How much to feed, where and when are the questions that keep us guessing. With species, fish density, water temperature and oxygen levels all playing a part on how avidly or reluctantly the fish feed; there are no hard and fast rules on getting it right. However I have a little ploy which I believe helps me to catch more of the fish feeding in my swim.
It’s a fairly simple policy and involves making sure that my feed contains a high percentage of the same bait that I intend to use on the hook. My view is that for fish to feed confidently, my hook bait is among the same free offerings and they will suck it up without a second look.
I feel that a target bait often stands out for the wrong reasons and makes fish more wary. So if I want to fish corn on the hook then you¹ll find that most of my feed in that area of the swim will also be corn. I may use some pellets as well, but they will form the minor part of the feed.
If I intend to fish banded pellet shallow on the long pole then I will feed pellets too. It’s the same with cubed meat.
When chopped worm fishing I will cut segments of worm for feeding that are very similar in size to the segments I’ll use on he hook. Its all about encouraging confidence in the fish.
They will be quicker to your bait and more positive in the bite. which means more fish hooked properly and a bigger weights. Now this may sound obvious but too many anglers handicap themselves by mixing conflicting baits in their feed. Keep it simple - feed what you intend to fish on the hook and you¹ll catch more. |
