Feeder fishing is not the most common way of fishing in our country. However, it is currently gaining more and more popularity. Earlier, a set for feeder fishing required quite serious cash costs, but now on sale there are high-quality gear, the price of which is quite acceptable for almost any domestic fisherman. The undisputed leader among them in terms of price-quality ratio, of course, is the Mikado feeder.
What is a feeder?
The feeder comes from the English feeder - this is a bottom fishing tackle invented in England, as well as a way to catch this tackle. Feeder fishing is bottom fishing by a special technique, the essence of which is to perform accurate frequent casts to the intended point. For her, they use special equipment with a feeder.
Feeder - a special type of rod designed for bottom fishing with constant feeding of the chosen place. A distinctive feature of the feeder rod is the presence of a flexible tip, which signals a bite, and a large number of rings. Usually, several interchangeable tops with different doughs are sold with the rod. The rod is equipped with a reel, fishing line or braid, to which the feeder equipment is attached - a special feeder connected to a sinker and a leash on which a hook is attached. The feeder rod consists of three parts, which are connected by a plug-in method. The fourth part is the removable top. The set includes vertices of different stiffness, which are marked. The larger the number, the stiffer the vertex.
About the manufacturer
The Polish company "Mikado" specializes in the development and production of fishing equipment for about twenty years. Over the years, Mikado products have managed to establish themselves firmly in the European market, attracting consumers with high quality, reliability and functionality, combined with an affordable price. The company cooperates with many Asian and European manufacturers of materials for the manufacture of spinning rods, which allows it to produce high-tech modern products. For example, Mikado rods are made of durable carbon materials produced in Japan and the USA. Mikado feeders are deservedly popular among the fishermen of our country.
Materials and fittings
The Mikado feeder blank is made of upgraded high-modulus carbon fiber, and an additional Kevlar braid on it enhances the excellent technical qualities of the rod. The blank is assembled by joining the knees with a convenient, wear-resistant “comel to whip” joint. The rings hold fast to the brackets and are protected from friction by ceramic inserts made of silicon carbide. The extended handle is made of natural cork. A reel with a holder of a classic design with a clamping nut is mounted on the rod. Tops - quivertypes are made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. The kit includes a nylon case for storing and transporting gear. The Mikado Ultraviolet series of feeders has earned special respect among fishing enthusiasts.
Ultraviolet Feeder Series
Rods of this series appeared on sale for a long time and have already managed to perfectly prove themselves in the conditions of our fishing. All of them are powerful, have a fast formation and are perfectly balanced. They are distinguished by distant and well-aimed casting, distinct cutting and confident fighting. The line of feeders "Mikado Ultraviolet" includes:
- Three rods of the Heavy class with lengths of 360, 390 and 420 cm. They have a feeding test up to 120 g and are used for fishing in strong currents;
- three rods of the same size, but of Light class with test doughs of up to 90 g, designed for fishing in a more calm course;
- Twin models with a feeding test of 110 g. They differ from other models of the Mikado feeder by the absence of rings on the first removable knee from the butt, so the rod can be lengthened or shortened without removing the equipment. This type of fishing rod is represented by two models.
One of them can have a length of 330 and 390 cm, the second - 360 and 420 cm.
Overview of the Mikado Ultraviolet Feeder 390
Let's consider one of the most popular and demanded models of the Ultraviolet series. It is reliable, easy to use and has a catchy design. This series of feeders "Mikado", according to fishermen, has excellent balance, high throwing qualities and competent calculation of the form. It proved to be excellent when hunting trophy specimens. The model has a medium-fast system and is designed for fishing carp and large river fish. The fishing rod weighs only 325 g and when folded has a length of 135 cm. Three tops are included in the package.
Series of fishing rods "Matrix"
The main advantages of the Mikado Matrix feeder are its high accuracy, casting range and versatility, which makes it possible to successfully fish out sufficiently large fish weighing three to four kilograms, as well as a trifle.
