Fishing With Bobbers

The simple device that goes by the name bobber, cork, or float, serves many important functions. Not only does it signal a bite, it also suspends bait where the fish are, and adds extra weight for casting baits.

Bobber Selection

Believe it or not, selecting a bobber is more than just grabbing a float and tying it on your line. Things to consider include, bait size, how deep the fish are, and how well the bobber can be seen by both you and the fish.

A smaller one inch diameter plastic bobber will easily keep a small minnow floating. A bobber that size will be easily pulled under and away by a large sucker being used as bait. Experienced bobber fishermen will carry an assortment of sizes and use the smallest bobber that will still hold the bait up.

Types Of Bobbers

There are two types of bobbers that fishermen use: Fixed and Sliding. When fish are no deeper than the length of a fishing rod, the fixed style bobber works very well. Deeper water causes casting difficulty however. This is because of the longer length of line required between the bait and the bobber. This is when a slip-bobber or sliding float comes in handy. Because of the ability to slide on the line, the bobber or float can be reeled almost to the tip of the fishing rod. After the cast, the bobber will float on the surface, while the line slips to a predetermined depth. This is accomplished by a stop knot in the line.

Bobber Visibility

Being able to see your bobber is obviously important. Use a highly visible bobber when fishing choppy or deep, murky water. For instance, a fluorescent cylinder shaped float will stand taller and be much more visible than a round, white clip-on bobber on a rippled surface. When fishing at night, a lighted bobber may be used. Of course, in clear and shallow water, fish can also easily see your bobber. A way to combat this is to use transparent plastic bubble bobbers.

Some Final Tips

Using a bobber is more than just clipping it on your line. The bobber should be carefully balanced. Do this by adding just enough split shots to keep the bobber floating just high enough to be seen. Fish may drop bait attached to a bobber that is not properly balanced, because it will be harder to pull under.

When fishing deep water, keep your slip-bobber close to the boat. By anchoring near your chosen fishing spot, you can lower your line right over the side. This will help to set the hook by using a direct pull. A slip-bobber should not be cast too far from the boat. The angle created by the bait sinking into the deep water makes setting the hook nearly impossible, because of the inability to use a straight-line pull.

Bobbers come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. If you enjoy bait fishing, then having an assortment of bobbers in different sizes and styles is highly recommended. Using bobbers can help to increase your fishing catch and your outdoor enjoyment.