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Introduction
Feeder fishing is the go to method on large stillwaters and reservoirs. Feeder anglers will often fish up to and over a hundred yards on such venues when targeting fish like bream and carp. Rigs and tackle have been adapted over the last few years to make it easier to fish at these huge distances with longer rods, bigger reels and weight forward feeders now growing in popularity. In this article we take a look at the tackle and rigs required for a successful days feeder fishing at distance.
Tackle
Rod
Long rods of thirteen or fourteen feet in length are my favourite. A longer rod aids casting and means you can hit big distances with very little effort.
Reel
A big reel of a five thousand size or larger with an oversized tapered spool is the perfect tool for the job. These are out and out distance reels and possess a loads of cranking power making winding feeders in from huge distances effortless. The tapered cone shaped spool allows for perfect line lay which sees the line flowing perfectly from the spool during the cast.
Mainlines
I usually use a mainline of around six pounds. This will be strong enough to take the strain of retrieving feeders from distance but low enough in diameter to peel off the spool of the reel and flow through the rod rings without too much resistance.
Shock leader
If you plan to fish at mega distances it is a great idea to use a shock leader. A shock leader is a length of stronger monofilament tied to the mainline. This means when you cast all the strain is on this heavier section of mono and not on the lighter mainline. The shockleader should be ten to twelve pounds and the length should be twice the length of the rod plus four turns of line around the reel. Attack the shockleader whilst the reel is on your chosen rod and then wind four turns on to the reel. Then take the shockleader coming from the tip of the rod and cut it off level with the reel.
Feeder choice
Cage, blocked and maggot/window feeders can all be used for distance fishing. Make sure the feeder you select is of the weight forward style. With the weight being around the bottom of the feeder it will help massively with casting and keeping the rig stable in the air.
Clipping up
Using the line clip on the reel is essential for all feeder fishing but especially when fishing at distance. Casting huge distances without the use of the line clip will see even the best anglers become very inaccurate. Clipping up is done by picking a marker on the far bank to cast too and then casting towards this marker at the required distance you choose to fish. We then put the mainline under the line clip on the reel, this will stop the feeder at the same distance every time you cast out. By doing this we can be very accurate and keep the bait in a very tight area.
Distance sticks
Distance sticks are a great item of tackle to have in your armoury. These essential items are basically just like two long bank sticks. These are used to mark the distance you're fishing at and are great for getting you back in the same spot if you get broken off for any reason. Once we have the reel clipped up at the chosen distance we then place the distance sticks twelve feet apart. By putting the feeder next to one of the sticks we can wrap the line around both distance sticks in a figure of eight fashion counting as we go until we hit the line clip. We then log the amount of wraps it is to reach our chosen distance. If for any reason your set up becomes un clipper or you get broken off you can simply go around the distance sticks the required number of times and re apply the line clip.
The rig
Even the best rigs can be tangle prone when fishing at distance. Especially when the weather conditions get ugly. For this reason we go down the route of the helicopter rig. This is a fixed rig that allows the hooklink to revolve around the mainline on the cast hence the name 'helicopter rig'. This rig is virtually tangle proof even at extreme distances and is favoured by both match and specimen anglers.
Step 1
First slide a single rubber float stop onto the mainline. This will act as a back stop for the swivel which the hook link will be attached too.
Step 2
I then slide on a small swivel as shown below.
Step 3
Another two float stops are then threaded onto the mainline.
Step 4
Cut off the slightly damaged section of mainline that will have become kinked from attaching the float stops and tie the feeder directly to the mainline using a clinch knot.
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Step 5
Simply slide the float stops and swivel down to the feeder leaving a slight gap so that the swivel can revolve freely around the mainline.
The finished rig
The finished rig is very simple yet very effective. Simply attach your chosen hooklengh to the swivel revolving around the mainline using a clinch knot and you are ready to start fishing.
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