Tie on a hooklength with a different hook size, try a shorter hooklength or change feeder: when feeder fishing, you want to be able to do that quickly. A quick change swivel or bead helps with this, but not every component serves the same purpose. One connector sits at the end of your rig and holds the hooklength. Another carries the feeder on the main line.
Therefore, first consider what you want to change quickly and whether you are fishing with a running or inline rig. These two questions will prevent you from buying a connector that does not suit your feeder system.
Would you like to see the available components side by side? Then view the Feeder Swivels collection.
What is the difference between a feeder swivel and a quick change bead?
A swivel rotates and can help reduce line twist. A quick change swivel also has an open quick-change connection to which you can attach a looped hooklength. With a quick change bead, this connection is combined with a plastic bead or sleeve. The exact function depends on the model: some beads sit on an inline feeder, while others form the end connection of a running rig.
The name alone therefore does not tell you enough. Always check where the component belongs in the rig. In particular, a feeder bead from which you hang the feeder is different from a quick change bead to which you attach the hooklength.
When do you use a quick change swivel?
Are you fishing with a conventional feeder and mainly want to replace your hooklength quickly? Then a standard quick change swivel is a practical starting point. The Preston Quick Change Swivels are available in Small and Medium. Attach the hooklength loop to the quick-change connection, allowing you to change hook size or hooklength length without retying the entire main rig.
After attaching it, check that the loop is securely in place. Cover the connection with a suitable sleeve if necessary. The swivel can also be used for waggler fishing, so you do not need a completely different hooklength connector for every fishing style.
Still unsure about hooklength length? Then read our guide to hooklength length for method feeder and feeder fishing.
When should you choose a quick change bead for a running feeder?
With a running rig, the feeder can move along the main line. At the end, you use a connection to attach the hooklength. The Korum Camo Quick Change Bead Small lets you replace the hooklength quickly and, on a running feeder rig, also acts as a buffer at the terminal knot. This makes it useful for fishing with a feeder or bomb in still and flowing water.
A running rig must actually be able to run freely. Do not accidentally fix the feeder in place with a stopper, and check that the components are compatible. After every change, give the hooklength a gentle pull to feel whether the connection is securely closed.
What does a feeder bead do on the main line?
The Preston Feeder Bead has a different role. The plastic bead slides along the main line; the feeder or lead weight hangs from the quick-change connection. This allows you to change feeder type or weight without removing the bead from the line.
This is therefore not the quick change bead used to attach a hooklength directly to an ICS feeder. Choose the Feeder Bead when you want to build a running rig and change the feeder quickly. The hooklength has its own suitable connection further down the rig.
The feeder you use next depends on bait, distance and water. In our guide to method feeders, mesh feeders and open-end feeders, we explain these differences.
Which bead is suitable for a Preston ICS inline feeder?
If you use the Preston ICS system, choose a connector designed for that system. The Preston ICS Quick Change Beads connect the ICS feeder to the hooklength. Slide back the sleeve, place the hooklength loop and slide the sleeve back into place. Preston states that these beads can be used with both inline and elasticated ICS feeders.
There is also a separate Preston In-Line Quick Change Bead. It is intended for a compact, semi-fixed inline rig that also allows you to change hooklengths quickly. Do not confuse it with the freely sliding Feeder Bead: it has a different setup and the feeder works differently.
With inline systems, always check the compatibility of the feeder, stem and bead. Assemble them according to the manufacturer's instructions and test whether the rig works as intended before fishing.
Choose in three steps
- Do you mainly want to change the hooklength on a standard feeder? Start with a quick change swivel or a suitable end bead for a running rig.
- Do you want to change the feeder or weight on the main line? Use a freely sliding feeder bead with a quick-change connection for the feeder.
- Are you fishing with a Preston ICS inline feeder? Choose an ICS connector or a suitable in-line quick change bead that fits the feeder and stem.
Then check the loop size, closure and freedom of movement of the feeder. A small component is only useful when the entire rig works correctly with it.
Common mistakes
Mistaking a feeder bead for a hooklength connector
With the Preston Feeder Bead, you attach the feeder or lead to the quick-change connection. Do not use it as if it occupies the same position as an ICS Quick Change Bead between the feeder and hooklength.
Combining an ICS component with any feeder
A component made for the ICS system does not automatically fit every brand or stem. Check the product specifications before mixing systems.
Not checking the connection after changing
Slide a sleeve fully back into place and give the hooklength a gentle pull test. Also check whether the feeder runs freely if you want to use a running rig.
Which one will you choose?
Want to change your hooklength quickly? First look at a quick change swivel or an end bead. If you mainly want to fit a different feeder quickly, a freely sliding feeder bead is a better choice. With an inline ICS feeder, choose a connector from the matching system. This way, you buy the component for the right position in your rig instead of relying on the name alone.
View all feeder swivels and quick-change connections at Carpshop24 and compare the versions for your feeder rig.
