Here's a compilation of the videos I’ve published on feature finding. This will give you all the tools and skills you need to find the spots that the fish are visiting and where they’re feeding. 00:00 Find features with a marker rod 12:02 How to hit the clip and feel the lead down 24:18 How to use distance sticks 32:59 How to set a spod and marker rod combo
I agree about using amnesia for a shock leader i use to use this material as a hook link in sea fishing but i tend too stick to stick to the leith of shock leader leith which is up the rod and down to the reel with 6 turns on the reel ok I'm not using an 80lb shock leader and i not casting a zipplex or a awb at 13ft plus with a 5 plus lead and like a broomstick but with that knot i think its called the carrot knot which I leaned from lean Bartropp who runs a site catch more carp ( cmc ) as for the braid twisting I've had this happen a few times so thank you Matthew for the insight
My bait of choice don't sell crumb so I keep a 5 kilo bag just to blend b4 I go ( I love using crumb) - this is my favourite time of year to fish because my angling is less affected by other anglers, ok it means 2 barrow trips but it is what it is, just waiting on a box of gas to arrive now ( not just for the heater but to boil water, takes twice the gas too, I have a small hygrometer that tells me air temps ( a indoor/outdoor rype) & drop the outer one into the water, ive found if the water is 4 or above they eat but you have to locate them - happy angling Matthew 🎣🎣
I've noticed that you have your left leg forward when casting, I feel if you are right handed, you will get a much better and accurate cast (especially for distance) if you have your right foot forward on the cast, this way you can pull the rod butt easier through the gap you have created by having your right leg forward instead of left. Can you explain again on what components go on first, second, third etc as I always get them mixed up. Great tutorial as I've just started using a spod/marker rod
Hi mate, I’ve had a bait boat for over 10 years and I’ve used it in certain situations. It’s starting to get twitchy and I don’t think I’ll replace it. I’ve dabbled with a few different echo sounders that friends own but TBH I’ve never been that impressed. I like traditional methods of feature finding (marker rod, leading rod and prodding stick) and I don’t need anything else in my fishing. If I did a lot of boat work on big waters then I’m sure my answer would be completely different but that’s not the type of angling I do. I know that for some anglers at my lake, bait boats are extremely useful as some struggle with casting or don’t want to use a rowing boat at night. I think it depends on the water and on your casting skills.
Very explicit. As always by the way. Love them. I have a question about the spoding/leading rod. I have 4 caperlan 2.75lbs rods(85g) , if your in France you know what am I talking about and you know why i love them so much. I only use 3 of them for fishing. What do you think , could I use that for leading and spoding with braid ? I use a small spider spod , and only fill it up half way , so I don't jump over the 85 90g. I have casted a lot of times 110g leads , and everything was fine , no problem what so ever. Will I still have the accuracy and the sensitivity as with a dedicated spod rod ?
Hi mate, if you’re getting another rod to do that job, I’d get a heavier one. If you want to use one of your existing rods, then it should be fine as long as you respect the casting limit of the blank.
May I ask why you don’t set you marker rod up with the lead on a length of braid or similar attached to a ring and then the float attached the end of the main line. Why put the lead on the main line ?
Hi mate, I have both and I’d recommend the large one. I have tried a Korda one and it works as well for the combo setup, so if you already have one, try it first.
The slippage of any knot is a problem, not just the Mahin knot. You need to learn to cinch down your knots really really well and pull very hard (protect your hands). Most knot failure is caused by anglers not cinching their knots are and they're not testing how strong the knot is. The only way to find out which knot to use for what is to test them yourself so that you have full confidence in your setup.
Hi mate, I’ve had a pair of the Nash ones for the last 3 years, they’re serrated, sharp and still going strong. Good for braid. I had a pair of Rappalas and they were good too but more expensive. Certain braids cut better than others. Always hold the braid tight when you cut it, that helps achieve a clean cut 😊
There are 2 ways of feeling the donk. You can cast to a clip and feel the drop that way or you can trap the mainline against the spool just before the lead hits the water and also feel the lead touch the bottom. If you have long fingers, you can use your index finger, if not, then use your left hand. You don't have to touch the line to feel the donk, or hold the line. The sensation is transmitted through the line and the rod and you feel it in your hands.
Hi Matt, if I use the 4.5lb spod rod as the rod for all 3 will the rod be less sensitive for leading? I do spod but could probably get away with a 3.5lb if it will compromise sensitivity
Hi mate, it’s not an issue to use 4.5lb rod for leading around. You won’t lose any sensitivity compared to 3.5lb but there is a weight difference. Some 4.5lb rods are very heavy and a bit cumbersome. My 10ft 3.5lb setup is very light and less tiring. Cheers, Matt
Hi there, I’ve always feathered the cast with the same finger that I cast with, ie my index finger. I also use that finger to touch the lip of the spool to trap the line and land the rig, when I’m not fishing to a clip. If your fingers aren’t long enough to do that, then you’ll need to trap the line with your other hand by cupping the spool. You should still be able to feather the line with your index finger.
