The Method Rig

When this rig was first used by just a few, they kept it very much under wraps and it became a bit of a secret rig with those in the know keen to keep it under their hats. Nowadays however this effective carp rig is common knowledge. Groundbait has always been used, however, wrapping and molding it around a cage like feeder is a relatively new development.

This rig is useful in many different situations such as, while fishing amongst dense weed growth. Using this rig while fishing amongst heavy weed removes the risk of the hook becoming tethered because the hook is protected within the groundbait shell. As the carp feed you will get odd knocks and vibrations as they pick at the ball of bait in an effort to release its particles.

It is important to remain calm and sit on your hands until the time when you receive a positive sign that the fish has taken the bait and bolted. Although on some pressured waters the carp have wised up to the method and takes using its are rare these are largely heavily pressured day ticket or club waters.

On venues such as large gravel pits and some river stretches it can still be a deadly fishing rig. If you get the mix right, you can add particles to it, which can include whatever you are using as hook bait, although some anglers prefer to use small particles and a slightly larger hookbait so that it stands out and is likely to be taken quicker. I usually press my hookbait in to the groundbait mix so that it is right in with it when it reaches the lake bed.

This has the added advantage of leaving a bit of slack line between hook and weight, so that when the fish moves off with your bait, it feels no initial resistance, but is soon in contact with the lead, having a bolt rig effect. Building the baited area up with a few ball of bait can also help to attract fish, but be careful not to over-do things. Usually just the one ball of bait is enough.

Assembling the Method Rig

For the hooklink that is your choice but we used one of the kryston coated varieties such as, snake bite, snakeskin, mantis with the last option being our preferred hooklink material. Thread tubing (minimum 2 foot) onto your mainline, then pass your line through the feeder and then tie on a swivel. Push the tubing through method feeder down to the swivel and attach your hooklink.

There are many method mixes commercially available and you can customise these with your own additives such as hemp, sweetcorn and pieces of your chosen hookbaik. When blending the mix you want a fairly firm consistency which will break down over time but not on the cast. Mould a layer of your finished paste around the feeder. Next take your hook and bait and press it into the paste. Then add another layer on top of the ball so that your hook and bait is covered. That's about it. Cast it out and wait for the knocks.