How to set up an in-line bolt maggot feeder rig

In-line maggot feeders are relatively new to the market but they have already helped catch many big carp, bream and tench to those anglers who know how to rig and set them up correctly.

Here Bob Roberts shows us how he sets his up when fishing specialist-style for big tench...

This technique not only ensures that the fish hooks itself against the weight of the heavy maggot feeder, but it also ensures that the fish are brought straight to the hookbait due to the accurate placement of the wriggling maggots escaping from the large in-line maggot feeder.

It's a really simple rig to tie and one that you could use the next time you're seeking a big carp, tench or bream.

This method will work on rivers for barbel and chub, providing you use a feeder that has enough weight to hold the bottom in the strong current, but ideally it's more of a stillwater technique used alongside bite alarms and indicators...

How to do it...

1. Get a Drennan Bolt Blockend feeder, size 16 Drennan Carp Method hooks, size 9 E-S-P Uni-Link swivel, 10lb Drennan brai

2. Thread the feeder’s tail rubber down the reel line, followed by the feeder. The metal plate ensures it lands base down

3. The reel line runs straight through the centre of the feeder helping the rig become aerodynamic for castin

4. Cut a length of braid and tie to the hook with a grinner knot. Cut the link so it’s a little shorter than the swimfeeder

5. Tie the swivel on the hooklink with a Palmor knot and lock it in the feeder. The hooklink is shorter than the feeder

6. Lift the cap off the feeder – the stem is flexible to make this easier. Load a handful of maggots inside the feeder

7. Fill the feeder but don’t pack it too tight. Leave a gap so the maggots can wriggle better and exit the feeder quicker

8. When a fish picks up the hookbait on such a short link, the line is pulled tight to the heavy feeder and the hook sinks home