The series is also represented by fishing rods of different lengths with test doughs from 100 to 120 grams.
The Mikado Matrix 555? Feeder model, according to experienced anglers, is the best choice for beginners who have recently begun to master feeder fishing. He forgives the mistakes of an inexperienced fisherman during the initial development of castings, can be used for fishing both on the river and in still water, and behaves perfectly when fishing. The tops of this rod are very sensitive, allowing you to recognize the slightest hint of bite, which is also important for a beginner feeder.
With all its advantages, the price of this form is significantly lower than that of more "advanced" analogues, which makes it the most acceptable option as the first "study guide" for beginners. This rod weighs a little more than its expensive counterparts, but the difference in 100 g is not so significant, especially since the feeder does not need to be constantly held in your hand, like a spinning rod. But such a “stick” is much stronger than its lighter counterparts.
Series "Mikado Tachibana"
This line also includes several types of rods of different classes - picker, light feeder and heavy feeder.
Light Mikado Tachibana feeders have two modifications - 360 and 390 cm. The short rod has a more rigid structure. There are five tops in the kit - three fiberglass and two carbon. All the tops in conjunction with the third knee perfectly extinguish jerking fish due to their softness.
The feeder "Mikado Tachibana" is light, balanced, with a medium-fast system. Its main distinguishing feature is the absence of residual fluctuations after casting. Designed for fishing medium-sized fish. Fishermen speak of him as a light, very sensitive and powerful tool, while noting its high reliability at a fairly low price.
Mikado Golden Line Series (Golden Lion)
Feeders from this line have medium-fast tuning and medium rigidity. Designed for long casts and to counteract medium-sized fish due to the excellent cushioning qualities of the blank. Golden Line feeders are equipped with access rings that are designed to use braided cords, while the rest of the Mikado rods use monofilament fishing line. The rings are reinforced with a three-point mount.
Feeder line
Feeder fishing is the primary use of monofilament fishing line. To make fishing effective, when choosing a fishing line, the following parameters should be considered:
- Elasticity, that is, the ability of the fishing line to stretch under load. For feeder fishing fishing lines with a low rate of elasticity are suitable. Firms that produce fishing lines specifically for this type of fishing, including Mikado, develop them with an elasticity of not more than 10%. With these indicators, the fishing line well extinguishes sharp jerks of fish, especially large ones, at the time of fishing. This helps to smooth out errors in working with gear, which is especially true for inexperienced anglers. In addition, the elasticity of the fishing line adversely affects its sensitivity during long casts.
- Wear resistance. In monofilament fishing line it is much higher than in braid, therefore, its service life is longer.
- Resistance. Monofilament fishing line is always smaller due to its smooth surface and lower porosity. This reduces friction in the air, on the rings and sides of the spool. As a result, the flight characteristics of the fishing line are much better than that of the braid, which means that the casting distance of the feeder is higher. Especially the advantages of a flat surface of the fishing line are noticeable in the spring, when there is a lot of fluff and debris in the ponds, from which it is much easier to clean the line than the cord. However, the wicker is used for the feeder quite often. This is due to her lack of elasticity, which increases the sensitivity of the rod, but this advantage is offset by the frequent detachments of the leash at the last stage of fishing. The strength of the braid is much higher than that of the monoleska, but it is less resistant to abrasion, and when fishing in areas with a rocky bottom, its tip quickly "shaggy" and must be cut off.
Brand line “Mikado”
Mikado Company produces special black feeder lines of the Feeder, Sensei Feeder and Tsubame Feeder series. Mikado fishing line for the feeder is characterized by weak elasticity and low price, which, undoubtedly, is its advantage. The disadvantages of the lines of the Feeder and Sensei Feeder series are their poor assortment in diameter. However, in the Tsubame Feeder series, the diameter range has been greatly expanded. These fishing lines can be used not only for the feeder, but also for spinning.