The correct leashes for the feeder with hooks are the last link in the equipment that is in direct contact with the fish. A lot depends on the installation. If this element of the feeder tackle is done incorrectly, then you may simply not get a bite. At the same time, the feeder leash is not just a thinner outlet for the hook, as in the donk. This is a consumable item that you need to actively experiment with when fishing. Selection of working equipment is part of the feeder tactics. In this article we will look at how to knit leashes for the feeder, which ties to use depending on the fishing conditions.
Leash in feeder installation
On donkeys, we are used to the fact that the leash is placed in a rig and used until it is damaged. In the feeder, a different approach is needed. It is better for the fisherman to have with him many different elements of equipment connected in advance. Especially for fishing in an unfamiliar body of water. Frequently replacing hooks on feeder gear while fishing is normal practice. This, together with the feeding system, point casting, correct installations, is what makes the feeder so catchy. Different leashes are used, depending on the conditions of the reservoir, the type of fish and the installation used.
Asymmetrical loop
Leashes 15 cm long
Most of my rigs when fishing with a plug have leashes of 15 centimeters in length. In most cases, this is the length that is most convenient. With such a length, the bait plays in the water, and at the same time, the sinker is located close to the hook, which allows you to react to a bite in time and hook the fish. When I fish for carp, I replace all the pellets with one sinker attached next to the loop to which the leader is attached. When fishing in reed thickets and with a short carp pole, this equipment is most effective, but it is best suited when fishing with a sinker at shallow depths. When fishing for white fish, I replace the sinker with pellets, securing the first one next to the leader loop, and the rest follow it.
Working with leashes during fishing
The length of the leash for the feeder, the diameter, size and configuration of the hook largely depend on both the objective realities of fishing and the personal habits of the reservoir. If an angler successfully catches fish using some kind of equipment that is not recommended by top athletes, it means he is doing everything right.
You won’t find any kind of information on the Internet, and it’s often contradictory. Some recommend using ultra-thin diameters, up to 0.08 mm, while others argue that there is no need to thin the feeder. For an amateur fisherman, it is important not to blindly copy someone’s opinion from a YouTube video, but to use your head. Due to the abundance of recommendations, you may get the impression that in feeder fishing you need to master a lot of science and stock up on a carload of equipment. However, everything is simpler - we use ordinary leashes from a standard fishing line, 30-40 cm long. For roach and small whitefish - 0.12, 0.14 mm, for crucian carp - up to 0.16 mm, for bream with carp - up to 0.25 mm.
For passive biting in pressed-in reservoirs, we take 0.1 mm - with feeder gear, even with such a web it is possible to catch bream up to 2 kg in weight. Despite the recommendations coming from all sides to always use thin lines, if the fish are caught normally and there are a lot of them, it is better not to thin them. This will only add hemorrhoids to the angler. To begin with, it’s better not to bother, but to use a fishing line of 0.14-0.16 mm and a length of half a meter (plus or minus 20 cm, we already adjust this when fishing, depending on the characteristics of the bite).
Anglers who have already gained experience can even bother with leashes. This is a large layer of possibilities and equipment options. In moments of bad bite, a subtle understanding of which leash and hook to put, longer or shorter, thicker or thinner, can save your fishing. Naturally - along with the correct general feeder fishing tactics, choice of location and equipment. The general approach depends on the installation features:
- Classic feeder - from 20 cm to 1.5 meters long, both thin and thick enough for catching large fish.
- Flat method - short leashes. This is due to the peculiarities of installation and fishing.
- Fishing in the water column with falling bait. Installation - helicopter and two units. Thin leashes, up to 2.5 meters (with a long rod), with small, light hooks, preferably made of floating fishing line.
On the one hand, the length and diameter determine the fishing conditions and the activity of the fish, on the other hand, the feeder installations used. Read more about installing a feeder rod. Let's look at what leashes need to be placed in different directions of the feeder tackle and why they are the way they are.
