slip bobber question

[Fishaholic]

Okay so when I am setting up to use a slip bobber do I need a swivel and a leader or do I tie the hook to the mainline?
Thanks
dj

[huntnphool]

You will be better off using a swivel so the line doesn't twist up.

[Fishaholic]

Also how far do you put the weight from the hook? I am trout fishing and I need to have a 10 or more foot leader.

[Smossy]

You will be better off using a swivel so the line doesn't twist up.

When I do it ill run a swivel usually, with about 2 foot leader to an eggloup tied hook. small bead above the swivel then a half oz weight on top of that, give or take depending on how fast the waters moving. Then from there your bobber can sit on the weight untill you hit the water, weight brings to the depth you want, and your hook drifts with your bait/jig.

[Smossy]

Also how far do you put the weight from the bobber? I am trout fishing and I need to have a 10 or more foot leader.

If your using a swivel the weight should go right above that.

This is a salmon/big fish style setup.


If your targeting smaller fish, just downsize everything.

[Fishaholic]

Okay cool thanks.

[johng]

All good ideas!  My pops in Spokane showed me the art of the slip bobber.

You could also try an inline sinker (1/16th, 1/8th, 1/4 oz depending upon conditions/what you are targeting).  You tie one end to your mainline, the other to your leader.  Leader length... hmmm... you could try 12"-16"

Good luck and post pics!

-jg

[Button Nubbs]

i prefer to work with the least weight that i can control and fish well. less weight = better action. If i am suspending an offering i like to try to have the weight right below my float and adjust my leader to the right depth, having a weight halfway between your float and jig(or whatever) imparts action. it will catch fish but i believe you can also pick up those finickey fish that will be wary if even the slightest thing is off by doing this. sometimes, in scenarios like covering alot of water or fishign out of a boat that is not possible though.

[Bullkllr]

Good replies so far.
There are a lot of different and effective ways of rigging floats. Smossy's is good for most situations.

A very practical reason for using a swivel/etc. below your float is so if you hang up your hook or weight and break off you can get your float back. Good floats aren't cheap. Be sure to use leader several pounds lighter than mainline, and some kind of break away weight (or weight on the leader).

In most river situations for trout and steelhead you don't often need a slip float and can go with a fixed. I usually rig up with a slip float, then fish it like a fixed; until I run into a situation where a deeper presentation is needed, then go slip on the float.

Also how far do you put the weight from the hook? I am trout fishing and I need to have a 10 or more foot leader.

I'm guessing that means a lake. I'd fish as light a weight as possible to get the casting distance you want and to allow the float to 'stand up' (depending on float style). You probably could use a fairly long leader. Doesn't need to be 10 feet. That's the whole idea behind a slip float. If you have the float stop at 10 feet, your leader can be a comfortable length for casting- 3-4 feet maybe.

[Alchase]

Great thread, Smossy, that is an awesome rig pic!