Northwest Fishing Reports

I just rigged one of my poles up for perch, crappie, bluegill, etc. Now the rig I have set up is a slip bobber rig. I was just wondering if anyone uses them frequently around Washington? I have read great reviews about this type of setup...you are able to find fish easier (depth wise) and can adjust your float easier than compared to a traditional clip on bobber. Any info would be great!

The slip bobber is a good way to locate fish. i dont actually use them for panfish, but they work really well for trout and thats how I use them. A lot of people use them for panfish though. The slip bobbers dont find the fish easier, but once you do find the depth they are at it keeps you at the right depth. So either way they help you catch more fish which is always a plus. 10 times easier to adjust than a regular bober, and when paired with a depth finder the results could be deadly. Just make sure the slip bober is very tiny, crappie especially are known for very light bites, but all panfish are known to hit pretty soft

how small? I have a mid-size bobber. Not to big, not to small, just right. I have a tough time seeing the really small bobbers.

tahjb wrote:how small? I have a mid-size bobber. Not to big, not to small, just right. I have a tough time seeing the really small bobbers.

The smaller the better. They have some tiny ones that are about the size of a dime. Those are ideal, but you dont need them to be that small. As long as its not one of the big ones a medium size, will work just fine. Especially if you plan on doing any fishing in the Columbia basin area. It gets so windy its ridiculous and judging a tiny bober is almost impossible, actually almost anywhere in WA, we arnt really know for good weather LOL, so a little bigger sized bober will give you an advantage. What do you plan on using for bait?

i use a thin thill slip bobber for my panfish needs. really light and low-profile so it sinks down easier. And its nice to be able to adjust the depth on the fly.

I've seen this technique used on a fishing show for smallmouth. They called it the, "float 'n fly" technique. They were hammering 'em, but of course, on most fishing shows they do. I've never tried it myself though.

gpc wrote:

tahjb wrote:how small? I have a mid-size bobber. Not to big, not to small, just right. I have a tough time seeing the really small bobbers.

The smaller the better. They have some tiny ones that are about the size of a dime. Those are ideal, but you dont need them to be that small. As long as its not one of the big ones a medium size, will work just fine. Especially if you plan on doing any fishing in the Columbia basin area. It gets so windy its ridiculous and judging a tiny bober is almost impossible, actually almost anywhere in WA, we arnt really know for good weather LOL, so a little bigger sized bober will give you an advantage. What do you plan on using for bait?

I plan on just using a nightcrawler or mealworm. I do majority of my fishing in Lake Washington for perch and smallmouth. I thouhgt I would give this rig a try because when I fish for the perch in Lk. Washington I usually have to fish deep for them and have to adjust my clip on float constantly.

I fish with big bobbers most of the time for panfish. I just add more weight above the swivel until its easy for them to pull it down. And with more weight you can also cast further if needed.

the absolute best setup i have ever used for crappie was told to me by roger (exbassguide)

use a small crappie jig 1/32 or smaller,and simply cut a small piece of styrofoam and use this as a bobber. try different sizes till you get just enough to float the jig. very easy to adjust the depth and cast perfect. instead of the spiral you get with casting with a bobber the styrofoam acts like a parachute and gently sets the jig into the water.

i know it sounds kind of funny. i was very warry of this tech. but i promise its awesome, the fish dont feel the weight of the styrofoam like they do a bobber so if you tip the jig with a crappie nibble they usually dont spit the jig as fast. give it a try then post a report. if it works good for you thank exbassguide.