• You need to be a registered member of Barbel Fishing World to post on these forums. Some of the forums are hidden from non-members. Please refer to the instructions on the ‘Register’ page for details of how to join the new incarnation of BFW...

Upstreaming With A Back Lead???

John Cook

John Cook

Senior Member
Afternoon All,

Have seen this mentioned before and i am a lttle unsure, is this tightening up to a heavyish backlead and a very soft tipped rod or quivertip section???? Usually upstream with no backlead...:)
 
Nobody know much about this method then???
 
I use the method frequently, especially in flood conditions, works a treat. The backlead helps in keeping the line out of the waterborn crud, the backlead has to be heavy, enough to pin the line down close in, 1-2oz is ok, coupled with a heavy feeder, bites tend to be a heavy thump and a big drop back, but on occasions I,ve had screaming, upstream runs. not subtle, no need for a quivertip. The trick is clipping the backlead on quick enough to stop crud building up and dragging the feeder out of position.
peter
 
Hi Peter,

So this is not a method using a backled a couple of feet from the lead you need to use a clip on backlead near the bank, is this after you have tightened to the feeder or lead with a bend in the rod tip for indication?
 
Hi John

I have been using lead core leaders (safe heli rigs I must add not the fish killers some seem to prefer) with backleads for my barbel fishing for the last 6 weeks. Tactics are generally to fish two rods ... one up and one downstream. The rods are kept very low to the water to pin all the line on the river bed and in some instances I use a clip on lead as well. For both rods I pay out extra line to ensure no line can be in contact with the barbel (except for those under the rods tip).

With this method there is no pre-warning bumps and taps just violents plucks and then slack line or screamers ...........

Baits are in the water for up to 8+ hours before a bite has occurred ...... you must have confidence in the rigs and bait for this style of fishing!

The results from two very though Berkshire rivers..... 11 fish including 9 doubles with four of those falling in one session plus 6 chub all over 5......... the method works but not everyones cup of tea;)
 
Hiya Ian,

Very good fishing there matey, what is confusing me with this upstream backlead method is are you putting a bend in the rod top to indicate a drop back bite or are you just tightening to the rod top?
 
John, I use a flying back lead about two foot from the lead when upstreaming and downstreaming for that matter. To tell you the truth I don't think it's necessary, as long as you do not tighten up to the lead. Pay out some line enough to make a bow, and the flow will pin the line down anyway. As Ian said the bites are usually a sharp jab and then another, which is when you need to reel like mad to take in the slack. The fish will hook themselves if you're using a heavy enough lead (1.5 to 2oz). No need for a quiver tip IMHO.
 
Ian and Paul,

Gotcha now will try it next time out, while we are talking upstreaming whats your thoughts on hooklink length? longer shorter or the same as you would use downstream in the given conditions?:)
 
I really like this method & it does fool a lot of fish I believe. I personally use a shorter hook length than my usual 2-3 ft. Basically it should not be longer than the distance between main weight & back lead (I also use some sink tubing).

To add to this I use quite a substantial backlead as historically I used a light flying back lead & did not tighten up to the rig, but after I got a deeply hooked barbel with absolutely no bite indication, I have now adapted to be 'more in touch' so to speak.

As discribed you often get a good wrap around or more usually a slight bang followed by a big slack line with the rod tip bouncing as it drags your weight down stream.

Just my thoughts...Tony
 
John Cook said:
Ian and Paul,

Gotcha now will try it next time out, while we are talking upstreaming whats your thoughts on hooklink length? longer shorter or the same as you would use downstream in the given conditions?:)
Click to expand...

John, I use a 12 inch hooklink typically. I only fish at night though. During the day I would be inclined to go a bit longer and use fluoro depending on the conditions.
Paul
 
Thank you for that info Paul i am a fluoro or fluoro braid combi link user so should be ok for days.....Cant wait to give it a go now:)
 
Hi Gents

I agree with the bow in the line technique and do not tighten down at all.

Have been using a coated braid hooklink "Striptease in 15lb" generally about 18" pinned down with the Korda hook link weights.

Think the main thing is to cast out to where you think the barbel are and leave it!

Good luck Mr Cook
 
Thank you Ian, i have some of those Korda hooklink weights haven't tried them yet, probably will on Saturday..
 
John, I tend to use the same setup for both up and downstream fishing, fluro hooklenght around 3feet, free running setup. In flood conditions, I,ve found the best way to use the upstream technique, is to keep the line tight after casting, clip on the backlead and drop it to the bottom of the near slope. The rod will take on a slight bend, bites are normally a big thump followed by either a slack line, or a series of thumps. It is essential to hit these quickly as the feeder bouncing along the bottom can shake the hook out, not a method to use if your sleeping in the bivvy!
Don,t go down the leadcore route, irrespective of what lead attachment you use, if your mainline breaks, you leave the fish trailing the leader which will be far more effective at tethering it to a snag than a lead!
peter
 
Hi Peter,

Not to sure how to use the clip on backlead as i have never used one? So you cast out and before you tighten up you clip on the back lead and it sinks down and then you tighten up till you lift the backlead? Also what make and weight clip on leads would you recommend?
 
Last edited:
Any info anybody please..
 
For clips I use gemini genie lead clips, the double ended ones, look like a shepherds crook at both ends, clip the lead to one end, line in the other.
When the feeder hits bottom, keep the line tight, clip on the backlead, let it slide down to required position, rod in rest, job done. Takes a bit of practice, but well worth the effort, getting the balance right matters ,so be prepared, with add on leads for the feeder, and different weights for the backlead. You can use the backlead systems available in the carp department, but they are aimed at lakes, there expensive, and **** for rivers.
peter
 
Peter excuse my ignorance but the required position would be infront of you in the margins yes?? How do you stop the lead quickly from sliding right down the line???
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top