Using Slip Bobbers

Have you ever tried to use a slip bobber while fishing in current? Not that easy is it? For years I had read the merits of slip bobber fishing for cats in moving water, but being a simple boy from Iowa, I generally stuck with my trusty slip sinker. I always had intentions of trying it, because Doug Stange always made it sound so FUN. I have been using slip bobbers with great success in slow or non-moving water for years, the challenge here is using them in moving water.

My first couple of experiences were awful. I kept snagging my bait on the bottom, or else my bait would drift aimlessly off where I didn't want it to go. Either way, it proved completely maddening and worse, unproductive for me. Now I'm the type of guy who doesn't just write off a technique because it didn't work for me the first couple of times...I generally assume that there is something I don;t understand. So I went back to the books, and then began to experiment in earnest. Here is what I came up with.

First of all, I think most folks generally fish shallower water than me with slip rigs. I was trying to fish in 8-14 feet of water. The point here is, shallower water is easier to manage with a slip bobber rig, but I've learned how to fish the deep stuff.

Next, don't be afraid to use alot of weight. By alot, I'm talking 1 to 3 oz of lead. Remember that this will require a large float as well. My favorite rigging is generally to use a foam float in the 1.5" diameter range with a 1.5 oz rubber-core sinker strapped on about 18" above the bait. You want the float to be a little more than half submerged with the rig at rest. As I've likely mentioned in other articles, I have never had any real success using circle hooks under floats. So I'll use some form of standard hook, probably a limerick or Eagle Claw baitholder; depending on the bait, etc.

The bobber stop is also important. I only use the kind that are tied of thread and come on a tiny straw. You want to make sure to tighten it down somewhere close to where you expect to need it. I typically only use monofilament for float fishing, and generally around 14 lb test Trilene Big Game. This will stand up to repeated moves of the bobber stop, which you'll need during your adjustment phase.

The biggest key to success is patience. It will take multiple tries to get your depth set right, expect to take 10 or 15 casts to get it right. The magic here is that in my experience, if your bait is reasonable and you're in a good location, the fish will generally tell you when the depth is right. Here is my typical sequence for float fishing.

1. Anchor directly downstream of the target area.
2. Set your depth at least two feet shallower than the minimum water depth you expect to encounter.
3. Bait up and cast upstream, above your target. Remember that the float will immediately start its downstream travel, so you'll have to place the bait far enough upstream that by the time the bobber stop hits the top of the bobber, you're in the target area.
4. Keeping your rod tip high, allow the bobber to float back toward you, taking up slack to keep line off the water. It is important to take up slack at the proper rate, too slow and your line will lay on the water and begin to pull your bait. Too fast and you will be pulling your bait.
5. Keep an intense watch on the bobber at all times. You can determine alot by watching it. Often there are currents towards the bottom which will be indicated by a tilting of the top of the bobber. I cannot stress enough how critical it is to watch closely.
6. If the bobber hangs on the bottom, the top of the bobber will tilt toward you and then start to go under water. In this case, set your bobber six inches shallower.
7. If the bobber returns without a strike, and without catching bottom, set it six inches deeper and repeat the process.
8. Keep in mind that you may have initially misjudged the current in the target area, and your bait landing zone may have to be adjusted for the bait to drift through the target area. I have even had to reposition the boat to enable drifting through the area I was targeting. Do not be afraid to reposition the boat.

There you have my basic technique for setting up and fishing with slip bobbers for cats. Pay special attention to item #5 above. I'll sometimes fish this technique in a new spot just to get a better understanding of the currents and structure in the area. Remember to be patient during the initial probing phase, it will generally pay off once the depth gets right.