How to Rig a Bobber for Steelhead Fishing

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While Canadians have been using bobbers often to catch steelhead, it's taken much longer for American anglers to start using flotation devices frequently, according to PiscatorialPursuits.com. The primary function of bobbers is to take the guesswork out of putting your hook and bait at a specific depth. The most commonly used type of bobber is a slip bobber, although ball bobbers are also used. The bobber will also give you a clearer indication of when you get a bite on your line. Putting a bobber onto a line only takes a minute or two and usually doesn't provide the angler much trouble.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing line
Bobber (slip or ball)
Snap swivel
Hook

Step 1

Pop out the tubes on your bobber. If you're using a ball bobber, there's probably just one tube. Many slip bobbers have a tube at each end. These tubes hold the bobber in place on the line--once it is threaded through the bobber, the tubes are snapped in and close tightly on the line, providing a strong grip to keep the bobber stable. Some tubes have a small button in the side to release them, and on others you must press down on the top of the tube and twist it with your finger pad to release the tube.

Step 2

Thread the fishing line from your rod through the tubes on the bobber. Continue pulling the line through the bobber until you have as much line on the other side of the bobber as you want your bait or lure to be deep in the water. If you want to fish 20 feet underwater, pull 20 feet of line through the bobber.

Step 3

Tighten the bobber's tubes on the line by pressing them into the bobber body. This will fasten the bobber in one place.

Step 4

Rig your fishing line as normal. Many steelhead anglers use a snap swivel on the line to help relieve tension on the line. Tie one end of the swivel to the line to do this, using an improved clinch knot.

Step 5

Tie a clinch knot onto the open end of the swivel, using a few inches of spare fishing line. With the free end of your line, tie the hook, using a palomar knot.

Step 6

Place your bait on the line.

Resources

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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