Among fishing enthusiasts, for some reason, it is generally accepted that it is very difficult to master the feeder, that this is an expensive tackle that requires a lot of obscure accessories. Of course, all these judgments are from banal ignorance. It is enough to buy the rod itself and a couple of feeders for it. Well, of course, you need to know how to equip the feeder. This gear is really specific, but not particularly difficult. It is she who gives excellent catches where other fishing rods and spinning rods are useless.
Feeder Rods
Many beginner anglers often wonder which rod is better. Here you need to know that there are only three weight categories:
- lungs (up to 40 g);
- medium (up to 100 g);
- heavy (more than 100 g).
Of course, these values do not speak about the mass of the rod itself. These numbers indicate what maximum weight can be used in the equipment for sinkers (or feeders). Now it is customary to call categories in a European manner, that is, light, medium and heavy.
So, light rods, or light feeders, are used when fishing without the use of feeders. More often they are called pickers. In their snap is placed the usual small sinker. In this embodiment, fishing lure is delivered to the casting site using a simple slingshot. You also need to know how to properly equip this type of feeder in order to achieve maximum results. The fishing spot is also important. Picker is used exclusively in stagnant water bodies. You can cast them from a boat at short distances. Medium rods have a much wider range of applications. Small feeders can be attached to them. This rod copes with casting from the shore, but in stagnant water bodies or with a weak current. Heavy rods, or heavy, have poor sensitivity. They are uncomfortable in small ponds. But it is they that allow you to make long casts with a feeder. Rods of this class are almost always used on rivers.
Why is there such a difference? The thing is that fishing on the feeder is very specific. In stagnant bodies of water, fish are careful. Tackle should be sensitive to catch the slightest bite. On rivers with a strong current, the situation is changing. The main thing here is that the rod can withstand the force of the current. At the same time, the feeder, fishing line, and reel must be powerful. Otherwise, the fish will have to be caught according to the principle where the hook will carry the current.
Build a feeder rod
In addition to the class, a feeder rod is also distinguished by a system. Its main part is tough. It is necessary to withstand heavy loads during casting. The tip of the rod, on the other hand, is flexible and thin. Its main function is to fix bites. During castings, its value is minimal and insignificant. Almost all middle-class rods have removable tops. This tackle is universal and has a wide range of applications. There are only three removable tops. They differ in varying degrees of stiffness, denoted in ounces. For example, in stagnant water, the vertex is set at 1 oz, and if a feeder is used on the stream, then rather use with a value of 2 oz or 3 oz.
Coil for feeder gear
There are no special requirements for coils. Better use the inertia-free option. The most important thing is that she has a soft friction clutch. When fishing for large fish, the most effective method is pumping. In this case, the load almost completely falls on the rod. A finely tuned clutch reel tracks sharp jerks of fish, handing over the fishing line. The feeder reel should also be equipped with a capacious spool.
Fishing line or cord?
About fishing lines need to tell more. It has its own specific features. For casting in standing water at a distance of no more than 30 meters, monofilament fishing line will fit perfectly. Diameter is taken up to 0.35 mm. For a greater distance you need a braided cord. This is a small feature of how to properly equip the feeder on the rivers. In such reservoirs with a pronounced course, the cord has several advantages. It is more durable and does not stretch unlike monofilament fishing line. In addition, a cord with a diameter of 0.15 mm is sufficient for the feeder. It has a low windage, which makes it possible to use it during a light feeder. And when fishing, this removes the load from the rod. The cord is practically not stretched, so any bite will be immediately fixed, which increases the chances of a successful fishing.
Feeder feeders
Feeder fishing involves the use of feeders. Their main task is to deliver the feed mixture to the place of fishing. There are no strict requirements for this equipment. Hence their great variety. They can have various sizes. They are made not only of metal, but also of silicone. The latter option is used in bodies of water without currents, especially where there is a small aquatic vegetation. The thing is that when the silicone feeder is empty, it pops up due to low weight. When fighting, you do not have to drag it along the bottom.
