Slip-Bobber Fishing 

An under-estimated Technique

   The idea of using a bobber for walleyes may draw a snicker from some anglers, but there are times when slip-bobber fishing will take more walleyes than any other technique.

   Slip-bobber rigs work well in situations where walleyes are suspended at a specific depth or holding over a snaggy bottom. They are also effective when walleyes are not in the mood to feed. After a cold front, for instance, walleyes refuse to chase anything moving too rapidly, but may strike a bait dangling in front of them.

   Because a slip-bobber rig seldom snags, you can use a lighter line than with most other bait rigs. Six-pound-test mono is a good choice for most situations. Heavier line slides through the bobber more slowly and is more visible to the fish.

   To set the depth, simply slide your bobber stop up the line the same distance as you want your bait to hang below the surface. The stop should slide freely so that it does not scuff your line when you want to change depth. It should not be too loose neither, otherwise it might slip while you reel in your line. You can buy a variety of bobber-stops or make your own stop using a slip-bobber knot.

   When you get a bite, wait a few seconds, then gently tighten your line until you feel weight. Failure to tighten the line at this point is the most common reason for losing fish. The bobber creates an angle between you and the walleye, so there will be slack line if you attempt to set the hook without performing this crucial step. A long, stiff rod is best for taking up slack and sinking the hook.

   You can also improve your hooking percentage by waiting until the fish stops moving or begins to swim away from you. This gives you a better angle for setting the hook than if the fish were swimming toward you.

Lob-cast a slip-bobber rig using a sidearm motion. If you snap your wrist, the hook may tangle around the bobber. Pay out line after the cast so that it can slip through the bobber freely. Watch carefully to be sure the line is slipping; if not, the rig is probably tangled. Continue paying out line. When the bait reaches the right depth, the knot will prevent the line from slipping any farther, causing the bobber to stand upright.