Preston Innovations ICS Elasticated Stem Kits

Preston Innovations ICS Elasticated Stem Kits | Ultimate Commercial Feeder Setup at Gerry’s Fishing

Eliminate hook pulls and land more fish with the Preston Innovations ICS Elasticated Stem Kits. Here at Gerry’s Fishing, we know that the final few moments of a fight are when you are most likely to lose a fish. These ingeniously designed elasticated stems act as a shock absorber, cushioning the lunges of angry carp and darting F1s right at the landing net.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with the revolutionary Inter Change System (ICS), these stems allow you to alternate between feeder sizes and weights without ever having to break down your rig. Supplied in convenient twin packs and available in three tailored strengths (Light, Standard, and Heavy), this system covers absolutely all commercial fishing scenarios, from delicate winter skimmers to hard-fighting summer barbel.

Key Features

• Three Elastic Strengths: Choose from Light, Standard, or Heavy elastic to perfectly match your target species and the breaking strain of your hooklength.

• Total ICS Compatibility: Designed to be used in conjunction with all Preston Inter Change System feeders, leads, and products.

• Instant Hook Changes: Each stem is supplied with a Preston Quick Change Feeder Bead, allowing you to swap out blunt hooks or change hooklength sizes in a matter of seconds.

• Maximum Knot Protection: Features a highly durable Preston tail rubber that neatly slides over the connection, protecting your vital knots and swivels from damage and debris.

• Value Twin Pack: Each packet contains two complete elasticated stem setups, ready to be threaded onto your mainline.

Product Details & Practical Uses

The Preston Innovations ICS Elasticated Stem Kits are a game-changer for modern commercial match anglers. When using short hooklengths on method or pellet feeders, there is very little stretch between the feeder and the fish. By incorporating a short length of high-quality elastic into the stem, you create a vital buffer. This stretch absorbs violent headshakes and sudden lunges, significantly reducing the chances of the hook tearing out, especially when playing fish under the rod tip.

The true beauty of this product lies in its ICS compatibility. The Inter Change System features a central groove that allows you to slide feeders on and off the stem without cutting your line. If the wind picks up and you need a heavier method feeder to reach the island, or you want to switch from a pellet feeder to a maggot feeder, simply slide the tail rubber down, unclip the feeder from the stem, and slide a new one on. It makes adapting to the conditions faster and easier than ever before.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Where to Use the Preston ICS Elasticated Stems

• Commercial Carp Fisheries: Pair the Standard or Heavy stems with an ICS Method Feeder when targeting double-figure carp to prevent breakages on the strike.

• F1 & Skimmer Fishing: Use the Light elastic stem during the colder months when using fine hooklengths and tiny hooks for delicate-biting F1s and silverfish.

• River Feeder Fishing: Utilize the Heavy elastic with an ICS Maggot Feeder when targeting aggressive river species like Barbel or Chub, providing extra security against heavy head-knocks in fast water.

• Margin Fishing: Perfect for “down the edge” tactics where bites are savage and fish hit the bait with explosive power at close range.

Gerry’s Fishing Pro Tip: > Always match your elastic stem to your hooklength! If you are using a very fine 0.11mm hooklength for winter F1s, use the Light stem so the elastic stretches before the line snaps. If you are fishing the margins with 0.19mm line for large carp, scale up to the Heavy stem to ensure you have the power to turn the fish away from snags while still absorbing those crucial last-minute lunges at the net.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do these stems fit the Preston Banjo XR and In-Line Match Cubes?

Yes, absolutely! The stems are fully compatible with the entire Preston ICS range, including Method Feeders, Pellet Feeders, Banjo XR Feeders, and In-Line Match Cubes.

Are elasticated feeders allowed on all fisheries?

Most commercial fisheries allow elasticated stems because they are exceptionally fish-friendly and reduce mouth damage by preventing hook pulls. However, because they are free-running on the mainline (when set up safely), they pass most fishery rules. Always double-check your specific venue’s ruleboard before casting out.

How do I attach my mainline to the stem?

Simply thread your mainline through the top of the elasticated stem and tie it securely to the ring on the top swivel. The tail rubber then slides over this connection to keep it neat and protected.

How do I attach my hooklength?

The bottom of the stem features a Quick Change Feeder Bead. You simply slide the sleeve up, hook the loop of your tied hooklength onto the metal crook, and slide the sleeve back down to lock it in place. It takes less than five seconds!