@@matthewcollinsangler great advice there as to feathering down the line with say your right hand index finger the line is exiting the same direction as the tip of the finger where as being left hand the line comes towards the left index finger hopefully that makes sense as witch way comes of the spool I guess the answer then would be to cup it with my right hand and trap the line ...
Yes the mono leader will dull the sensation a bit but the difference between the 2 for feature finding is minimal. In an ideal world, use a braided leader, but it’s a lot more expensive and a short mono leader is usually good enough. I mis-spoke on the video on the mahin knot, I said 10 but I did 6 😊 thanks for pointing that out.
@@matthewcollinsanglerbought a spool of anmesia cpl weeks ago £7.50 these days and with todays technology you dont really need a leader i use whiplash with a 50lb braided leader and 5 oz lead straight on the braid no problems with tangles
May I ask why you don’t set you marker rod up with the lead on a length of braid or similar attached to a ring and then the float attached the end of the main line. Why put the lead on the main line ?
A simple leading rod setup is very simple and very cheap to make, it can be used in any situation and for me, it's more versatile than a traditional marker float setup. I only use a marker float when I need a visual marker popped up on the surface of the lake.
Here's a compilation of the videos I’ve published on feature finding. This will give you all the tools and skills you need to find the spots that the fish are visiting and where they’re feeding.
00:00 Find features with a marker rod
12:02 How to hit the clip and feel the lead down
24:18 How to use distance sticks
32:59 How to set a spod and marker rod combo
Hellow matt,
Excellent explain. Thanks
Thank you 😊
Fantastic tutorial Matt’ very much appreciated 👍👍
Great to hear mate 🙏
I agree about using amnesia for a shock leader i use to use this material as a hook link in sea fishing but i tend too stick to stick to the leith of shock leader leith which is up the rod and down to the reel with 6 turns on the reel ok I'm not using an 80lb shock leader and i not casting a zipplex or a awb at 13ft plus with a 5 plus lead and like a broomstick but with that knot i think its called the carrot knot which I leaned from lean Bartropp who runs a site catch more carp ( cmc ) as for the braid twisting I've had this happen a few times so thank you Matthew for the insight
Matt, I would always consider snipping through the smaller loop, if it snags you'll potentially pull the primary loop and lose your lead! 😉☕🎣
Excellent content Matt!
Thank you very much 😊
Couldnt resist playing this at .25 speed @ 7:12 as that Carp launches out.
Haha, love it when it happens while we're filming!!
Well done Matt. Another brilliant upload & explained well
Thanks very much mate 😊
My bait of choice don't sell crumb so I keep a 5 kilo bag just to blend b4 I go ( I love using crumb) - this is my favourite time of year to fish because my angling is less affected by other anglers, ok it means 2 barrow trips but it is what it is, just waiting on a box of gas to arrive now ( not just for the heater but to boil water, takes twice the gas too, I have a small hygrometer that tells me air temps ( a indoor/outdoor rype) & drop the outer one into the water, ive found if the water is 4 or above they eat but you have to locate them - happy angling Matthew 🎣🎣
Great stuff mate 👍
I've noticed that you have your left leg forward when casting, I feel if you are right handed, you will get a much better and accurate cast (especially for distance) if you have your right foot forward on the cast, this way you can pull the rod butt easier through the gap you have created by having your right leg forward instead of left. Can you explain again on what components go on first, second, third etc as I always get them mixed up. Great tutorial as I've just started using a spod/marker rod
Very cool
😊 👍
Free Willie in that video 7:08 😂
Thanks
Thanks very much Anthony, if you ever want to chat about a specific topic in your fishing, I also do 1 to 1 video calls now 😊
🎉🎉
Always love your contents mate,very informative and simple. Ps you love the 20 centremetres lol,only joking mate 😂
haha I'll have words with my producer 😂
Hello matthew
What do you think about bait boats and add-ons (sonar, gps) ? Do you think using such things is fishing or just having a good time ?
Hi mate, I’ve had a bait boat for over 10 years and I’ve used it in certain situations. It’s starting to get twitchy and I don’t think I’ll replace it. I’ve dabbled with a few different echo sounders that friends own but TBH I’ve never been that impressed. I like traditional methods of feature finding (marker rod, leading rod and prodding stick) and I don’t need anything else in my fishing. If I did a lot of boat work on big waters then I’m sure my answer would be completely different but that’s not the type of angling I do. I know that for some anglers at my lake, bait boats are extremely useful as some struggle with casting or don’t want to use a rowing boat at night. I think it depends on the water and on your casting skills.
Very explicit. As always by the way. Love them. I have a question about the spoding/leading rod. I have 4 caperlan 2.75lbs rods(85g) , if your in France you know what am I talking about and you know why i love them so much. I only use 3 of them for fishing. What do you think , could I use that for leading and spoding with braid ? I use a small spider spod , and only fill it up half way , so I don't jump over the 85 90g. I have casted a lot of times 110g leads , and everything was fine , no problem what so ever. Will I still have the accuracy and the sensitivity as with a dedicated spod rod ?
