Set up an early-season feeder rig for tench

  Jason Summers

As I’ve said in previous Off the Scale articles , it isn’t always feasible to float fish for tench for long periods, or at all in certain swims. Plus, there is no doubt that multiple rod set ups with self hooking (bolt) rigs are extremely effective at catching fish. If you want numbers of tench or are sitting it out for a big one then fishing this way is usually the way to go.

Again, as with all my rigs, there is nothing fancy here. So many anglers over-complicate things these days and there really is no need. When using this maggot feeder rig (which also works well for bream, hybrids, roach & carp) I don’t even use a hair rig, instead just nicking the maggots on the hook. Obviously, this isn’t always possible due to small nuisance fish and then I will switch to bigger hookbaits like artificial corn or boilies, which fish better on a hair.

ballyhoe lake spring tench

Jason’s feeder fishing tips

  • I like to use leadcore leaders of 2-3ft long. These act as mini-snag leaders & also reduce the risk of weakening the mainline when using helicopter rigs like this one.
  • The hooklink is attached to a quick change swivel so I can quickly swap to a freshly baited rig or change it if needed. Early season feeding spells are often short & I want to make the most of that time.
  • The hooklink is trapped between two rubber beads which sit on tungsten sinkers or bits of silicone. Just as in carp fishing, it is important that the top bead can slide off the leadcore in the event of a line breakage so that a fish, at worst, is only towing around the hooklink.
  • I use 8-10lb fluorocarbon for my hooklinks and always keep them short, say 2-3”. This rig works so much better with very short hooklinks. An anti-tangle sleeve helps to prevent tangles.
  • Hook choice for me is a size 14-12 Drennan Barbel hook – strong, but fine in the wire. Maggots are simply fished straight on the hook.
  • Feeder choice is up to you. You may want to tape up some of the holes with insulation tape to slow down the release of maggots into your swim.

tench feeder rig