Walleye Fishing - Slip Bobber Basics

It's funny how some fishermen actually getThe bobber rig starts with the bobber stop. If you
somewhat embarrassed when they have to admitbuy the kit, you get either a rubber bobber stop or a
that they were fishing with bobbers... as if they werestring tied around a plastic tube. Run your line through
somehow cheating or using some tactic reservedthe tube... about 10 feet or so. Pull the string off the
only for young kids. Considering the fact that this is atube and tighten it on the line, trimming the extra
very common ice fishing method, I don't really seestring when you are done. Feed the fishing line
how anyone can really ignore the bobber when theythrough a small bead and run the bead up to the
pack the tackle box with the weapons they need tobobber stop. Then slide the fishing line through the
catch walleyes.bobber. The bead should keep the stop from pulling
Every spring we do our first walleye fishing on a localthrough the bobber... this is what keeps your depth
lake that has a river outlet that flows a few hundredconstant and provides resistance when the fish takes
yards into another even larger lake. In fact, we arethe bait and pulls the bobber under water. Attach
usually there at 12:01 am on the fishing opener. Duringyour hook to the end of the fishing line and pinch a
the period of time after they are done spawningsplit-shot sinker about a foot or so above the hook.
walleyes pour through that river channel at night andThat's pretty much it. For night fishing you can use
there are usually a few walleye fishermen there toeither a lighted bobber or a special glow stick that
meet them. And just about every one of thoseattaches to a basic slip-bobber. (See my website
boats is anchored with two or three fishermenlisted below for an illustration).
hanging on to a pole with a lighted bobber at theWhen you get to your fishing location you simply
other end. My favorite opening day memory is sittingdetermine your depth and adjust the bobber stop so
at that river outlet with my son catching 12 walleyesthat your bait is about 6 to 12 inches from the
in about an hour. All using bobbers with a leech.bottom. If you are marking fish higher, adjust your
Even during the heart of summer you can makebobber stop accordingly and wait for the action.
good use of the bobber rig. If walleyes are stackedThis is a great tactic to try when the fish are not
up in an area and you can't get them to bite a jig orresponding to your best efforts with other methods.
Lindy rig you can try the silent method. Drop theIt's also very relaxing. No need to worry about boat
anchor, hook up a bobber with you favorite bait andcontrol or noise. Just sit there in peaceful quiet and
let it drift across the area you want to cover.wait for the fish to take that bobber down. If it
Bobber Basicsworks... you can't ignore it!