Slip Bobbers and Bobber Stops

[AnimalCrakr]

Greetings, What is your preferred slip bobber for crappie? What is the best bobber stop? I have trouble with the knot hanging up in my spinning reel or rod guides. Any Suggestions? Is there a good way to add a slip bobber and bobber stop without having to retie? Thanks for any help!

[Bushrod]

.....the best ones I've found are the little red plastic strips that have 5 holes in them...thread your line in and out of the holes as per the illustration on the package...sometimes the line will hang on them if using an open-faced reel, but mostly they work just fine...if all else fails, simply tie a rubber band around the line, pulling tightly, then clipping off the excess...goodluck...

Bushrod :D

[TAE73]

Good question Animal, I use the plastic ones also. I am curious to see if any one uses the nylon thread ones. These are the ones that come on a plastic tube, you then thread it on the line, then slip the tube off of it and then pull it down tight. I like the plastic ones but like Bushrod stated they hang on the line in the spool at times. Which can sometimes cause you to loose the minnow if you are trying to wing it a long way.

[Billy]

I use the threaded ones. I like them but every now and then they will hang on the bail roller. Most of the time this happens its because I havent trimmed enough of the excess thread. They slide up and down the line easier if its wet and if the line isnt frayed. They will slip off the little tube easier if its wet too. I am also wondering if anyone knows of a bobber that can be used without re-tying. I use bobber without the weight attached and this helps let me know when a fish has hit without pulling....bobber just lays over on its side.

[ShortStorie]

I like the small Thill slip bobbers... and I use the pre-tied stops that come on the little plastic tubes... work fine most of the time... will sometimes hang up if you don't cut the tag ends close to your line.

[skiptomylu]

I have the knot type, also the plastic strips and the little rubber ones that come on tiny metal loops with a bead. I am thinking so far I like the last one the best. They come in several sizes according to what size line you use.

The smallest ones are a natural color like rubber bands and there is a red one that is for a little larger line, like 8-12# test.

[crappie_fisherman]

Olin Tangy (little red hard nylon). They come on a thin wire loop with a red bead and small lead split shot. You slip the stop to the end of the wire loop, thread your line thru the tiny loop left, moisten the line with some water or spit, hold the red bead in one hand, the split shot in the other, and TUG hard. The tugging action pushes up against the stop and forces it onto your line. I also use the red neoprene type ones but they wear out quicker than the olin tangies. These slide easily to reset your depths and if they loosen slightly, you can crimp them slightly with your teeth.

THey cost ~$1 each though but last a long time and don't hang up on your bail. Depending on your bobber and the hole size, you may need a nylon bead on your setup.

[JimmyS]

Hello angling friends, I use the bobber stops that are tied on the tube also. But I have learned a trick that has helped me. Before cutting off the excess string I will tie a knot up about quarter inch from the knot, This not only keeps the string from unravling, But it gives my finger nails something to hold onto when retighting the knot. It has worked for me and thought I would share it with you guys. Good fishing to all ! Jimmy S.

[LBM]

I have used all three kinds of bobber stops and have experienced all the annoyances described. My preference is the string knot on the glass tube then clip the excess line.
To me the biggest annoyance is to break the line with hang ups and have re-rigg with a new bobber. A new tip, to me anyhow, while using slip bobbers was to put the knot, bead, bobber, bead and a small swivel on a heavier line. To the swivel attach a smaller line, spit shot and the hook.
When you get hung up the smaller line should break below the swivel leaving only a piece of line and hook to reattach.
I was using braid down to the swivel but didn't like the way the line worked through the slip bobber so went to mono. I did lose a bobber one time using 8 # line and 6# line when the 8# broke instead of the 6#. Assumed a nick in the 8#. I went to 8# then 4# and it has worked fine.
Since I don't have any new and unique ideas of my own I like to pass on any that I receive and think are pretty neat. Also I'll thank the wacky fellow from another board that I got this from "thanks Walleyecrazy". Since he is crazy I'm assuming someone else passed this on to him :D
This exchanging and sharing of ideas on message boards is what makes this such a unique place to lurk around and mine for nuggets info.

[crappster]

Hello angling friends, I use the bobber stops that are tied on the tube also. But I have learned a trick that has helped me. Before cutting off the excess string I will tie a knot up about quarter inch from the knot, This not only keeps the string from unravling, But it gives my finger nails something to hold onto when retighting the knot. It has worked for me and thought I would share it with you guys. Good fishing to all ! Jimmy S.

Good idea Jimmy. Here is another one. When you first tighten down that thread, do so in water. Get it soaked and tighten it down. This will keep the knot tight much longer as opposed to tightening it dry then it gets wet. This is before you clip the strings off.