I was taught the "C" cast pick up as a method to elevate the line so only the leader is on the water when the backcast begins, but it still picks line up or elevates it off of the water. I don't see how you can pick "only" the leader off of the water unless you begin the cast with only the leader on the water.

http://www.garyborger.com/2010/02/03/the-c-pickup/