Longer Distance Method Feeder Fishing - Rigs, Tips & Tactics

This entry was posted on 4th February, 2015

Longer Distance Method Feeder Fishing - Rigs, Tips & Tactics

Recently we had a few messages via our social media channels about successfully fishing at longer distances, so we thought we head out and produce a video to try and answer a few of them.

Often now, on most match/commercial fisheries, there isn't a need to fish at longer range, in-fact on most you simply can't as the lakes aren't big enough and often a short chuck, to an island or feature with a short 10ft bomb rod is suffice.

However on odd occasions where you do need to 'chuck' a decent distance, it's important that you are set-up correctly and that your tackle is up to the job.

For this feature we needed a lake where we'd be able to cast, and not just for the sake of it either, it had to be a venue where fish are often caught at range.

The place we opted for was a lake on the Suffolk Waterpark Complex, Match Lake One to be precise. A 42 peg, almost oval venue, with no real features, means that a good chuck is often required to put you amongst the fish, especially at this time of year (winter) when the fish can be quite tightly shoaled in the middle of the lake.

As far as tackle and tactics go, we could have set-up in numerous different ways, but a safe, popular option was to fish the simple Method Feeder. Now whatever method you choose to fish, whether its the pellet feeder, maggot feeder or straight lead, the process of effectively fishing at longer distances remains relatively the same.

Once tackled up we were ready to get the session underway, so to find out exactly how we got on and to find out how we like to fish effectively at longer distances, then watch the latest video from the waters edge.

Quick Tackle Tips

Rods 12ft, 13ft or even 14ft rods will make longer distance casting easier, shorter 10ft rods maybe nicer to use, but they aren't so easy to cast. Choose rods with a bit of 'grunt' in the middle to butt section, as extra power is sometimes needed, especially when punching you rigs out into a head wind.

Reels Larger reels will also make longer distance casting easier, especially those with bigger spools. A larger spool means there's less friction on the cast and that the line can peel off more freely. Some match/coarse anglers who fish at extreme range have even started using small big pit reels, which are normally associated with Specimen Carp fishing. Whatever reel you use, make sure that when you spool it up with line, you fill it right to the brim. Normally within a mm or two of the spool lip should be about right. This is another thing that will greatly aid casting capabilities.

Line A line of around 6-8lb should be suffice, it has a low enough diameter to cast well, yet has enough strength and abrasion resistance to withstand the enhanced stress of fishing at greater distances. In some cases a shock leader could also be used, especially if you are an angler who likes/feels confident using a braided mainline.

End Tackle You don't need any specialist or different items of terminal tackle from what you'd normally use. A couple of things worth mentioning though, are make sure you use the correct weight of lead or feeder - you can be the greatest distance caster in the world, but your not going to hit the required distance with a 5g method feeder or 1oz lead! Also, if you can, tuck your bait in on the cast. This is easy with a method feeder, pellet feeder or pellet cone and can gain you an extra few yards.

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