Frank Warwick's Beloved 'Method'
Frank has always praised the highly effective yet extremely underused tactic, the Method. Here, he outlines his mix and approach to using this almost-forgotten tactic in 2024.
Alongside ultra-long-range casting, the Chod Rig, and eye-piercingly bright pop-ups, Frank Warwick is also known for singing the praises of a highly effective yet extremely underused tactic: the Method. One of the North’s finest anglers, Frank, has agreed to outline his mix and approach when using this almost-forgotten tactic in 2024. Here’s everything you need to know…
CARPOLOGY: Let’s start with what goes into your Method mix, Frank.
FRANK WARWICK: “The base is a kilo of 4mm Mainline Response Pellets, either in their Activ-8 or Grange flavour, along with another 1kg of 2mm S&W Primo Pellets. Next, I add 1 large tin of sweetcorn, 1 tin of tuna in sunflower oil, 500g of pigeon conditioner (mixed particles), and half a bottle of Hoisin Oyster sauce (available from all good Chinese supermarkets).”
CARPOLOGY: Anything we should know when it comes to mixing it all together?
FRANK WARWICK: “Start by mixing the two types of pellets together, then slowly incorporate the sweetcorn and mixed particles into the blend. You need to keep testing the mix on the feeder until it binds and casts well. Adding too much corn or mixed particles can affect the binding if you overdo it, so add them slowly.”
CARPOLOGY: Do you have any additional tips for making and using it?
FRANK WARWICK: “Once you have a solid base—like the one I’ve outlined—you can then experiment by adding other ingredients to ‘pimp it up’. Personally, I like to include brewer’s yeast to activate the mix, and I always prepare it at the lake using lake water (I never use tap water because it contains chemicals).”
CARPOLOGY: Is there a particular type of lake or situation where you prefer using the Method over other tactics?
FRANK WARWICK: “I particularly favour using the Method on waters where the predominant approach is boilie-oriented. I’ve found this scenario to be highly effective. It’s worth noting that many ‘traditional’ carp anglers often dismiss the Method, associating it more with noddy or match anglers, so they may not even carry feeders in their kit.
“I tend to avoid using this tactic during the winter months, as it can struggle to break down in colder temperatures. Instead, I opt for solid bags, especially from November to March.
“Casting a single Method ball to active fish or areas where fish are visibly feeding is incredibly effective. Additionally, you can use PVA-unfriendly liquids with the Method, such as liquidised worm, sweetcorn juice, tiger nut juice, and hemp juice. These additives are highly successful but typically impractical for long-range casting unless paired with a Method feeder.”
CARPOLOGY: And finally, how long do you typically leave the Method out before recasting (assuming you haven’t had a bite yet)?
FRANK WARWICK: “I would say every two hours is about right if you’re obviously on fish. If I get bleeps and any kind of activity on the Method, I tend to redo the rod if nothing further develops after 30 minutes. You cannot afford to sit there with the feeder stripped, so it’s best to refresh it. I found no negatives to re-casting fairly regularly.”
