Slip Bobber Rigs

A buddy and I are taking our son’s to Mille Lacs tomorrow and hope to put them on some fish. How do most of you tie up your slip bobber rigs? Most importantly, what is typically on the business end?

Thanks.

I like to use a 7′-7’6″ ML or M rod spooled with 15-20lb braid. From rod tip down to bait this is what I usually do:

1) Slip tie, cut down to 3/4″ ends and sealed with a quick lighter burn to prevent fraying
2) Bead
3) Bobber
4) 1/4 oz egg slider (less or more depending on bobber size)
5) Bead, protects knot
6) swivel
7) 3-4′ of 8lb flouro
8) smallish crimp sinker
9) Red #2 or #4 hook

It is kinda elaborate but it allows a good, low stretch hook set, and braid generally floats. The main reason for this is if you break off for some reason you don’t lose all your tackle, just your hook and maybe a crimp sinker.

I’ve found this to be the best set up.

*A medium action rod with decent sized eyelets.
I use a 7′ 6″ Mr. Walleye Series Bobber Rod.
*8lb mono or braid
*bobber stop
*Large Pro Series Thill Bobber (very important)
*3/16″ slip sinker
*swivel
*18″-24″ 6lb-10lb fluoro leader
*plain #6 Gammi or 1/32oz Lindy Jig
*lively leech

Just like that! Have fun!

Thanks guys. Now just hope to find the boys some fish!

Instead of the plain red hook, I typically use a 1/16 oz chartruse or briight orange jig with a medium size leech.

-J.

Jon Jordan wrote:

Instead of the plain red hook, I typically use a 1/16 oz chartruse or briight orange jig with a medium size leech.

Yes how could I forget? You need a leech too! It would be a long day fishing with no bait…however then you might actually believe the DNR that there are no fish in the lake

Got the leeches covered! How far above the hook typically is the split shot? Does it matter with leeches like it does minnows as far as affecting their ability to move?

8″-12″ is what I do, doesn’t matter as much IMO but fresh leeches can swim pretty decent.

shorter distance on the split shot for me, I kinda like to anchor my bait closer to where I think the fish are…

Mark

Gerty wrote:

Got the leeches covered! How far above the hook typically is the split shot? Does it matter with leeches like it does minnows as far as affecting their ability to move?

In my opinion never use a split shot! If you have an 18″-24″ leader you won’t need one and then you don’t have to worry about damaging your line or getting another object tangled as you cast. A bobber/slip weight and jig is enough. If you want to increase tangles then add a split shot. Otherwise I can’t possibly see what the benefit would be to add a second weight.

Great point Joe!!! …and solidly anchored t oo!!!

Mark

I echo what Joe does, only I have a 7′ Mr. Walleye Series

Thanks guys!

You can use split shots, some of the euro guys who freak out on slippin use them plenty. If you’re breaking line at the shot you’re doing something wrong, pinching too hard, drag, etc.

Tangle free is all about the rig approach on the water. Keep line in hand when falling and lay er nice and flat, rarely will you get a tangle. My 2 cents

One last question. The 1/32 oz jig would typically not have a very big hook. Are you using standard jigs with the smaller hooks or finder some with larger hooks?

1/32oz standard jig in my opinion has the perfect sized hook

If it’s real windy you can bump up to a 1/16oz but the finicky walleye on calmer days love the 1/32oz.

nhamm wrote:

You can use split shots, some of the euro guys who freak out on slippin use them plenty. If you’re breaking line at the shot you’re doing something wrong, pinching too hard, drag, etc.

Tangle free is all about the rig approach on the water. Keep line in hand when falling and lay er nice and flat, rarely will you get a tangle. My 2 cents

I agree on both of these comments but add inexperience and darkness and you’ll have more messes if you add split shots.

I typically use a setup like Joe described. 1/32 oz jig most of the time but I do move to a plain hook sometimes.

By the way, we fished a mud flat today near 2 boats that were anchored and bobber fishing. We were using spinners and outfishing them about 5 to 1.