Hi mate, if you’re getting another rod to do that job, I’d get a heavier one. If you want to use one of your existing rods, then it should be fine as long as you respect the casting limit of the blank.
May I ask why you don’t set you marker rod up with the lead on a length of braid or similar attached to a ring and then the float attached the end of the main line.
Why put the lead on the main line ?
Hi mate, which size is the nash spot on marker float do you recommend lge or small thanks 👍
Hi mate, I have both and I’d recommend the large one. I have tried a Korda one and it works as well for the combo setup, so if you already have one, try it first.
Would the mahen knot be ok with fluorocarbon? I’m worryed that the knot would slip ?
The slippage of any knot is a problem, not just the Mahin knot. You need to learn to cinch down your knots really really well and pull very hard (protect your hands). Most knot failure is caused by anglers not cinching their knots are and they're not testing how strong the knot is. The only way to find out which knot to use for what is to test them yourself so that you have full confidence in your setup.
Hi Matt. Hope your well. Can I ask what scissors you use for cutting braid? Many I have tried aren't great and leave the line frayed.
Hi mate, I’ve had a pair of the Nash ones for the last 3 years, they’re serrated, sharp and still going strong. Good for braid. I had a pair of Rappalas and they were good too but more expensive. Certain braids cut better than others. Always hold the braid tight when you cut it, that helps achieve a clean cut 😊
@@matthewcollinsangler thanks. I'll give them a go 👍
Do you need to keep a finger on the mainline to feel the donk? Of is this something coming from the rod?
There are 2 ways of feeling the donk. You can cast to a clip and feel the drop that way or you can trap the mainline against the spool just before the lead hits the water and also feel the lead touch the bottom. If you have long fingers, you can use your index finger, if not, then use your left hand. You don't have to touch the line to feel the donk, or hold the line. The sensation is transmitted through the line and the rod and you feel it in your hands.
Hi Matt, if I use the 4.5lb spod rod as the rod for all 3 will the rod be less sensitive for leading? I do spod but could probably get away with a 3.5lb if it will compromise sensitivity
Hi mate, it’s not an issue to use 4.5lb rod for leading around. You won’t lose any sensitivity compared to 3.5lb but there is a weight difference. Some 4.5lb rods are very heavy and a bit cumbersome. My 10ft 3.5lb setup is very light and less tiring. Cheers, Matt
@@matthewcollinsangler thanks for the reply mate. 👍👍
How to feather the line being left hand and the line come off the spool ?
Hi there, I’ve always feathered the cast with the same finger that I cast with, ie my index finger. I also use that finger to touch the lip of the spool to trap the line and land the rig, when I’m not fishing to a clip. If your fingers aren’t long enough to do that, then you’ll need to trap the line with your other hand by cupping the spool. You should still be able to feather the line with your index finger.
@@matthewcollinsangler great advice there as to feathering down the line with say your right hand index finger the line is exiting the same direction as the tip of the finger where as being left hand the line comes towards the left index finger hopefully that makes sense as witch way comes of the spool I guess the answer then would be to cup it with my right hand and trap the line ...
By the way your content is excellent keep it up 👍
in place of the amnesia i use seaguar red label on my marker rod.
Cool 👍
What's the reel in the thumbnail.
That’s my old Ultegra 10000 XTA, very solid reel.
@@matthewcollinsangler My eyes must be going lol didn't even recognize it was an ultegra.Ive got 3 xtd's belter reals black look mint.
@@paulAnthony7236 yeah mate, I got them too, fantastic reels
all this effort to catch carp?
Using amnesia defeats the use of braid and the mahin should be a conical knot 10 up n 6 back not 10 up n 10 bk
Should b or that’s wat u do 🤔
Yes the mono leader will dull the sensation a bit but the difference between the 2 for feature finding is minimal. In an ideal world, use a braided leader, but it’s a lot more expensive and a short mono leader is usually good enough. I mis-spoke on the video on the mahin knot, I said 10 but I did 6 😊 thanks for pointing that out.
Hi mate, check the thread, I've clarified the points raised 😊
Should be the knot is supposed to be conical so it slides thru the rings easier hence 10 up 6 back or tapered as he says which 10 up n 10 bk wont do
@@matthewcollinsanglerbought a spool of anmesia cpl weeks ago £7.50 these days and with todays technology you dont really need a leader i use whiplash with a 50lb braided leader and 5 oz lead straight on the braid no problems with tangles
May I ask why you don’t set you marker rod up with the lead on a length of braid or similar attached to a ring and then the float attached the end of the main line.
Why put the lead on the main line ?
A simple leading rod setup is very simple and very cheap to make, it can be used in any situation and for me, it's more versatile than a traditional marker float setup. I only use a marker float when I need a visual marker popped up on the surface of the lake.