PRACTICAL GUIDE
Method Feeder Setup UK: Hook, Hooklength & Mainline Starting Points
Compare Method / hybrid feeder starting setups for carp, F1s, bream and tench.
Method-feeder starting points
| Species | Mainline | Hooklength | Hook | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tench | 8–10 lb mono | Short strong hooklength; around 4 in | Strong size 12–14 | Free-running Method feeder |
| Bream / skimmers | 6–8 lb mono | About 0.16–0.17 mm | Size 14–16 | Method / hybrid feeder, short hooklength |
| Common / mirror carp | Around 8 lb mono or stronger where required | Around 0.17–0.20 mm | Size 12–16 depending on fish and hookbait | Free-running Method / hybrid feeder, about 4 in hooklength |
| F1 carp | Around 8 lb mono | Around 0.17 mm; short | Size 14–16 | Method / hybrid feeder |
The common principle
Modern Method and hybrid setups normally use a short hooklength so the hookbait sits tight to the feed and the feeder helps create a self-hooking effect. Mainline and hook strength then scale with the target species, fish size, range and cover.
Sources
- Angling Times — A beginners guide to tench fishing
- Angling Times — How to catch tench from weedy lakes
- Angling Times — How to rig up a method feeder
- Angling Times — Hybrid vs Method: which is better?
- Angling Times — The best hook patterns for commercials
Guide reviewed 2026-09-22.