Switch to a pellet feeder and catch more carp

When the feeder comes into play on summer commercials it is almost certain that the Method will be your weapon of choice.

But Browns Angling and Preston Innovations-backed Graham West reckons there are times when switching to a pellet feeder would pay dividends.

“The pellet feeder is underrated by many anglers but I have used it in warm conditions and caught stacks of carp and F1s,” he said.

Perfect scenarios

“One scenario where the pellet feeder comes into its own is when you have to cast a decent distance.

“If you are chucking more than 50 yards you are going to need to put a bit of effort into it. If your pellets aren’t on a Method feeder perfectly they will either come off on the cast or as it hits the water.

“With a pellet feeder you can pack them in tightly, which will keep them in until it hits the deck.

“It doesn’t matter how much you force them in, the water will flood the feeder once on the bottom and the pellets will slowly come out and create a small carpet of bait.”

Stand-out hookbait

“The water on most lakes is highly coloured at this time of year, so something bright is likely to stand out and be the first thing fish eat when they get their heads down.

“There are exceptions, though, and on waters that are heavily pressured a darker bait that blends in with your dampened 2mm pellets in the feeder can be better

“This is because fish sometimes associate bright baits with danger because they have been hooked on them several times before.

“I like to use wafters, but boilies and pellets can also be effective.”

Tough tackle

“Big carp are going to be your primary target on most venues when using this approach, so strong tackle is important if you want to land everything you hook.

“I use an 11ft Preston Innovations Monster Feeder rod teamed up with a Centris 420 reel loaded with 6lb mainline.

“This set-up will help you hit your target on most fisheries and has more than enough power to play and land any carp you hook.

“I ‘m currently using a 30g Preston ICS in-line pellet feeder and the rig is completed by a ready tied Size 14 KKM-B hook to a 4ins, 0.17mm or 0.19mm hooklength.

“Give the pellet feeder a go this week and watch your results rocket in an instant.”