Boat fishing is one of the most efficient methods of extracting large breams, ulcers and gusters in deep-sea areas of rivers with strong currents. The success of such fishing depends on the correct feeding of bait, which uses a specialized device - a feeder. Self-manufacture of this element of equipment allows the angler to perfectly adapt it to the specific conditions of the reservoir, depth and strength of the current, which is often impossible when buying ready-made factory models.
Created by hand ring-fishing It guarantees control over the quality of materials and design features such as volume, shape of the holes for washing and the method of attachment. Unlike store counterparts, homemade can be reinforced to work on a rocky bottom or facilitated for delicate fishing. Below we will discuss in detail all the steps of creating a reliable device that will be the key to stable catches.
Working principle and design of the feeder
The main purpose of the feeder in this gear is to create and maintain a stable feeding plume that attracts fish and keeps them in the fishing area directly under the boat. The design of the device should ensure that the contents are gradually washed out with water, preventing the feeder from quickly emptied or, conversely, stuck. ring (or "egg"), which slides along the cord of the feeder, delivering hooks with a nozzle exactly to the center of the bait spot.
The classic feeder is a mesh cylinder or cone made of metal mesh or perforated sheet metal. The top is equipped with a lid for loading bait, and the bottom can be open or have a weighted bottom. cell size And the bait fraction was the same: breadcrumbs need a small net, and for cereals with large fractions, a larger one, and if you don't fit the baitcloth properly, you'll either flush it out quickly or you'll get the feed sour.
⚠️ Warning: Using a too light feeder on a strong current can cause it to be demolished from under the boat, which completely violates the logic of catching the ring.
The design should also provide a reliable attachment of the cord that goes to the bottom. Often a system with a carbine or a vertebra is used, which excludes twisting. The optimal volume of feeder for day fishing is from 3 to 5 litersThis allows you to less often raise the tackle for refueling and less to scare the fish with noise and movement at the side of the boat.
Required materials and tools
To create a durable and functional feeder, you will need to choose materials that are resistant to corrosion and mechanical damage. The basis is most often a mesh of stainless steel or galvanized metal with a cell from 5x5 mm to 10x10 mm. flushing bait.
In addition to the basic material, you'll need components to build the frame and weight. The bottom and the lid are usually made of thicker metal or durable plastic. The parts are joined by stainless steel wire, rivets or bolt joints. The cord must be strong, non-stretchable and visible on water, for example. polypropylene 2-3 mm in diameter.
- 🔧 Metal mesh (stainless steel or galvanizing) about 50x40 cm in size.
- ⚖️ Lead loaders or ready-made pancakes for weighting the bottom (weighing 1-2 kg).
- 🔩 Fastening elements: rivets, bolts M4-M6, nuts, washers.
- ✂️ Tools: metal scissors, drill, metal drill, rivet, pliers.
- 🧵 A strong cord (capron or polypropylene) longer than the depth of the catch.
When choosing a mesh, pay attention to the stiffness of the wire. A mesh that is too soft can deform under the weight of the bait and the load, changing the geometry of the feeder. reinforced-net It is better at keeping its shape, but requires a more powerful cutting tool. If sheet metal is used, the thickness must be at least 1 mm to ensure the rigidity of the structure.
To drill holes in hardened metal, use a cobalt-sprayed drill and be sure to apply a coolant so as not to anneal the metal.
Step-by-step instructions for manufacturing
The fabrication process begins with cutting the main material, cutting a rectangle out of the grid that will allow the cylinder to roll up the desired diameter (usually 12-15 cm) and height (20-25 cm), the edges of the grid are carefully bent or woven with thinner wire to prevent cuts to the hands and hooks on the clothes, then the cylinder is formed and fastened along the side seam.
The next step is to install the bottom and the lid, you can make the bottom removable or deaf. The removable bottom is easier to clean, but requires a reliable locking mechanism, such as a bayonet lock or thread. The deaf bottom is more reliable, but more difficult to maintain. If you make a feeder with a load inside, lead is better sealed in a separate container or use ready-made loaders, fasten them to the bottom with bolts.
☑️ Checklist for feeder assembly
The top cover should open easily, but not spontaneously open underwater. Well-proven design with a hinge lid on a wire hinge and a latch. In the center of the lid or on the side is installed. ear It's important that the mounting point is shifted relative to the center of gravity, so that the feeder sinks horizontally or bottom down, rather than tumbling.
⚠️ Warning: When working with lead for weighting, be safe. Smug lead only in a well-ventilated area, away from water, to avoid explosive vapor formation in accidental contact.
The final step is to test the product, and the assembled feeder is dipped into a water tank or into a river from a flat bank to make sure that there is no distortion during the dip and the air bubbles are properly released (which indicates that the feeder is starting to work), if the feeder falls on its side, you need to adjust the location of the load or the attachment point of the cord.
