Slip Bobber Techniques

Slip bobbers are found in more anglers' tackle boxes because of the flexibility they offer. A typical float is attached to the line at a fixed point, so if you want your bait to go 20 feet deep, you have to attach the float to 20 feet of line. A slip bobber, with its movable slip-knot design, can be cast in shallow water and allowed to drift with the tide to the desired depth. Many fish, such as walleyes, bass and northern pike, can be caught using a slip bobber and the right bait.

  1. Walleyes

    • Use an 8- to 10-foot noodle rod equipped with a spinning reel and threaded with 6- and 10-pound test fishing line. Attach a weighted slip bobber to the fishing line. Connect a small leader line (around 2 to 3 feet) to the swivel, then attach a small "J" hook to the leader. Use live bait (such as leeches), cut bait or an artificial lure attached to the hook. If using leeches, hook them near their sucker so they stay alive. Cast from an anchored boat (or a pier) around structure. Allow the bait to go to about an 8- to 10-foot depth. When you see the bobber move, set the hook and reel in your catch.

    Salmon and Rainbow Trout

    • Load 10- to 16 pound test monofilament fishing line onto a spinning rod and reel. Attach the weighted slip bobber to the line. Connect a 3-foot leader line to the swivel below the slip bobber. Use an artificial lure or bait, such as salmon eggs or live sand shrimp. Hook the bait on the end of a small "J" hook. Cast your line and allow the bait to fall near the bottom. Keep the line taut until you see the bobber jerk violently, then set the hook. Allow the salmon or rainbow trout to run before reeling it in.

    Bass

    • Use a spinning rod and reel combo loaded with up 12-pound test fishing line and attach the weighted slip bobber to the end. Use live shad or shiners as bait or a spinnerbait or plastic worm. Set up a Carolina rig (two separate hooks set about 2 inches apart) onto the leader line connected to the slip bobber. Cast to allow the line to get as far from you as possible. Keep the line taut and set the hook when you feel a strike. Don't allow your catch to go under the boat or near any structure, as it may try to break the line.

    Northern Pike

    • Connect a weighted slip bobber to 10- to 16-pound test fishing line on spinning rod and reel. Use a steel leader line to prevent the pike's teeth from cutting the line. Attach a treble hook to the leader line, baited with small walleyes or shiners. Fish from an anchored boat and cast away from your anchor line. Watch the bobber and when it moves quickly, set the hook.