Classic feeder
In standard fishing with paternoster rigs, asymmetrical and symmetrical loops, running or helicopter, the optimal length of the feeder leash is 70 centimeters. Of course, this is not a rule. Some anglers like to fish everywhere with short leashes. However, some fishing practice has already developed. Longer ones actually catch better, especially on rivers with current. Cautious fish are sometimes afraid to come close to the feeder, especially on a clear bottom. During the current, the fish can stand on the feed stream below the point where the feeder is located, and a short leash simply will not reach its area of interest.
Length
The length of the feeder leash in still water needs to be shorter (in general), 30-50 cm. The hook with bait still falls vertically approximately at the landing point of the feeder - there is no current. The exception is when catching cautious bream, when you need to use the pulling method. That is, after the feeder falls, we pull it towards us at a distance of 70-100 cm in order to remove it from the feeding spot and not scare the fish. Accordingly, the length of the leash is the same 70-100 cm, so that the hook with bait ends up in the stern area after pulling. Naturally, this method does not work on a current, where the force of the water flow already pulls the hook away from the feeder. An article about feeder fishing for bream.
To catch roach, chub, ide and other fish that like to grab bait when it falls, longer leashes are needed. Sometimes even bream doesn’t take it from the bottom, preferring sinking bait. In this case, especially in currents, long tails, up to 1.5 meters, work well.
The tactical characteristic is precisely the length. The length is also selected during fishing. The bites are very weak or absent altogether - make it longer. On the contrary, if the fish bites greedily and swallows the hook deeply, we shorten it. The length is selected along with the choice of the moment of hooking, until successful fishing is on stream and occurs after each bite. You shouldn't bother with millimeters and centimeters. But when lengthening or shortening, you still need to work in constant increments, for example, 7 or 10 centimeters.
Diameter
The diameter of the fishing line for the feeder leash can be taken much thinner than when fishing with a bottom. Feeder is a more advanced tackle. The flexibility of the blank and the drag on the reel allow you to catch fairly large fish on thin lines. Read more about feeder gear. For hobbyists, the standard diameter is 0.12, 0.14 and 0.16 mm. The water is clearer and the bite is careful - we put thin ones, in muddy water for active fish - thick ones. For trophy bream, large crucian carp or carp, we use fishing lines with diameters of 0.18-0.25 mm.
Which leashes to use for the feeder will be determined by the fishing conditions and the fish the angler is targeting. In addition to experimenting with the leash, you may need to change the entire installation. The feeder is universal. You can choose a working version of feeder equipment for a variety of conditions. Many fishermen are puzzled by how to make a feeder tackle so that the leashes do not twist. But this problem is not from the field of “drive engineering”, but relates to installations. In a proper feeder installation, a twist or bend (or a fastening point, as in a helicopter rig) is specially made so that the leash does not get caught or twisted. Details about each installation can be found in the articles on our website in the “Feeder/Equipment” section.
The diameter depends on the overall structure of the tackle and the size of the fish. Soft rods with monofilament and a long reel drag can help you catch large fish with the thinnest fishing lines. If the rod has a fast action, oak, and even on a cord, we take more powerful leashes. But even here there is a way out - you can include an insert made of feedergam into a rigid equipment from the point of view of shock absorption. This will allow you to use 0.1 mm fishing line even if the base is non-stretchable braid.
Short leashes
In feeder fishing for crucian carp, tench and carp using classic rigs in still water, shorter leashes are needed. This fish loves to dig into the feeder itself and suck out food particles from it. In such fishing, on the contrary, there is no need to move the hook away from the feeding device - the bait should lie nearby. Secondly, on a long leash in still water it is difficult to see a careful bite. It will sink to the bottom in the area of the feeder, but its line will not stretch out from the hook before installation, but will lie wavy or in loops. That is, the bite will become visible only when the fish has already taken the bait and pulled the equipment into a line. This is not a problem with active biting. However, a cautious fish may throw out the hook before the angler detects a bite using the quiver tip. Therefore, in such conditions we set leashes of 20-30 centimeters. Read more about catching crucian carp with a feeder.