When fishing on rivers, the picture is different. Here we need mesh metal feeders that have weight. The shape can be different - square, triangular or rectangular. Its weight has to be selected based on the strength of the current. The feeder should not be demolished to the side after it is empty. This increases the chances of successful fishing.
Feeder Hooks
In feeder tackle hooks are used more durable than for float fishing rods. Their forearm should be slightly bent to the side, then self-biting of the fish is more likely to occur. It is justifiable to use hooks of size 10-14 of the Karp type. For their manufacture take a thicker wire. This option is more reliable and stronger. What is important is how to catch on a feeder? What bait? If animal bait is used for fishing, then the hooks are taken with a long forearm, and under the vegetable bait with a short one. But if you use large hooks for the feeder, you can say goodbye to the desired catch.
Leashes
Installation of the feeder includes the presence of leashes. They are made of woods with a diameter of 0.14 mm. The leash length can be different. This is at the discretion of the angler himself. It varies from 20 to 100 cm. For a beginner, 50 cm will be quite enough. Then you can experiment, focusing on the course and type of fish that you are hunting.
How to equip a feeder? Blind snap
The success of fishing on a feeder largely depends on how quietly and routinely the bait will be provided to the fish. And this is determined by correctly selected equipment. If the installation is done correctly, then the chances of returning home with a lot of positive impressions and catch will increase significantly.
So how to equip a feeder? A lot of people prefer blind accessories. This method is very simple. He enjoys special popularity among Carpathians. With this installation, the sinker is taken swivel type. Mounting can be made one-sided and double-sided. Both options have their own characteristics.
If the leash is attached below the sinker, then the scheme is approximately the same. For double-sided cargo, the main fishing line is mounted on the first side. She is tied to a swivel with a strong knot. On the other hand, a leash is attached to the sinker. What is the difference between this mount? First of all, instant tension during bite. This means that the fish will feel the load resistance immediately. This mount is perfect for fishing active and fearless large fish. It is used in carp gear. But for fishing on small and careful fish, deaf equipment is not suitable, because its sensitivity is too low.
Another option for equipping gear, when the leash is mounted above the sinker, is more efficient and, in addition, allows for a small upgrade. This method is also designed for self-biting fish. But only in this case, the fisherman will first feel the lift and the need to hook the fish, and only then it will experience the resistance of the sinker.
Sliding tool
There are several ways to equip the feeder. In addition to deaf, there is also a sliding snap. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the sinker is not fixed at one particular point, but glides freely along the fishing line. This installation is very sensitive. Each minor bite is clearly visible. At the same time, the fish that picked up the bait practically does not feel the resistance of the load. This type of installation is of two types.
The first type of fastening is done so that the line passes through the through hole in the sinker. The second option involves the use of swivel cargo. Here it is necessary to tell in more detail. In the second case, the line is pulled through the swivel, to which the load is directly attached. This method is convenient in that the sinker can be removed at any time and replaced with another.
In fairness, it should be noted that both methods of rigging show good results. Naturally, in this case, the installation must be carried out correctly. The sliding equipment works well only in those reservoirs where there is a flat sandy or pebble bottom. Underwater vegetation, rocks and debris can lock the sinker. In this case, the sliding equipment will lose all its advantages.
Feeder hinge
The feeder gear uses both a symmetric and an asymmetric loop. There is also a special way of tying the cord to a snap - a paternoster. The advantages of this method are that after fishing you can just cut it off and next time catch it on the fresh part of the cord. Also, such a mount is practical in that any bite is immediately reflected on the tip of the rod. So it's impossible to miss it. But at the same time, the tip of the rod should not be too soft or stiff.
The paternoster is performed as follows. First we make a loop for a leash. It is performed on the main fishing line. The method is a “surgical loop”. If the braid is used in tackle, then it is tied 4 turns so that the knot does not slip and does not untie. From the first loop, indent the length of the palm and knit in the same way the second for the feeder. Everything, installation is ready.