In fishing, you’ll often see an elongated-shaped that floated when a fisher throws its bait into the water. They call it as bobbers. You might be wondering if it’s an essential tool in fishing, so here’s the answer if you should use a bobber for your next fishing trip.
A bobber has various purposes, and one if it is to give you a signal when a fish bites your bait. From that purpose alone, you can tell that a bobber is essential in fishing. Aside from that, it keeps the bait at the bottom level wherein fish usually swims to take on its prey.
Some anglers don’t use bobbers, but it would help you a lot if you’re a beginner. Buying it won’t hurt your wallet, so why not get one and add it to your fishing arsenal. Bobbers come in various shapes, sizes, and varieties. To get to know more about them, make sure to read through this article.
What is a Bobber for Fishing?
As mentioned, Bobbers have various purposes. First of all, they can keep your bait at the bottom. It makes sure that it is at the level where the fish usually hunts its prey. Additionally, bobbers serve as indicators wherein they tell you when a fish bites your bait by bouncing up and down. It is the primary reason why its name is “bobber.” They come in various shapes like round, rectangular, popping, and pencil-shaped. To attach bobbers to the fishing line, you can tie it directly or allow the fishing line to slip entirely through the material.
The Basics of a Bobber
In choosing your bobber, pick something appropriate to the size and weight of your bait. As you use it, wait for the bobber to first go under before you set your hook. It is better to use a bait that sinks and adjust it below the bobber so that it’s closer to the bottom, not on it.
Why Use Fishing Bobber?
The following are the things that you know about bobbers:
- Bobbers make sure that the bait is at the level where the fish usually hunts its prey.
- Bobbers serve as indicators wherein they tell you when a fish bites your bait by bouncing up and down.
- Bobbers come in various shapes like round, rectangular, popping, and pencil-shaped. You can choose, depending on your personal preference.
Aside from the things mentioned, a bobber can also hold your hook and bait tightly. A bobber is useful in maintaining the fishing line at a certain distance below the surface of the water. These are the reasons why you need to use a bobber in fishing, especially if you want to be more productive.
Where Do Should You Attach a Bobber?
Its distance to your fishing line depends on the type of fish and the body of water. However, you don’t want it to be too long that the hook slackly rests on the bottom. It’s because when the fish bites, you won’t be able to see it immediately.
How to Pick the Right Fishing Bobber?
As mentioned, Bobbers come in different styles, colors, and sizes. The options can be quite overwhelming, so here’s how to help you understand how to pick the right fishing bobber. To avoid wasting your hard-earned money, here are some wise tips to understand everything that you need to know about fishing bobbers.
- Diameter. It is the most common consideration when choosing the right bobber. Generally, larger width means more stability that the bobbar can have while under the water. A wider bobber is also perfect for a rough current. However, it may prove to be more resistant to the fish.
- Buoyancy and Capacity. These are also crucial in choosing the right bobber for your angling needs. You have to carefully select the most effective shot so that you can accurately set the bobber up in the water. The buoyancy of the bobbers varies depending on the type of bait that you’re going to use. More giant bobbers often have more resistance but have lower sensitivity of the line.
What are the Different Types of Bobbers?
- Fixed Floats. These types of bobbers have a defined leader length from the bobber and bait on the line. However, be aware that you may also experience poor casting ability while it. Your accuracy and distance while casting can get affected when using this type of bobber.
- Slip Bobbers. The best thing about using this type of bobber is that it slides up and down the fishing line, unlike fixed floats, id doesn’t remain in one place. Slip Bobbers will also allow you to set the bobber at any distance from the bait, which may increase the range that you can get as you cast away. However, its greatest downfall is that you won’t be able to maintain a consistent leader distance between the line and the bobber.
- Round Bobber. You’ll love this type because it’s so easy and easy to use. The design is uncomplicated, which makes Round bobbers better when used in catching smaller fish in shallow bodies of water. Plus, they are perfect for novice or beginning anglers who are still gaining experience in fishing. However, take note that you can’t use it effectively in some kinds of fishing conditions. Plus, it may not be able to provide limited resistance compared to using other types of bobbers.
- Waggler Float. It is one of the most common types of bobbers because of its versatility, high sensitivity, and ease of casting without becoming tangled. Meaning, you can use Waggler Float in all kinds of conditions like deep, shallow water, fast or slow bodies of water. It features a shape that will allow you to achieve a further distance out while casting. It’s because Waggler Floats can shoot through the air like a dart. Additionally, this type also fastens to the angler’s mainline that you can lock it into one fixed position.
- Stick Float. You have to attach this type to the top and bottom with rubber bands. Its position on the line will allow you to allocate the float position. Stick Floats sit on top of the water while providing adequate buoyancy and a more stabilized weight. Additionally, they are perfect to use in rough or choppy water conditions with a stronger drift. However, be aware that they can only offer less wind and water resistance that only allows drifting much slower and cast much further. Overall, this type is your best option if you want to do some river fishing.
- Pole Float. It is a tiny type of bobber that comes in different sizes. The best thing about Pole floats is that they don’t need a lot of weight for stability. Plus, its variety in sizes and shapes are ideal for many different fishing locations. This type of bobber is the perfect option if you want to go fishing in rivers, shallow lakes, or deep canals. Moreover, Pole Floats has characteristics that make it suitable to use in windy conditions because of its durability.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can You Use a Bobber to Catch Bass?
Using a bobber to catch bass can be useful, primarily when you use it shiners or other baitfish for catching bass in shallow waters with 5 to 6 feet deep. Bass can be tough to find, so make sure to use sharp hooks every time.
Can You Fish for Trout with a Bobber?
Most certainly, yes. It is possible to fish for trout with a bobber. It’s better if you can get a basic white and red bobber, so it’s clearer to look at it. Then, match it up with a hook that’s at least size 4. You can go broader with size 12. Finally, you can use insects, Rebel Wee-Crawfish, minnows, and fish eggs for your bait.
Where Do You Put the Bobber on a Fishing Line?
It depends on the length of your fishing line, and the positioning of your hook. Therefore, always set the bobber on the fishing line at the right spot. For example, you can set the bobber 5 feet from the end of the line if you want the bait to hang at 5 feet. It is a general rule that varies depending on the depth of the water.
Final Words
A Bobber is a useful accessory in fishing. First of all, it can keep your bait at the bottom while making sure that it is at the level where the fish usually hunts its prey. Bobbers also serve as indicators that bounce up and down when a fish bites your bait. It is the reason for its name. They come in various shapes like round, rectangular, popping, and pencil-shaped.
From these purposes, it is evident that a bobber is essential in fishing. It is not a requirement, but it would help you a lot to be more accurate in pulling up your rod once a fish bites your bait. When it comes to choosing the right type of bobber, it all boils down to the kind of fishing that you’re going to do.