Fish-friendly method feeder rig

[matt82]

I like the shock-absorbing properties of elasticated method feeders but I don't like the fact that they are fixed. I have never lost a method feeder but I am always aware that if I lose an elasticated one there is a chance a fish will end up towing it around. I have therefore adapted an elasticated Korum one and my rig should now be fish-friendly in the event of a break whilst still retaining the cushion of elastic.

My modification goes like this;

Remove the elastic from the feeder and retain the small metal ring attached to the elastic. Tie a new length of elastic (I use a size 12) to the metal ring and on the other end of the elastic tie a crows foot connection. Thread your mainline through the plastic loop on the end of the feeder and then through the loop that the elastic was attached to before tying an overhand loop in the end of the mainline. Attach your mainline to the crows foot so you've now got a free-running rig which incorporates a short-length of elastic.

To achieve the bolt-rig effect you can push one of the tags from the crows foot into the plastic loop on the feeder. This will give enough resistance to act as a bolt rig but will still pull free in the unfortunate event of a break.

[Bri]

Looks like a well thought out idea Matt.

I have been using the Fox inline ones.

What benefits do you think the elastic gives you? Is this just for casting purposes?

Im new to the method so a bit of advice would be good.


Bri

[Jamie]

i'm using the fox and middy inline ones, fishing them on a helicopter style rig, with a stop above and below the hook link. seems to be doing me fine

[matt82]

I can't take credit for the idea unfortunately, I saw it somewhere else.

I have used both inline & elasticated feeders and I don't get on with the inlines at all. I find I get too many hook pulls, usually just after I've hooked a fish, which I believe is down to not having the elastic shock-absorber. I am doing more and more method fishing so I figure its only a matter of time before I lose a feeder. I would be beside myself if I felt I'd left a fish towing a feeder around which is why I started to look for a safe rig that incorporates elastic. I still get the occasional hook-pull with the elasticated versions but nowhere near as many as with the inlines.

[wokkie]

Good post Matt :(Well in

[adamf]

Looks good that, thanks.

[Alwoody]

Looks good, just hope that if you get a real biggy the hooklength doesnt cut through the crows foot.

[matt82]

alwoody said:

Looks good, just hope that if you get a real biggy the hooklength doesnt cut through the crows foot.

That might be a drawback but has anyone ever had their rig line cut through a crows foot? I never have. Besides I would rather have that happen than have the mainline go and leave a big fish towing the feeder around. It's not a perfect rig, more a way to improve the safety of an elasticated feeder.

[Alwoody]

I'd rather go straight through on a safety rig, forget the elastic and land the biggy.


(And why does that smiley say "sad" when you click on it? surely it is happy, thumbs up?)

Woody

[Bri]

alwoody said:

(And why does that smiley say "sad" when you click on it? surely it is happy, thumbs up?)

Woody

I changed them from the boring original ones

[KeviN]

I don't like inline method feeder because it's so inconvenient to change the feeder.

I like changing between big and small feeder to alter the amount of feed so I think I'll still stick to the elasticated feeder, which just takes seconds to change.

[Jamie]

Kevin you should try fishing it on a helicopter style rig

[KeviN]

cyprinus said:

Kevin you should try fishing it on a helicopter style rig

use method feeder on helicopter style?? well I think the self hook effect might not be as good as inline.

if helocpter style I think cage feeder would be better right? if the swim is not too deep.

[Jamie]

its the same, do you want me to make one up and post a pic?

[KeviN]

cyprinus said:

its the same, do you want me to make one up and post a pic?

I know how to make the cage feeder rig... but honestly never heard the method feeder connected in that style mate...

[Jamie]

right just made one, ignore the size of the loop And the bit of line that needs cutting by the hook. just gotta upload it

[matt82]

alwoody said:

I'd rather go straight through on a safety rig, forget the elastic and land the biggy.

I think the elastic is important, it takes the edge out of the first run & helps absorb lunges. I've tried inlines & I lose more fish, I'm convinced it cost me two matches last month - in one I needed one more fish to win but I lost 15 and came second. I also find the inlines ride up the line when I'm playing fish. I like to play fish with the rod tip low and to one side, parallel with the water. If I do this with inlines the feeder rides up the line and can bounce the hook out.

I'll ask again, has anyone had their mainline cut through a crows foot? I've heard of it but never seen it with my own eyes. If people are still worried they could always use a stonfo connector instead of the crows foot. It would make changing the feeder easier. Attaching the hooklength to a link swivel then to the metal ring would make it easy to swap hooklengths too.

[KeviN]

Jamie I also got this method feeder, I think you should tie the hooklength to the swivel at the end. Or you can use this which's a top bit to change hooklength mate.

[matt82]

I used the rig yesterday in a match on Rosemary Wood and it worked well, better than using the feeder in the conventional manner I reckon. I didn't lose a single fish on it, if I can only get more bites next time...

[Jamie]

Kevin, Have you seen this month IYCF? they stole my rig!!, and i told you it works.