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Main lineCage feederon running linkBead, swivelHook length12-36inSmall hook
Technical layout
Main lineCage feederon running linkBead, swivelHook length12-36inSmall hook
Carp and coarse · Rig diagram & setup

Feeder Rig Diagram & Gear List

A small open-ended or cage feeder on a running link carries a load of groundbait or maggots out to the swim and empties on the bottom, while a longer, lighter hook length lets the bait fall naturally in that feed. This is the UK and Irish bread-and-butter rig for roach, bream, chub, and barbel.

Also known as: Swimfeeder Rig (GB, IE), Cage Feeder Rig (GB, IE)

Where to use it
lake, river
Difficulty
beginner
Common in
UK, Ireland

Gear List

  • main Line4-8 lb monofilament
  • leader2-6 lb monofilament hook length
  • leader Length12-36in hook length; shorter for bold bites, longer for shy fish
  • hook Range#20 - #12 spade or eyed hook, barbless
  • weight TypeCage, open-end, or block-end swimfeeder, 15-60g (about 1/2 - 2oz), on a running link
  • sinker Drop LengthFeeder hangs on a 3-6in link that runs on the main line above a stop bead and swivel
  • swivelSmall swivel or loop joining main line to hook length
  • extrasGroundbait, maggots, or casters in the feeder, Quivertip rod to show bites
Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Cage and open-end feeders Choose weight for current and casting distance.Search on Amazon#20 to #12 barbless feeder hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Feeder Rig

  1. Thread a feeder link or bead onto the main line and attach the feeder.
  2. Add a stop bead and tie the main line to a small swivel or loop.
  3. Attach a 12-36in hook length with a small hook.
  4. Fill the feeder, cast to the same spot every time, and watch the quivertip for bites.

When and where it works best

Rivers with steady flow and larger stillwaters where fish are too far out to float fish.

How it differs from similar rigs

Longer hook length and loose feed than the method feeder, which suits shy roach and bream and fish that feed in flow.

Is the Feeder Rig good for beginners?

Yes. It is rated beginner: quick to tie and forgiving to fish. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Spinning Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Feeder Rig good for?

RoachCommon BreamBarbelTenchChub

Related Rigs

Method Feeder RigFish-Finder RigFloat RigHair Rig
Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Feeder Rig?

A 4-8 lb monofilament main line, a 2-6 lb monofilament hook length leader (12-36in hook length; shorter for bold bites, longer for shy fish), a #20 - #12 spade or eyed hook, barbless hook, and a Cage, open-end, or block-end swimfeeder, 15-60g (about 1/2 - 2oz), on a running link. Full gear list is above.

What is a Feeder Rig best for?

The Feeder Rig works best for lake, river fishing, and is a recommended setup for Roach, Common Bream, Barbel, Tench. Difficulty: beginner.

Is the Feeder Rig hard to tie?

It is rated beginner. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.