I’ve been having some success on open matches at Larford this winter, using the new Sonu Baits F1 groundbait in conjunction with the Method feeder.

I really like this groundbait as it has a brasem or vanilla-type aroma, so it is sweeter than a standard fishmeal groundbait.

On a recent match on Larford's Specimen Lake, I caught seven carp , the biggest a 14lb-plus specimen, using the Sonu F1 groundbait on a Method feeder, offering a single large grain of sweetcorn on the hook. I had drawn peg nine on the Burr Bank and set up one of the new 12’6” Sentient Xcel rods, which was designed for going a big chuck with a Method - 60 yards plus, and using 8lb and 10lb reel lines.

I set the rod up with one of the new Preston PXR 4000 reels, loaded with 10lb Korum reel line. I used an inline Preston Method feeder, in conjunction with the new Quick Release Method feeder mould, and I finished it off with a four-inch hook length of 0.19 Preston Powerline, with a size 14 Preston PR36 hook, with a Korum Quickstop on the short hair-rig.

I started off fishing at 40 turns distance, and caught several fish, later unclipping and casting 60 turns. The rod was superb and handled everything in its stride. Later I caught a few skimmers on the pole line to finish up with 85lb, which gained me second place in the match.

On the subject of the groundbait, what I like to do is to mix it on arrival at my peg, before I start tackling up. The F1 ground bait can take quite a bit of water, so I mix it and leave it for 20 minutes, and then I add just a little at a  time and leave it to stand.

I always use a maggot-mesh ground bait riddle and put the lot through it before the all-in, and I reckon it takes just about an hour to mix the Sonu F1 ground bait to perfection for the method. You must not overwet the F1 groundbait from Sonu. Just add a handful at a time, mix it and leave it for a few minutes. I always tip what I need into a  bucket and add the water to that, not the other way round. For a five-hour match in winter, I reckon half a bag is enough.

Give the Sonu Baits sweet F1 groundbait a go - you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results.