BOBBERS!!!
By Montana Grant

Posted: April 11, 2021

 

Every kid, that ever fished, has used a Bobber. These floaters come in all sizes and configurations. In the right hands, Bobbers are an effective way to catch fish.

Fly fishermen often show distain for bait, spin, and bobber fishermen. Ironically, their vast arsenal of floating Strike Indicators, are the same thing. Their purpose is to place their flies at the proper depth and easily see the fish strike.

Knowing the correct depth is key. When you watch the TV series Wicked Tuna, depth is critical. These guys do not use bobbers, instead, they use inflated balloons. At night, they crack a mini light stick, and slide it into the balloon. When they see the bite, it’s hammer time. If they know that the fish are swimming through at the bottom or a certain depth, they spread out their floats for the best presentation.

In a lake or pond, you may need to place your fly or bait just over top the weeds or submerged structure. Damsel flies may be moving along those edges. Minnows use the grass and structure for protection. In a current, you can support the lure, fly, or bait just where you need it. Proper placement is critical.

In a pinch, fishermen have used anything that floats. Depending upon the bait size, the bobber could be an empty water bottle or simply a piece of branch. Foam, Styrofoam, matting, and flotsam can do the trick. I once used dry Buffalo crap on a dare.

Micro Bobbers are small stick bobbers. You thread the line into them and use a peg to secure it. The tall stick or micro sized bobbers show the lightest bites. Basic plastic bobbers with a spring hooked attachment are quick and easy. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and styles. They also are made of dense Styrofoam and have a lead wrap around the base to hold them vertical and make for easier casting.

Slip Bobbers allow the angler to cast a long way, then allow the bait to sink until the bobber stop blocks any movement. Set it at 20 feet and that’s where your bait or fly will sink.

Clear bobber floats can also make a spin rod a fly rod. Flies are too light to cast with a spin rod, so adding a clear inline float will allow the rig to be heavier and cast easier. Using the bobber, you can add a dry fly and chuck it further. Now stretch the distance between the bobber and fly and wait.

Bobbers are an often-ignored technique that can really change your fishing luck!

Montana Grant

For more Montana Grant, find him Bobbering at www.montanagrantfishing.com.

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