Weight and buoyancy calculation
The weight of the feeder is critical, especially when fishing at depths of over 5 meters and in the presence of a current. Too light device will take away from the boat, taking the feeding plume out of the fishing area. Too heavy will create difficulties when lifting, especially if the net is stuck large fish or branch. The optimal weight of an empty feeder with a load should be from 1.5 to 3 kg depending on conditions.
To calculate the weighting required, you can use the rule of thumb: for each meter of depth and unit of current strength, a certain amount of weight is required. lead-cargo It's important to spread them evenly across the bottom so that the feeder doesn't burrow into the silt at one end, and a good solution is to use a flat pancake welded or screwed to the bottom of the net.
| Depth of catch (m) | The force of the current | Recommended weight (kg) | Cord diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 - 5 | Weak. | 1.0 - 1.5 | 1.5 - 2.0 |
| 5 - 8 | Average | 2.0 - 2.5 | 2.0 - 2.5 |
| 8 - 12 | Strong. | 3.0 - 4.0 | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| > 12 | Very strong. | 4.0 - 5.0+ | 3.0 - 4.0 |
The buoyancy of the net itself is minimal, but the air lingering in the cells and inside the feeding can create a push-out force. To compensate for this, the weight of the load must be with a margin. If you use a large feeder, consider that the full feeding will become much heavier, which will require a stronger cord and reliable fixation on board the boat.
The secret of balancing
If the feeder is demolished, but you can not increase the load, try to lengthen the cord to the bottom or use an additional anchor-unlock installed downstream to pull the cord horizontally.
Choosing bait and tactics of feeding
The effectiveness of the feeder depends on the right bait mix. For catching the ring, the most common use is viscous porridge (milk, barley, peas) mixed with dry components (cake, breadcrumbs), which allows the feed to wash out gradually, forming a dense plume, rather than washing out instantly. Faction of bait It should be the size of the grid cell.
Feeding tactics are the initial feeding. Before you lower the hook gear, the feeder is stuffed and lowered to the bottom. After 10-15 minutes, when the first fish gathers around, you can start fishing. In the process of fishing, it is important to monitor the rate of devastation. If the feeder emptys too quickly, the mixture is made more viscous or the net cell is reduced.
There is a belief that the feeder must necessarily add live components — horn, cut worm or moth. This really enhances the attractive effect, especially for the benefit of the animal. ploughbreamHowever, they should be added immediately before lowering, so that they do not have time to crawl through the cells or die from the pressure of the water column.
⚠️ Warning: Never use rapidly spoiling ingredients (such as pure bread or dough) in hot weather without preservatives. Sour bait will scare the fish away from the point of catch for a long time.
Safety and environmental friendliness
Boat Fishing comes with certain risks, and working with a heavy feeder is no exception. When lifting a full device weighing 5-7 kg from a depth, there is a risk of back injury or falling overboard in a sharp jerk. Always use comfortable shoes with non-slip soles and, if possible, a safety vest. Sharp movements on board a swaying boat can lead to loss of balance.
So, it's important to be environmentally friendly. Using plastics that can break down and leave microplastics in the water is not welcome. Metal feeders are durable and completely recyclable. If you use synthetic cords, watch for them: scraps of fishing line and cord in the water are death for waterfowl and animals.
When you make a feeder yourself, you have a unique opportunity to make it repairable: replace damaged elements, clean the rust (if it appears on galvanizing), and cover it with safe compounds, which will prolong the life of the product and preserve the purity of the reservoir.
The ideal feeder is a balance between weight, volume and washing rate achieved experimentally on a particular reservoir.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What diameter of the grid cell is better to choose for catching bream?
The optimal size of the bream catching cell is 8x8 mm or 10x10 mm. This allows you to wash out small particles, creating mud, but delays large fractions (grains, cakes) that keep the fish in place. For small fish (guster, roach), you can use a 5x5 mm grid.
Can I use a plastic bottle feeder?
Yes, it's a popular budget option. A 5-liter plastic bottle burns a lot of holes with a hot nail. However, it's less durable, it's lightweight (requires extra load) and can deform at depth. For single fishing, great, for permanent, metal is better.
Why is the feeder moving away from the boat?
This is because of the current pressure on the cord and the feeder itself, and the greater the depth and the stronger the current, the greater the angle of demolition, and to minimize this effect, increase the weight of the feeder, use a thinner cord (less sail) or go fishing in the pits where the current is weaker.
How often do I need to raise the feeder for refueling?
The frequency depends on the size of the feeder and the activity of the fish. On average, the feeder is raised every 40 to 60 minutes. If the peck is active, the check can be combined with re-throwing of the gear. The main thing is not to leave the point without the feeding plume for too long.
Do I need to paint a metal feeder?
You don't have to paint the feeder specifically, because at the depths, the fish are guided mainly by smell and vibration. However, if the metal is very shiny, it can be alarming for a cautious fish. Just give the net a little bit of "work" and cover with natural plaque or oxide.