When I am a the pond I usually throw some feed by hand have been trying to see how close to the bank I can make the fish feed. They normally stay a good way back. With the Optimal it was like they couldn't resist it and I had them right at the shore eating it closer than I have ever seen them.
If you ever go with an automatic feeder, you may find a downside to the fish coming right at the shore: Herons love it.
I've had to elevate my Texas Hunter feeders & move them right up to the water just to make it harder for the herons to get at the fish. As you say, they will chase the feed all the way to the shore, and believe me the herons take advantage!
