For years I've been making my own in-line feeders (see Tips & Techniques page) because the commercially available ones have been next to useless.

Why companies market a 'feeder' that needs adapting, swivels attaching or connectors fitting before you can use it, is beyond me.

So when a box of Middy feeders arrived in the post recently, I couldn't wait to try them out.

As I shared them with the rest of the Derbyshire Times anglers, I asked them to : 'Let me know what you think.' A little brave of me perhaps, as they tend to call a spade - a bl**dy shovel - and if something ain't up to scratch - they say so.

In-Line Feeder
First impressions are very good - the feeder comes very neatly packaged - with all the details clearly printed, advice/tips and illustrations are shown on the back.

There's obviously some thought gone into the design of this feeder - it's made of robust, dark-grey semi-transparent plastic with a good, tight-fitting top, held in place by the tubing running through the centre. The top can't be lost, as it's retained by the bush on the end of the tubing.

The lead weight is fixed on the outside of the feeder, (leaving more room inside for bait), so it won't roll around in the flow and there's enough holes in the feeder for most situations, but if you want it to empty even quicker, just carefully enlarge the holes with the point of a pair of scissors.

But best of all - it doesn't tangle - which improves your confidence and the number of fish caught.
Just thread your main line through the feeder, tie on a small swivel, add a hook length and you're fishing.

Simple stuff, but very effective. Add a larger swivel that fits snugly into the end bush - and you've got a semi-fixed bolt rig. Don't be frightened to experiment with these feeders.

In-line Method Feeder
I liked this feeder best of all. It's constructed of metal - so it's built to last. The six metal vanes hold method-mix very well - no worries about breakages as you squeeze and mould the mix into shape around the feeder.

It comes complete with elastic and swivel, and again all the details and instructions are printed on the packaging.

I personally don't use the elastic, I can't see the point. Simply thread the line through the central tubing, tie on a swivel and a hook length and you're fishing. Out of preference I added the rubber tail and sink-tubing (not necessary, but carp fishers just like to tinker).

After I had caught a few carp, I found the swivel wouldn't stop in the end bush, so I added a slip of silicon tubing to increase the grip on the swivel and magnify the bolt-rig effect.

I landed around 60lb of carp using this feeder, so no complaints!

The rig: 15lb main line, 12" of sink-tubing, rubber tail, Middy In Line Feeder and swivel, 12lb braid to a size 8 hook with shrink-tubing bent to increase the hooking angle. Works for me!

Verdict
Middy has helped to bring the feeder into the 21st century. There's a huge range available, they're simple, strong, very effective and tangle-free - what more do you want?

I would recommend you give them a try.

Comments from the rest of the DT anglers
These are good. Got any more? - D.W.
This pole feeder is difficult to fill... give us one of those method feeders...D.D
I don't like feeders - did they send any wagglers? G.L.
How come you're handing these out - feeling ill? A.K.