Using a bobber accomplishes two important tasks in fishing: presenting the bait properly to the fish and signaling a catch. Some anglers might argue that a using bobber also helps alleviate some of the boredom of fishing, especially for young children, since it provides something to focus on while waiting for a strike by a dinner-plate sized bluegill. Placing the bobber in the correct location on the line is critical to more fun and fishing success.
Step 1
Estimate or measure the depth of the portion of the lake or river where you're fishing. If you have a fish locator, you can determine the depth of the water using the locator sonar. You can also sometimes "eyeball" the depth of water in shallower spots when the water is relatively clear. Another way to measure water depth is to tie a large sinker to your line and cast it into the spot where you intend to fish. When the lie stops leaving your reel, mark the line at the reel with a small bit of plastic tape. Crank in your line. Measure the length of the line, from the sinker to the plastic tape. Deduct the length of the rod itself and the distance from the surface of the water to the tip of your rod when it's in fishing position. The number of feet or inches left over is the relative depth of the water.
Step 2
Determine the proper depth for effective bait presentation. If you are fishing for a bottom-feeding species, like catfish or carp, you'll want to suspend the hook and the bait just a few inches above the bottom of the lake or channel. If you are fishing for species that feed well above the bottom---like crappies, bluegills or bass---suspend the bait between 8 and 18 inches above the bottom.
Step 3
Calculate the best bobber location for effective suspension. If you want to suspend the hook and bait just 8 inches from the bottom---and the water is 49 inches deep---set your bobber at the difference between the two measurements. In this example, you should set her bobber on the line 41 inches up the line from the hook and bait. When you cast your line, the hook, bait and any sinker will drop straight down until the bobber---which floats on the water's surface---stops the rig from dropping more deeply.
Step 4
Adjust your weight or line if necessary. If the bobber does not "stand up" on the surface nicely, and instead seems to be partially submerged, it could be you have too much weight on the hook for the size or design of the bobber. The weight is pulling the bobber under the surface. Change to a lighter bait or sinker, or choose a larger bobber that can support more weight without going under. If a bobber lies over on its side then the hook is laying on the bottom of the channel and there is too much slack line between the hook and the bobber. Shorten this distance by moving the bobber closer to the hook and bait.
Step 5
Experiment liberally. If, after a few minutes, you have no bites or nibbles, reel in your line and adjust the location of the bobber by 3 to 6 inches in either direction. Recast and then judge whether this new depth of presentation is more effective. Continue to make adjustments like this until you find a bobber location that attracts activity. You will know you're in "the sweet spot" if your bobber starts quivering or bobbing within just minutes of casting.
References
- "Fishing Essentials for Dummies"; Peter Kaminsky; 2002
- "What Fish Don't Want You to Know: An Insider's Guide to Freshwater Fishing; Frank P. Baron; 2003
- "The Bass Angler's Almanac: More Than 650 Tips and Tactics"; John Weiss; 2002
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