Tie Mick Brown's River Feeder Rig

Posted Coarse Tactics at Sep 27, 2010

TV star and all-round specimen ace Mick Brown shows you how to tie the paternoster feeder rig that he uses for all of his feeder fishing on rivers…

“For almost all of my river feeder fishing I still use a simple paternoster rig that allows me to quickly change the size of the feeder that I am using to match the conditions. It’s a very simple rig to tie and is one of the most tangle-free and reliable rigs there is.

“Remember to always use a hook length that is lighter than the mainline so that you can pull safely for a break if the rig should become snagged.”

Here is how to tie Mick Brown’s paternoster feeder rig:

Step 1 - Form a large loop in your main line. The loop should be about 12 inches (30cm) long. Here I am  using a bright coloured line so that it shows up well in the pictures, but use whichever line you have most confidence in.

Step 2 - Tie a grinner knot in the main line to form a large loop.

Step 3 - Cut the loop so that you are left with one end about 6 inches (15cm) long and the other about 18 inches (45cm) long.

Step 4 - The short tag naturally stands away from the main line, acting like a mini-boom that reduces tangles on the cast.

Step 5 - Tie one of these small link clips to the shorter tag. This allows the size of the feeder or ledger weight to be changed instantly without having to re-tie the rig.

Step 6 - On the end of the longer tag, tie a small double over-hand loop. This will be for the hook length to be attached to.

Step 7 - The feeder is attached to the link clip like this, creating a very strong connection, but allowing the feeder to be instantly removed.

Step 8 - Attach the hooklength loop to loop. I will often tie up several and have them stored ready to go. Normally I will start with a hook length of around 18 inches (45cm), but can double this if the fish are cagey, or shorten it if I am getting plucks and not hitting the bites.