The two most popular styles of bobbers are fixed bobbers and slip bobbers. The fixed bobber clips to the line, while the line runs freely through a slip bobber. Both come in a wide range of shapes, styles, sizes and colors. They are easy and effective rigs to use for catching fish.
Fixed Bobbers
Fixed bobbers have spring-tension, recessed hooks, top and bottom. The ubiquitous round, red-and-white bobber is a fixed bobber. Push out the recessed hooks and run your line through both. Lay the line smoothly around the bobber so there is no bow or loop. When the hooks retract, the bobber securely holds your line. Bass Fishing and Catching says fixed bobbers are most often used for panfish, and they are excellent for suspending shiners for largemouth bass. Use the smallest size you can that still allows the bobber to ride high on the water. Fixed bobbers work best in shallow water.
Slip Bobbers
Fish the slip bobber at any depth. FishInfo advises using the lightest tackle and smallest bobber you can so that your live bait looks as natural as possible. Your line passes through a tube inside the bobber. To set your fishing depth on a slip bobber, attach a bobber stop to your line or tie a stop knot at the point you want your line to stop passing through the bobber. This rig is easier than a fixed bobber setup to cast long distances. Slip bobbers come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Thin bobbers have less water resistance than round bobbers, so they drop into the water more easily on a strike.
Bubble Floats
Bubble floats are hollow. You put water into the hollow area, and Bass Fishing and Catching says the added weight makes the floats easier to cast. These floats lie on their side in the water. When a fish takes the bait, the float tips up rather than dipping into the water.
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