Using a Feeder Bolt Rig in Fishing

There are three variations of the feeder bolt rig for use in stillwaters, the most commonly used being, in essence, identical to the short hooklink paternoster, with a heavy swimfeeder replacing the lead. This is the rig that has become a standard for Stillwater roach anglers, and has solved the problem of missed bites. It normally features a light hooklink about 18 in (45 cm) above a 2 oz (50 g) blockend feeder, baited with maggots or casters. After casting, the line is drawn tight, a heavy butt indicator attached, and most bites are indicated by a dramatic drop back.

The second version has an in-line swimfeeder on the main line 18 in (45 cm) above the hooklink, with a 2 oz (50 g) bomb on the end of the line, as in a normal paternoster. When the cast has been made, the action of drawing the tackle tight invariably pulls the terminal rig a little way towards the bank. In the first arrangement, this will pull the hookbait away from the maggots escaping from the swimfeeder whereas in this case, it pulls the hook towards the free offerings. This is a small point that could make all the difference on a hard day.

When roach fishing in either of these styles, which could see only 2 lb (0.91 kg) hooklinks and size 16 hooks, it is fatal to strike as such, as it is easy to crack off on a tight line. It is sufficient to simply lift the rod and start playing the fish. It is also one of those occasions to backwind rather than use a clutch.

Casting heavy feeders requires a main line of at least 6 lb (2.72 kg) breaking strain, and it is impossible to set a clutch to suit a 2 lb (0.91 kg) hooklink in these circumstances. To protect the light hooklinks during the playing of a big roach, or anything else that takes the bait for that matter, many anglers insert a short length of power gum or pole elastic above the hooklink as a shock absorber.

The third bolt-feeder arrangement is very much in vogue these days, especially on commercial small carp fisheries, and it is called the method feeder rig. A ball of groundbait and mixed feed particles is moulded round a special method feeder and the hookbait, invariably mounted on a very short hooklink, is pushed into the side of the feed. The idea is that the fish start rooting around in the bait, breaking it down, and the hookbait is taken quite naturally as it falls free of the whole. It is a devastating presentation and has led to many large catches.

Visit fishfinders.com to find out more about fishing techniques and technology.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.