River slack lines

Angling Times Breaking News

Browse by

Date Topic Created

Most Recent Reply

Meet the Moderators

Meet the Moderators of these forums

Fishing Forums

You are in... Forums > General Messageboards > Tackle Talk > River slack lines

Got something to say?

Go to most recent reply

Joined:

Oct 09

Posts: 2854

david1884 says:

I am not quite sure this is the best place to put this question but ..........

On the Loddon, which is small and quite fast, the way I barbel fish is with the rod high, a 1 oz running lead and a tight line. I have tried the rod low and, even with 4 oz leads the end tackle drifts round. I have always fished a tight line but can see that a taut line running straight to the bait might make the barbel wary.

I am thinking of fishing a slack line but just want some reassurance on how this is best done. At the moment I wait for the lead to settle then tighten up to it. If I want to fish a slack line do I then just let a few yards of line off the spool or is this too much or too little? Do I need a backlead with this set up or not (or is it optional?). If I need a backlead would a clip on one be best or a flying backlead? Do I need a larger lead (I can't see why I would but carpers seem to use 4 - 6 oz leads).

If anyone has used a slack line on small fast flowing rivers I would be interested to know.

Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught.

Posted 338 days ago (17 June 2012 10:20)

Joined:

Jan 10

Posts: 10198

ALLROUNDERGREG says:

Re: River slack lines

The only way to fish a slack line on a fast flowing river is to keep your line out of the water the flow will tighten the line no matter how much you let out .

Posted 338 days ago (17 June 2012 10:28)

Joined:

Apr 10

Posts: 941

andyc40 says:

Re: River slack lines

David, if you tighten up to the lead in a fast flow you will need a really heavy lead to hold still. You want your rod high (beachcaster style) to keep as much of your mainline out of the flow as you can, then just let a bit of sag or bow form in your line, it won't be slack as in stillwater slack as the flow will keep some tension in it. Then you might need a couple of tries to find the right weight needed.

[This Reply has been modified by the Author]

I live with FEAR everyday sometimes she lets me go fishin

Posted 338 days ago (17 June 2012 13:53)

Joined:

Jun 08

Posts: 1193

peternewbold says:

Re: River slack lines

David. When I fish feeder I always fish "to the bow". Regardless of the lead required the method is this. To begin with set the rod rest up high with the rod pointing 45 degrees up stream. Cast directly in front of you and adjust the lead so it is just holding the deck. The check is to lift the rod and the lead should roll down about a yard. When you have got into this right , reposition the rod rest to point 45 degrees down stream. Cast out directly in front and when the lead hits the deck, pay out two yards of line, or so. At this point the lead will hold the deck, the current will put a nice curve in the tip. When you get a bite it will be most likley a massive drop back which will be unmissable. I have used this method with great effect in matches on the Trent and Severn although I must admit I have never seen anyone else use it . I was shown this method by a guy from the south when I fished a match on the Thames, as a sixteen year, old many years ago and never forgot it. Pete.

CASTERNETS

Posted 338 days ago (17 June 2012 22:22)

Joined:

Jan 10

Posts: 10198

ALLROUNDERGREG says:

Re: River slack lines

The method used to be standard on the Thames I still use it myself know and again we called it the nodding donkey because of the action of the rod tip

Posted 337 days ago (18 June 2012 07:20)

Joined:

Oct 09

Posts: 2854

david1884 says:

Re: River slack lines

Thanks guys, well that is one thing settled, you don't need a back lead! It also looks like two yards is about the right amount of line to let out. I can see Pete's method working well on the Thames, or any other wide river, but where I fish on the Loddon you can almost jump over the river and on my favourite swim the barbel are found about 10 yards downstream, so I will have to experiment a little.

Thanks again.

David

Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught.

Posted 337 days ago (18 June 2012 08:36)

Joined:

Apr 10

Posts: 941

andyc40 says:

Re: River slack lines

Hi David, Pete described the method nicely whereas I was a bit blunt I suppose, you can still use this style on a small stream. Anyway you mentioned using a lead, if the you know the barbel are that close to you try a feeder with hemp and caster the flow will soon empty it and send some of them down towards your target drawing the fish to you. It's amazing how far you can draw them from with hemp and caster in the feeder, four or five swims maybe more. cheers

I live with FEAR everyday sometimes she lets me go fishin

Posted 337 days ago (18 June 2012 08:56)

Joined:

Oct 09

Posts: 2854

david1884 says:

Re: River slack lines

Hi Andy

I have tried a swimfeeder with hemp without any luck, but that is not to say I won't be trying it again this year. Once I have mastered the slack line I will be looking at the next tweak :)

Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught.