Pennfishing.com - Uptiding - by pioneer John Rawle

In the late 60's and early 70's boat fishing was revolutionised by a new method called uptiding. Bob Cox and I used common sense to realise that conventional boat fishing could be improved on, especially when fishing in shallower areas.

Boat tackle then was traditionally heavy and not very sporting. Once we had worked out the basics we realised that much lighter tackle could be used equally effectively. Another big advantage over conventional boat fishing was that every spot on the boat had an equal chance as against conventional boat fishing, where if you were not in the stern you were at a distinct disadvantage.

Uptiding gives each angler his one bit of seabed instead of sharing one lump with all the other anglers on the boat, Catches improved by four to five hundred percent, which was amazing. In the early days there was no tackle designed for it s we used cut down beach caters or carp rods. Now there is a huge range of equipment specially designed for this method making it even more effective, sporting and fun. A quick run down on the basic method is as follow: A good basic rig is a simple single hook running ledger. Most mainlines are between 15 and 25lb. With 15lb line a shock leader of 30 or 40lb breaking strain is advisable. With 20 or 25lb you do not need a leader unless you are casting a long way or using heavier than normal leads. A good policy when casting is to hang the baited hook onto the lead wires. This makers it easier and safer. Always try and hang your baited tackle outside the boat when casting, being careful of other anglers lines. As a rough guide cast uptide at and angle of approximately 45 degrees and between 20 to 60 yards. Depending on how deep you are fishing. The deeper the water and the stronger the tide the farther you need to cast.

Once the tackle has reached the seabed feed line out until it is pointing approximately 45 degrees downtide. Again, in deeper water or stronger currents you may have to increase this. Engage the reel and let the tackle settle, then wait for a bite. When the bite comes do not pick up the rod and strike. Just get yourself comfortable, point the rod down the angle of the line where it enters the water, make sure the fish is still there and just wind. Wind up fairly quickly keeping the rod down until you feel the full weight of the fish. Then and only then lift firmly up into the fish setting the hook. Once hooked play the fish accordingly.

Uptiding is extremely effective, especially in water shallower than 80ft. Perfect fishing style, the modern technically correct tackle available from Penn is a pleasure to fish with and will make your day so much more fun.