In general, a properly selected leash combines the following points:
- The fish eats the bait, the bite is visible and there is no movement when hooking.
- There are no breaks when fishing, but there is definitely no lack of bites due to the excess diameter.
In feeder fishing, you must always be prepared for the approach of large fish. This is the ultimate goal of fishing. When fishing on a river, small whitefish usually bite first, and only then does a large fish approach the fattened point. Therefore, if there is a high probability of a large fish biting, it is better not to thin in order to catch a couple of extra roaches. We are not at competitions where every gram of catch is important. It is more important for an amateur not to miss that long-awaited trophy, in anticipation of which the point is fed.
Basic rules for determining leash length
The length of the leash for feeder gear directly depends on the rod, the expected size and type of future prey, as well as on the distance to which the cast will be made. To determine the required length of the leash, there are several simple rules and manipulations:
- When fishing, it is recommended to take a set of products of different lengths.
- Fishing begins with the use of a leash with an average length of 30-50 cm.
- Length changes up or down are made in increments of 10 cm.
- Reducing the length of the leader is carried out when the fish is actively removing the bait from the hook, and the quivertip does not give a signal. Another reason for reducing the length is the deep swallowing of the hook by the fish.
- Increasing the size of the product is necessary when there is a large number of idle bites or fish disappearance.
The average length of a leash for a feeder is 30-50 cm.
The average length of a leash for fishing with a feeder rod is 30-50 cm. At the same time, the optimal size for crucian carp is 20-30 cm, and for roach 1 m or more. For catching carp fish in their habitats in large numbers, the size of the product can be 80-120 cm.
When fishing using two leashes at the same time, the distance between them should be at least 80 cm.
Flat
The length of the leash for the feeder in flat and method rigs is no more than 15 cm. Naturally, such a short length will not absorb properly. Therefore, thick, strong fishing lines or leader materials are used (for carp). The thickness of the feeder leash on flat fishing line is 0.25-0.3 mm. The design is the same - there is a loop on one side and a hook on the other. The leash is attached to the main line through a noose swivel. Some models of flat feeders are equipped with a special connector for a feeder leash. More details – equipment for flat feeder.
Fishing with falling bait
Mounting a helicopter and two units is most suitable for such fishing, since the design does not have a thick bend or twist. And without them, the leash sinks to the bottom more slowly. Fluorocarbon is not suitable for this kind of fishing, as it is heavy and sinks quickly. The angler’s goal is to achieve the longest time for the bait to sink to the bottom. To do this, you need a long and thin leash - up to 2.5 meters, diameter - 0.12-0.1 mm (for trout, large ide and chub - 0.16-0.3 mm). It is realistic to achieve an immersion time of about a minute. During this time, the fish scurrying above the bottom manages to find the bait. This method is sometimes unrivaled when fishing for roach, ide, chub, trout and spring bream. Read more about fishing with a feeder in thick water in the article on installing a helicopter for a feeder.
The principle of attaching a leash in a helicopter installation
Feeder leashes
Most anglers knit leashes for the feeder with their own hands. Stores also sell ready-made bundles - for example, leashes for the Owner feeder. But this is not economical, rather for athletes. Nothing prevents an amateur from preparing various diameters and lengths in advance. At first, you don’t have to do this at all, but knit right away on the pond. It's a matter of convenience. It is more important to pay attention to the quality of the fishing line and hooks. Lead line and hooks in the feeder are something you cannot skimp on.
fishing line
For leashes on the feeder, the fishing line chosen is of high quality and strong. Here it is better to trust well-known manufacturers. Firstly, the diameters correspond to the declared ones, and the breaking load is normal. Both a special leader line for the feeder (indicated on the box) and a regular good monofilament will do. We will not give ratings of manufacturers here - there are hundreds of them. And good brands are already well known - it’s worth reading fishing forums. The leader line for the feeder is a soft monofilament without memory, with appropriate breaking loads and diameter. For short carp leashes, a stiff fishing line is better - when it falls to the bottom, it will slightly move the hook away from the feeder.
Which fishing line to choose and use for feeder leashes from the point of view of a specific brand is a personal matter for each angler. Each fisherman has his own options, which he considers the best. Sometimes you have to try several.
In the flat method, you can use both monofilament and lead feeder material, carp. Sometimes regular braid is used. However, a braided leash for a feeder easily gets tangled - if you use a cord, then use a special carp leash material.
Fluorocarbon feeder leads are needed if fishing is on shells or sharp stones - other materials will simply be cut off. And fluorocarbon, due to its rigidity and abrasion resistance, adequately withstands such tests. On a shell, fluor frays when damaged, but does not break immediately, like monofilament. This outlet simply changes in case of damage. And braid and regular monofilament are cut immediately in such conditions - even without a fish on the hook. There is no need to be fancy with the colors of the fishing line - regular transparent is best.
Fastening to installation
In classic feeder installations, the lead to the leash ends with a loop. In flat – with a swivel. Therefore, the most appropriate method of fastening is a loop-to-loop noose. Therefore, all feeder leads are made with a loop at the end. This is a universal option - you can attach almost anything to anything with a loop on the noose. Plus this method is simple and fast. The leash for the feeder is knitted in a minute. At one end we form a loop with a regular figure eight or a surgical (double or triple) knot, and at the other we tie a hook. The length of the feeder leash is selected based on fishing tactics.
The leash on the feeder tackle can also be attached using special quick releases or connectors. It's fast and convenient. However, some feeders with experience argue that you should not add additional elements to the design, you should strive to make everything simpler and more reliable. In this sense, fastening with a noose in a loop is beyond competition.
Eight
You can tie the feeder leashes in advance for a specific fishing purpose, or you can make a large set altogether - this is for everyone, depending on who you like. The presence of a large number of pre-prepared equipment facilitates the tactical work of selecting the optimal option on the reservoir. You can quickly try many options, and you don’t need to knit anything. This is especially true for anglers with thick fingers and blurred vision. It’s easier to prepare everything at home in advance than to swear and tie small hooks on a thin line in the wind and in poor visibility.
Via quick release
Connector
Methods for attaching a leash
Perhaps this is the very first and most important question that needs to be asked, since if the leash is attached incorrectly in feeder fishing, there will most likely be a tangle, it can break off at the last moment when fishing for a trophy, the hook with bait will look unnatural and will scare away the fish. There are several methods of fastening: continuous, when the leash cannot be replaced during fishing, and removable, when the leash can be removed and another one installed. Removable leashes are most widespread, so these are the methods that are being considered.
The most common fastening method is the loop-to-loop method. It consists in making a loop on the fishing line at the place where the leash is attached. A loop is also made. It is inserted into a loop on the fishing line, after which a hook with a leash is threaded through it. The result is a very strong connection like an Archimedean knot. There are almost never breaks at the junction, since the line is double thick there, and if there is a chance of a break, it will happen lower.
Fidergam
Feeder rubber allows the use of thin leashes even on heavy river-class gear equipped with braid. The cord does not absorb shock, and therefore, when fishing, you can lose large fish. Of course, you can put a thicker line. What to do if it doesn’t suit fat people? In such cases, the feeders help out. A spacer made of this material is inserted between the leash and the feeder mounting. Equipment options depend on the installation - there are several of them. More details - insert from feedergam.
Using a feeder for a leash
Feedergum is a short piece of feeder rubber that is placed between the equipment and the leash. The task of the feeder is to absorb the jerks of medium and large fish, which is very important when using thin leashes.
For more information about feeder rubber and installation options, see our previous article here.
