How to make the perfect feeder rig for fishing close to islands

Anyone who fishes commercial carp waters will know that islands are a prime area to target for good carp weights. Float fishing is almost impossible due to the amount of line hanging underneath the float - this can catch in overhanging vegetation, so the only effective way to fish tight to an island is to use a feeder rig set up.

Here we show you one of the very best feeder rigs to use when fishing tight to an island feature, in a handful of easy-to-follow steps to make sure you can easily create this rig.

It's worth bearing in mind the style of feeder used here - it's a cage feeder. These feeders are the best choice to use in shallow water around an island as the large holes in the sides allow water to enter rapidly, therefore the attractive groundbait inside escapes quickly to leave a cloud of scent in the water.

1. You will need a 1oz Korum cage feeder, size 16 Korum S3 hooks, size 24 mini swivel, 0.13mm (4lb 12oz) Reflo Powerline for hooklength, Korum Rig Stops, plus Korum Quickstops and Quickstop Needle

1. You will need a 1oz Korum cage feeder, size 16 Korum S3 hooks, size 24 mini swivel, 0.13mm (4lb 12oz) Reflo Powerline for hooklength, Korum Rig Stops, plus Korum Quickstops and Quickstop Needle

2. First, push your hooklength through a Quickstop and tie it on with a simple overhand knot

2. First, push your hooklength through a Quickstop and tie it on with a simple overhand knot

3. Push hooklength through the hook eye – from the back – and measure out the hair length

3. Push hooklength through the hook eye – from the back – and measure out the hair length

4. Tie a knotless knot.  Korum S3 hooks don’t have a gap in the eye, so they are safe with this knot

4. Tie a knotless knot.  Korum S3 hooks don’t have a gap in the eye, so they are safe with this knot

5. On the other end of the hooklength, typically 24 inches long, tie on a size 24 mini swivel with a safe knot like a six-turn grinner. This hooklength attaches on to the reel line above the feeder, helicopter style

5. On the other end of the hooklength, typically 24 inches long, tie on a size 24 mini swivel with a safe knot like a six-turn grinner. This hooklength attaches on to the reel line above the feeder, helicopter style

6. Slide a Rig Stop on to reel line, add hooklength swivel then anotherStop

6. Slide a Rig Stop on to reel line, add hooklength swivel then anotherStop

7. The swivel can spin freely between the Rig Stops, which slide up and down the reel line. This set-upreduces tangles, yet will pull apart if your reel line breaks so you do not tether a hooked fish

7. The swivel can spin freely between the Rig Stops, which slide up and down the reel line. This set-upreduces tangles, yet will pull apart if your reel line breaks so you do not tether a hooked fish

8. Now attach your cage feeder to the reel line, again using a proven knot like a grinner or half-blood. Leave a small tag end on the knot as to account for any slippage

8. Now attach your cage feeder to the reel line, again using a proven knot like a grinner or half-blood. Leave a small tag end on the knot as to account for any slippage

9. Now push the swivel and Rig Stops down the reel line until they are 15cm (6in) above the feeder. Your hook will now drop 45cm (18in) below the feeder when you cast

9. Now push the swivel and Rig Stops down the reel line until they are 15cm (6in) above the feeder. Your hook will now drop 45cm (18in) below the feeder when you cast

10. The finished rig is effective and safe so it can be used at any fishery that enforces a ‘no fixed rig’ policy for fish welfare

10. The finished rig is effective and safe so it can be used at any fishery that enforces a ‘no fixed rig’ policy for fish welfare