Thill Splash Brite Bobbers

So, I’ve used these lighted bobbers for a few years. The first few I purchases I thought were great, automatically light up and lasted almost a full season. Now, the last couple I’ve bought I’ve had problems with. It seems the inner tube that you feed line through has abrasions / blockages of some sort. Last summer, I had one totally fray my fishing line. And just now, I purchased one for my father-in-law and helped him set up his rod….. litterally couldn’t even feed the line through it was getting snagged on something. Took a paper clip and pushed it through but now I’m afraid it will fray his line also. WTF?

Anybody else have problems with these or can recommend a good lighted bobber?

I switched to the VMC ones last year and really like them. So far no issues that you have mentioned.

tucrs wrote:

I switched to the VMC ones last year and really like them. So far no issues that you have mentioned.

I agree with John, the VMC Ones are great!

I have tried a few and the VMC is the best I have used.

I can’t stand the thill, i started using these and love them.

http://www.ebsbobbers.com/Store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=51

I had a similar problem feeding the line through these and the Wobble Bobber with the brass grommet. I found that if you loop your line back 10 or so inches and then pinch the bend, you can feed it through super easily. It now longer catches on the brass grommet.

I had the same problem with the line getting caught inside. Never had that issue a few years back. I will be checking out the VMCs.

I don’t understand why it seems like company after company, that has a good product, eventually starts making them cheaper and turns it into crap. I mean, in the long run, wouldn’t it be better to keep making the good product???

Looks like I will be switching to VMC, hope FF stocks them.

Fleet farm has them online and would assume they have them in store but will find out as I need to restock a few lighted bobbers.

Or I might have to check out the eb bobbers and support the local company. They look nice

lindyrig79 wrote:

I don’t understand why it seems like company after company, that has a good product, eventually starts making them cheaper and turns it into crap. I mean, in the long run, wouldn’t it be better to keep making the good product???

Sometimes it’s just the tool wearing out and the company is too cheap to repair it. Not saying this is the case, but being they’re injection molded, it could be the culprit. Small output manufacturing is usually more hands-on and time consuming, usually allowing a higher quality product. Once the product is successful, they will look into ways to streamline the process to cut costs. That is where the quality usually begins to suffer. Again, not saying this is the case, but it sure sounds like it!

FF does stock VMC. About $7.50 compared to Thill $6.50. I don’t have a problem paying a little more for a bobber that won’t fray my line. VMC run-time claims about 30 hours and replaceable batteries

The EB’s Bobbers also do look nice. Too bad it doesn’t look like any stores stock them necessarily close to me. Cost is $12.90. But if they had longer run-time or were superior in some other way I might consider making a “bobber run” and stocking up

Is there a weight difference between Thill and VMC. A quick look on reviews the main complaint of VMC was the weight pulling it under water if one was not careful of what bait and jig you put on it.

I use a 1/4 plain jig with my VMC and it works well. I usually slip float in the spring and summer with the family.

I’ll give them a try. I’ve had problems with thill also, not to bright either. I may try Gamakatsu fire tip Float. Spendy but are bright from reports I have read plus replaceable pin battery.

I hate with a passion the type that has the line going through the tube in the middle. For what ever reason it always seems like I get crap in the tube and you need a boat anchor to pull the line through. I’ve just never has consistent good luck with them. Other I fish with seem to love them.

The style I like much more are the gamakatsu fire tips that attach with a barrel swivel. For obvious reasons, I can not justify $18.00 for a float, so I modify other brands to function the same way.

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Capras had eb’s bobbers as of a couple weeks ago.

On the VMC what size does everyone use for bobber fishing walleyes? I usually use a small 1/16 jig head or hook.

Same here. I’ve been using 1/16 oz jig head for a few years now while slip bobbing.

I’m leaning towards the larger bobber.. can always add a split shot which I prefer anyway to keep the bait a little more stationary

FYI, if you are around a L and M Fleet they sell the VMCs for $4.99, all sizes were sme price.

Randy Wieland wrote:

The style I like much more are the gamakatsu fire tips that attach with a barrel swivel. For obvious reasons, I can not justify $18.00 for a float, so I modify other brands to function the same way.

I have the worst luck with this style bobber. Seems about every other cast the line tangles at the end of the bobber. Sucks because you can’t tell it’s tangled. Bobber still sits up in the water. 15 minutes later you realize you just wasted 15 minutes!

-J.