Since the launch of Dynamite Baits’ new White Chocolate Method Mix however, the method really has become another winter option. This mix is easily digestible for the carp in colder water conditions and has a perfect aroma to draw the fi sh in. I am only too happy to use this tactic in the margin or at range, but will change my feeder set-up to cater for either. When fi shing close in I am happy to use an inline lead wrapped in the groundbait, but when fi shing at distance a fl atbed Method feeder is my preferred option. I prefer to keep the hookbait free of the Method ball, but when fi shing at distance I will make sure that the hookbait is just trapped in the feed to help the aero dynamics of the set-up.

Rather than casting every half-an-hour or so, like you would in the summer, I prefer to make the single cast and only have recast if I receive a pick-up. The Method feeder is an extremely easy rig to set-up and here’s how I go about tying up mine. Recent sessions have proved extremely productive using this tactic and even in the

coldest of conditions this mix has proved to be a winner. Many people still see the

tactic as a small fi sh method, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

It has on occasions out-fi shed many other methods on the day

and with cracking winter specimens approaching the 30lb mark falling

to my rods because of it, isn’t it time you

tried the Method feeder in winter?4

018 January 2013 carpology.net carpology.net 019January 2013

UPGRADERIGS

M I N I M E T H O D F E E D E R S E T- U PH E R E ’ S H O W M I K E H A M E R T I E S H I S U P

Widely seen as a match tactic, the Method feeder has had a massive impact on big carp fi shing scene over the years, yet come winter many

people completely ignore this tactic. This is purely down to the fact that carp’s metabolism slows down considerably when the water cools and a large pile of fi shmeal Method mix is not really the ideal choice.

T H E W I N N I N G M E T H O DS E A S O N E D C A R P A N G L E R , M I K E H A M E R R E V E A L S W H Y T H E M E T H O D F E E D E R I S A W I N T E R W I N N E R

Mike with a Method feeder caught brute

T H E R I G H T H O O K L I N KA soft uncoated braid is your best bet for this tactic and I use ACE Re-action in 15lb Gravel. This is light in colouration and sits within the White Chocolate Method ball very inconspicuously. Plus it’s strong and very reliable – a perfect hooklink material.

1 T H E R I G H T H O O K B A I TTie a small loop for the Hair and thread on your chosen hookbait. I opt for small pop-ups and small bottom baits depending on the state of the bottom. I personally stick to Dynamite Baits’ White Chocolate boilies in 10mm or 10mm Coconut Cream pop-ups.

2

S E T T H E H A I R R I G H TI then tie on the hook with a Knotless Knot, making sure that the bait sits very close to the hook. Due to the short nature of the rig, a long Hair may prevent the hook from entering the carp’s mouth properly, so going tight is defi nitely the best option here.

G O S U P E R S H O R TThe rig should be no more than about two- or three-inches long. This may sound very short, but the idea is that your hookbait will always be amongst the groundbait ball. I tie an inch long loop to the opposite end of my rig and this acts as a boom.

3

I U S E L E A D C O R EI attach the rig to a swivel on the end of a leadcore leader. I still like to use leadcore with this tactic, as fi sh can savagely feed over the area and I am happier knowing that everything is pinned down nicely to the lakebed. Plus it’s very strong and reliable.

4

F R E E - R U N N I N G I S B E S TWhether you are using a purpose-made Method feeder or wrapping the mix aroundthe lead, I much prefer to fi sh these free-running. With such a short rig the fi sh could easily use the weight of a semi-fi xed feeder to rid themselves of the hook.

5 6

A C E R I G C L I N I C

G O O G L E E A R T H“Google Earth has been an invaluable application for me for many years, and has helped me to locate many fi sh of all species that would have gone totally unnoticed. Totally untapped carp venues are few and far between, but this app helps to make them more accessible.”

F I S H F O R E C A S T“This app is extremely useful and helps you to decide what tactics to use for the various species depending on the weather conditions you are faced with. Whether you are targeting carp in summer or winter, this app will suggest the best tactic to help you put a few fi sh on the bank.”

M E T O F F I C E R A I N R A D A R“This webpage is extremely useful for those days when rain is looming, but you want to know how long you have before it either comes in, or clears up. I have saved an unnecessary soaking many-a-time by referring to this easy to view webpage.”

G O O G L E“Having the ability to search the web whilst out on the bank can be invaluable. Whether it is to research something to help you save a blank or locate a set of step-by-step instructions to create the next wonder rig, having the information on tap can be a lifesaver.”

ME AND MYSMARTPHONEA N G L I N G C E L E B R I T I E S T A L K U S T H R O U G H T H E I R F A V O U R I T E ‘A P P S ’ . T H I S M O N T H : M A T T R A N D

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