How To: Carp Fishing - Method Style

What is Method? 

Fishing "method" is a way to to introduce a large quantity of bait close to your hook bait with the intention of starting the carp into a feeding frenzy.  Since carp fishing is dependent on chumming fish into your swim, method really helps get the fish to your hook bait.  Carp seemed to be attracted to the sound of a method ball hitting the surface on the cast.  Also, method balls frequently break up somewhat when they hit the water.  Many anglers use ingredients in method that make a cloud when the ball hits the water.  The large amount of bait entering the water and breaking up introduces a lot of scent into the water which brings the carp running.  Sometimes it even gets them crashing in your swim as they compete for food. 

Basic Method Components

The list below comprises the basic equipment you will need to get started fishing method.

1. Sturdy rod - rods come in a variety of test curves. Each test curve has its own purpose.  For method fishing, you'll want to have a rod with a 2.75 test curve minimum.  Remember that you may be using a weight that is can weight 1-4 ounces plus have bait packed around it.  I currently use the Daiwa Black Widow (Mad Dragon in US) with a 3.25 test curve and 12' length as method fishing is my preferred style.  I also have some Ugly Stik Catfish rods rated at 15-30lbs and 7' length that can handle method fishing at close range.

2. Two buckets and a towel - you need something to combine all of your ingredients in.  I like having a second bucket to fill with lake water to rinse my hands off.  An old towel will dry your hands off after the rinse.

3. Method weight or feeder - your method needs something to stick to.  There are a variety of method weights and feeders in the market whether you want to fish inline or with a safety clip.

4. A method recipe - what ingredients are you going to mix together to make your method balls? 

Simple and Easy Method Mix # 1

 

 Ingredients  

-Old Fashioned Oats - 42 oz container

-Creamed Corn - (2) 14.5 oz cans

-Chili Powder (optional)

-Sweet Feed (optional - add third 14.oz can of Creamed Corn)

The video below was provided by Jeff Craig.  I learned of it from his posting on the Texas Fishing Forum where it was well received.  This is a basic method mix that you can make with ingredients that can all be found in your grocery store.  If you're going to add sweet feed, visit your local feed store or Tractor Supply Company and you shouldn't have any problems finding it.  Sweet feed can be used on its own as a chum and helps add volume to your method.  It's typically the least expensive part of your method mix and that's what makes it popular. Watch the video and read a few tips to keep in mind. 

Tip #1 - DO NOT rub or touch your eyes if you use the chili powder in this mix and stir with your hand.  I know it sounds like common sense, but throughout a day's time of using it, you may forget.  Trust me, you'll only forget the first time!

Tip #2 - Experiment with different flavors.  This mix will take a variety of flavors, so experiment with other powdered flavors like Kool-Aid or cake mix.  Cherry Kool-Aid is my go to flavor, but it turns your hands red.  If you use a liquid flavoring like vanilla, make sure to add a small amount of extra sweet feed or oats so it's not too wet.

Tip #3 - Dedicated method spoon - stirring with a dedicated method spoon will help keep you from getting chili powder in your eyes, or red hand like you could get from Tips 1 and 2.

Tip #4 - Freeze it! - This is a large amount of method if you're fishing a short session and not chumming.  Don't be afraid to freeze it with a lid.  I've used frozen method with good results.  It might come out slightly sour, but the fish don't seem to mind. 

Method Leads and Feeders

Method leads and feeders come in a variety of different shapes and sizes.  They serve a few primary functions.  Obviously their design is to help keep the method ball together during the cast.  Once that's complete and the lead or feeder is now on the bottom of the lake, they serve as resistance against your hook.  When a fish picks up your hook and is pricked by it and starts to swim off, the resistance from the weight drives the hook home. 

Method leads - method leads are slightly different from method feeders.  Most method feeders are inline while there are many gripper style leads that can also be fished on a safety clip.  These gripper style leads work well because they have a lot of surface area for just being a lead and hold the method better on during the cast.  Other advantages are that they are easier to find in the 3-4 oz range, providing more resistance to hook the fish when it eats your bait.  They are also very durable, being all lead.

Method feeders - method feeders are made of a variety of materials and are designed to offer maximum surface area for your method to stick to.  These typically come in 1-3 oz sizes with 1-2 oz being the most popular.  Some of these feeders are now coming with a silicone mold to help you mold your method onto the feeder.