By Bob and Ginny Riege

Growing up in Minnesota everyone knew what a bobber was and on the end of a cane pole the bobber was the first depth finder a boy could purchase over the counter. The bobber has evolved into one of the best methods for taking structured walleyes, especially over pieces of structure, such as rock piles and gravel points.

Of course today the bobber has a new term affixed to it’s original name. Today, the bobber is referred to as a slip bobber. European styling has replaced the traditional round style bobber. The Blue Fox Firefly Floats add yet another technique and that is, illumination, (an increased advantage to the angler who likes to fish at night or during low light conditions). The slip bobber has made a dramatic transformation from “short and fat to long and thin”. Therefore, the slip bobber is very effective when there is a slight chop on the water. It will allow you to drift the entire structure from one location; but the wave action also provides some vertical movement to your bait.

The slip bobber is part of your live bait delivery system and you will need to make adjustments if you want your bait to be presented to the fish in a “natural manner.” To use your slip bobber properly you will first have to determine depth. You might use your sonar to determine depth, or attach a weight to your line and lower it into the water until your line shows slack, but I prefer to use the old method (revised). I first put on a “rubber snubber”, like the ones in the Northland Roach Rigs. I attach this rubber snubber ahead of my slip bobber on the line, then I attach an additional rubber snubber to the line after the slip bobber. Then as my weight and hook combination, I attach a Northland jig-a-bit or a bob-a-bit. If the slip bobber lays on it’s side then I readjust the (float) bobber so that it rides off the particular structure from 1 ft. to 6 inches. If I am using slip bobbers for walleyes I like to attach a 1/16 or 1/32 ounce jig to the business end of the line instead of a plain hook. I like the color that a jig head adds plus I need to add very little extra weight to pull the line down to the preset depth when using a jig head. If you use this slip bobber method, it will enable you to jig your bait vertically without positioning yourself over the top of the structure. With little or no wind you’ll have action on the bobber. This can easily be achieved by sweeping the rod about a foot at a time. It might seem simple, and it is, but the results will astound you.

When the walleye inhales your bait and your bobber slides slowly underwater, remember to following tips: Take all the slack out of your line without putting pressure on the fish. When you’re ready to feel the fish reel as quickly as possible putting pressure on the fish. At the same time “set the hook”, lift the rod tip towards the sky and this will penetrate the bony roof of the walleyes mouth.

Slip bobbers may be one of the most simple yet efficient and effective ways to present bait that there is. They can be fished at any depth, with a variety of bait, and on most equipment.

With a cane pole or a modern graphite rod, I for one am glad to see techniques to make fishing simple and enjoyable again. The slip (bobber) is one of these techniques that will improve your success, give it a try.