Hooks
An important point in feeder equipment is the quality of the hooks. Fishing sometimes occurs at long distances, 80 meters or more. Therefore, it is important that the hook cuts the fish at the slightest stretch, immediately. Typically, a classic feeder uses small hooks No. 16-10 of the international classification. Smaller or larger ones are already special moments for rare cases - purposeful catching of bleak or vice versa, catfish or trophy carp. The size of the hook is not selected according to the fish, as some people mistakenly believe, but according to the size of the bait.
For bloodworms and maggots - smaller, for worms and corn - larger. Regular hook shapes with straight hooks will work. The hook size is also selected depending on the activity of the fish. With active biting - larger baits and, accordingly, hooks, and vice versa. For the flat method, for ide, chub and carp, large crucian carp, you need round hooks with a short shank made of thick wire. For roach, use slowly sinking bait - small and thin. Read more about feeder hooks.
Fishing in a new place
What kind of leash should be on the feeder if you go fishing in an unfamiliar body of water? The length of the leash must be at least 50 cm, and its radius - 0.15 mm.
This makes it easier to determine promising biting areas, types of individuals, sizes, activity and other important details. After a thorough analysis, you can already choose the optimal leash for feeder fishing.
On the current
Fishing in the river is more difficult due to the fast current. The individual strives to quickly snatch the bait. Therefore, it is better to stock up on relatively wide leashes made of coarse material (30-40 cm long). Over time, the size can be changed based on the behavior of the fish in the river.
In still water
In calm waters, the fish keeps an eye on the prey and does not rush to immediately swallow the bait. It is especially slow when there are no other hungry mouths to feed.
Therefore, it can gradually suck the tasty morsel from different sides.
- Because of this, it is more difficult to determine the moment of hooking, since the bite is very weak.
- However, this problem is perfectly solved by thin leashes with minimal breaking force.
- This improves the sensitivity of the gear.
- At first we use a 70 cm leash.
Next, we pay attention to the frequency of bites and adjust this indicator.
On the boat
This type of fishing differs from the above mentioned in a short distance. Therefore, it is quite possible to use short, soft and thin gear without fear of possible snags on seaweed or snags.
- Depending on the proper positioning of the vessel, such difficulties can be avoided.
- The maximum leash length used in this case is 30 cm.
- During the fishing process, we change the length parameters, analyzing the situation from the boat: Weight of the fish, number of bites.
Preparation and storage
The process of knitting leashes for a feeder is not complicated - a figure eight loop and a hook at the end. It is more important to choose the correct fishing line diameter and length. This can be done manually, or using loopers or knotters. If you need to prepare a large quantity, it is convenient to use a special crochet crocheting machine.
It is convenient to store tied feeder leashes in special leash holders. You can use store-bought options. However, it is easier and cheaper to make a leash with your own hands in the form of a cylinder of foam (polyurethane). The hooks are stuck directly into the foam, the fishing line is wrapped around, and the loops are secured with stationery needles. Read more about leashes.
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Leash attachment methods
Some anglers prefer to attach the leash not loop to loop, but through a swivel. This type of fastening is simpler and prevents twisting. It is more convenient to remove the leash from the swivel than from the loop from the fishing line. And the clasp at the end of the swivel makes this process very simple. However, the fastening is still done using the loop method; the role of the loop on the fishing line in this case is played by the ring of the swivel or fastener. Fastening using the Archimedean knot method is the most reliable, and other methods that involve the mobility of the leash relative to the fastener ring are not in demand in feeder fishing.
When using various rigs, it is very important that no impacts occur when casting against the loop assembly. Otherwise, even a correctly tied knot can become loose. Therefore, when making a loop on a fishing line and installing an inline type, place a silicone bead or a piece of cambric in front of it above the knot. The feeder will not break the knot when cast. The same bead should be placed above the feeder so that when unwinding it you do not accidentally damage the tulip of the top.
