Slip Bobbering for 'Eyes

[Oarin]

Never thought about languages. I guess to be safe count to 7 in French.    To echo what Jay said, you want enough weight to barely keep the bobber floating. The less resistance the better. 

[RHYBAK]

I will admit that I was confused about the swivel because I use mono on my float/bobber line.

I find the floats that I use do no let braid run through them smoothly.
Therefor I stick to Mono on my set up.

[CaptainCrappie]

I use Thill bobbers that are weighted and have the pass through hole lined with an insert.  The line never gets stuck and slides through easily. The diameter of the bobber hole is uniformly consistent, no burrs or paint build up to worry about.   Occasionally, ]depending on the type of bobber stop used, (line vs rubber) the bead may pass over the stop, but that is easily fixed by using a bead with a smaller diameter through hole.  But then... if the bead itself is too small, it may pass through the rod eyelets and hinder casting.  Ya just gotta watch what's happening.

C.C.

[T-Bone]

But then... if the bead itself is too small, it may pass through the rod eyelets and hinder casting.  Ya just gotta watch what's happening.

Never have had that problem and I do use a bead. I think I watch what's happening, in general...but there's always some silly BS happening in the boat that gets me belly-laughing...

Related but different question. 'String' stops or rubber? I like rubber better, but are harder to put on.

OK...so I got enough weight for center line, 5 seconds in French, no jig unless you don't want wiggle/wrap-up problems (double negative on purpose), 10-hour clock dial sweeping hookset that takes another 7-seconds in German, and no small beads. I think I'm set.

[CaptainCrappie]

I generally use the string stops but don't cut the ends too short because you can pull em tight again if they get loose or get hung up on an eyelet and move.  The rubber stops hold better but they too can make casting a bit difficult depending on the size of the rod eyelets.  I've used slip bobbers crappie fishing for a zillion years and like to use lite or ultralite rods/reels and use those same rods/reels for those walleyes at Kipawa . Just more fun for me. The string stops seem to cause me less problems. Using slip bobbers... some days it may seem like it's rocket science but then some days life is more challenging.  I don't know if its biorythms or invisible gremlins playing tricks, but ever had a day when everything you do seems to backfire? The same set up works one day and not the next?

Ever look for that hidden camera when things go silly wrong? Remember Candid Camera?  I've got enough material stored in my brain to last several years for that show.... and sometimes it wasn't just me!  When your buddy gets all tangled up or gets all wind knotted up, looses his temper, or makes a cast that lands behind him... tell me that doesn't bring a smile to your face!

C.C.

[Oarin]

We much prefer the string stoppers. I leave the strings on too for the same reason the Captain mentioned.

[NortonJoe]

Just wondering, in your opinion, how is the slip bobber superior to just a good old fashioned jig?  I understand how it would be better fishing from shore but not from a boat.  When we jig we generally toss the jig out, reel it until we feel it come off the bottom and then get it to the right depth...

[CaptainCrappie]

Joe, using slip bobbers, unless that fish tangles you up on some type of structure,, you wont loose your rig getting hung up. Like in those pesky rocks.  Usually fishing a jig you contact the bottom first and keep it moving, trying not to find those cracks in the rocks.  I lost 4 jigs in a row once.  Those jigs probably found the same crack.  That bait on a slip bobber can hover mere inches off the bottom if you want.

C.C.

[BH]

In shallow water, < 4 ft. I have found that a spring style float works well and I use the slip bobber for deeper fishing.  Saw this on some show Jon Thelen hosted (Lindy Fish Ed).  This allows the use of leader if desired.  8 days till we goo 600 miles north like others from Ohio.

[NortonJoe]

@CaptainCrappie didn't think of that...that's why I love this forum!  I may need to try it this year.

[GregL]

Awesome information! I have wanted to try a slip bobber for a long time..gonna do this year for sure!

I like the idea of a quick hook set so you get stuck before it goes down the throat!

[Jay Thomas]

I like the idea of a quick hook set so you get stuck before it goes down the throat!

In my experience slip bobbering walleye on Lac Kipawa in late Jun, attempts at quick hook sets when the bobber is pulled under often results in no fish. This result is a consequence of the walleye taking the bobber under by only holding the tip of a leech or a crawler and as soon as the walleye feels any pressure, the walleye lets go of the bait. Therein lies the reason for playing the waiting game before a sweep hook set. CaptainCrappie's use of circle hooks is the best way to avoid hooking walleye in the gullet.

Jay

[GregL]

Thanks Jay! You probably just saved me a very frustrating trip.. Why can't I keep these eyes on! HAHAHA!

[GregL]

Ok,

I'm gonna stock up on these, for our September trip. Is this the typical type of bobber used when slip bobbering for walleye on Kipawa?



What size should I be picking up?

[CaptainCrappie]

Yes. That's a good standard shape.  I like to use the weighted version which has a light weight attached to the lower line through stem.  The weighted version has a better tendency to stay vertical when there is wind and waves are present.

C.C.