Lets talk about Bobbers/Floats

[NIMROD]

When I used bobbers , I thought best was one just heavy enough to float bait but pull under with slightest pressure . Sometimes they bite upwards so that the bobber actually rolls over .

[Boa3]

The problem with the bobber with the lead ring around the bottom is when you get an up bite the weight doesn't let the bobber ride up and over. I prefer a slip bobber with just enough weight to balance the jig and let it go under easily.

[funbun]

Yeah, I make these by hand for exactly the reasons you ask. PM if you're interested.

[Bigskyfisherman]

I use the slip bobber more than any other,but I'm venturing into different techniques.I don't really care for the bobbers with springs to hold the line,I worry about line abrasions,can anyone enlighten me on the thill bobbers and perhaps others that use the small elastic bands,and how best to set one up for fishing,thanks.

I have used all kinds of bobbers, from huge balsa floats with one ounce weights, so I can cast WAY out there in deep water to the Thill mini-shy-bite. My favorite for fishing four feet or less is the Thill, with 2#-4# line. Before you tie on your bait, slide the two bands up the line to the depth you want to fish. Then just slip the bands over each end of the float. After you tie on your bait, you can adjust the depth by sliding the float up or down the line. One benefit of this system is that you put no stress on the line, the way clips do.
My wife and I have fished the Thills many times, catching quite a few more fish than the people around us. Crappie aren't nearly as line-shy as trout, but in clearer water, I think the line size and the small, slender profile of the Thill make a difference.

[deathb4disco]

I have used all kinds of bobbers, from huge balsa floats with one ounce weights, so I can cast WAY out there in deep water to the Thill mini-shy-bite. My favorite for fishing four feet or less is the Thill, with 2#-4# line. Before you tie on your bait, slide the two bands up the line to the depth you want to fish. Then just slip the bands over each end of the float. After you tie on your bait, you can adjust the depth by sliding the float up or down the line. One benefit of this system is that you put no stress on the line, the way clips do.

My wife and I have fished the Thills many times, catching quite a few more fish than the people around us. Crappie aren't nearly as line-shy as trout, but in clearer water, I think the line size and the small, slender profile of the Thill make a difference.

The mini shy bite is perfect for shallow water. For deeper water, I like the regular shy bite. I fish it a lot with a 12' telescopic pole and catch lots of gills, crappie, trout and catfish.

[Squirminator]

The mini shy bite is perfect for shallow water. For deeper water, I like the regular shy bite. I fish it a lot with a 12' telescopic pole and catch lots of gills, crappie, trout and catfish.

Are you using a tenkara rod? I'd love to get my hands on one of those someday!

I'm not too into bobbers but I'm partial to the smaller eagle claw tear shaped bobbers and those stick ones that remind me of porcupine quills.

[deathb4disco]

Are you using a tenkara rod? I'd love to get my hands on one of those someday!

No, it's just a $20 Wally Marshall pole.

[Yaker]

Are you using a tenkara rod? I'd love to get my hands on one of those someday!

I'm not too into bobbers but I'm partial to the smaller eagle claw tear shaped bobbers and those stick ones that remind me of porcupine quills.

I use a Tenkara rod,lots of fun,just have to remember the tip is both tough and fragile at the same time.