How to Fish With Clear Torpedo Bubbles

Trout, panfish and other species of fish are insect eaters, and the best way to fish for these insectivorous fish is to present them with a lure that looks like the flies and bugs they are used to slurping off the surface. You can do this by using fly fishing equipment since it allows you to cast the nearly weightless lures. Fly fishing, however, requires special skills and ample room to make "back casts." It's possible to use a torpedo bubble --- sometimes called a casting bubble --- to present a fly to a fish using spinning or bait-casting equipment. There are two types. One type is designed to slide on the line as a slip-bobber would do; the other has fixed wire loops on each end to attach a line and leader. The latter, tie-on type is easier to use and works well.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing rod and reel
  • Torpedo bubble
  • Fluorocarbon leader
  • Fly
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Instructions

  1. Rigging

    • 1

      Tie a 36-inch section of fluorocarbon leader material to one end of the torpedo bubble using a Palomar knot. The strength of leader is determined by the size of fish you expect to catch. For example, when fishing for panfish, use a 2- or 4-pound leader. For larger fish, switch to a stronger line.

    • 2

      Tie the fishing line from your reel to the opposite end of the torpedo bubble using a Palomar knot.

    • 3

      Tie a fly or other lure to the opposite end of the fluorocarbon leader.

    • 4

      Remove the plug on the torpedo bubble, dunk it into the water and allow it to fill halfway with water then replace the plug. The water inside adds additional casting weight and makes the bubble float lower in the water.

    Fishing the Bubble

    • 5

      Cast the bubble well upstream from where you suspect a fish is holding and make the cast so the current floats the fly directly toward the fish. It may take several casts to determine the perfect spot.

    • 6

      Use your fingers to stop additional line from unspooling from the reel just before the torpedo bubble hits the water. When you stop the line and bubble, the fly will continue forward and into the water beyond the bubble. This will lessen the chance of the bubble spooking a wary fish and will make setting the hook easier once the fish strikes.

    • 7

      Watch the fly as it floats along the surface and firmly lift your fishing rod to make the hook stick securely in the fish's mouth when you see the fish take the fly.