Wade Bourne: A slip bobber rig is a simple yet extremely effective rig for panfishing, and it's a rig all panfish anglers should learn to use. This is true both for those who fish with long poles and who cast with light spinning tackle.



Here's the advantage of the slip bobber rig. As its name implies, the bobber is free to slide up and down the line between a pre-set bobber stop and the lead split shot clamped onto the line just above the hook. Thus, for casting or dropping a bait into a tight cover spot, the weight of the bobber is near the end of the line, which makes for much more accurate casting and bait placement.

Then, when the slip bobber rig hits the water, the weight of the split shot, hook and bait pulls line through the bobber until the bobber hits the bobber stop (a piece of thread tied around the line). Fishing depth (how deep the bait is suspended) is adjusted by sliding the bobber stop up and down the line.

Components to tie a slip bobber rig are available at most tackle stores. First, the bobber stop is attached to the line at any desired fishing depth up from the end of the line. Next, a small plastic or glass bead is run onto the line, followed by the slip float itself. (Use a long, slender float, which is more sensitive to light bites than a round, fat float.) After the bobber is threaded onto the line, tie the hook onto the end. And last, clamp lead split shot onto the line a few inches up from the hook. Enough weight should be used so the bobber will be floating upright and balanced so it can be pulled under easily by a nibbling fish.

A slip bobber rig is super-effective on bream, crappie, walleye, catfish or other species where a float rig is needed. It is a "weapon" that should be in every panfish angler's arsenal.

 

For More Tips, Sign Up for the Free MOTV Minute Newsletter!