs of different wafters can get surprisingly expensive, you’ll find that you don’t need to use many of them in a session. If you’re using a bait band, it’s not uncommon to be able to use the same wafter for multiple fish until it comes off. The sealable tubs will keep the wafters in tip-top condition, meaning they will last you months at a time.
We hope you found this guide to essential tackle items for method, hybrid and pellet feeders useful. If you have any questions or suggestions for items we might have missed, let us know in the comments below.