How to Put a Bobber on a Fishing Line

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The fishing bobber, also called a fishing float, is a valuable piece of fishing tackle. The bobber can suspend live bait such as night crawlers and shiners in the water, and then indicate to the angler when a fish bites by moving about or "bobbing" under the surface.

The most commonly employed bobber is the familiar round ball bobber, usually made of plastic. This bobber is often a combination of bright colors, including red, white and/or yellow. Putting it securely on your line at the right distance from your hook is important.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing rod and reel
Round ball bobber

Step 1

Look at your fishing line and decide where you want to place your bobber. Pick a spot on the line 24 to 30 inches from your hook to suspend presentations of worms, leeches and minnows such as chubs and shiners. This keeps the bait far enough away from the bobber that fish will not be apprehensive about its presence. In deeper waters, you have the option of putting the bobber even further up the line.

Step 2

Grab the bobber and depress the spring-loaded button on its top side by pressing down on it with your thumb. This in turn will cause a small catch resembling a hook to deploy out of the bottom side of the bobber.

Step 3

Wrap your fishing line twice around at the point where you decided to position the bobber around this hook. Make certain that the bottom portion of the bobber faces the hook end of the line. By making two wraps, you assure that the bobber cannot slip up and down the line, which can occur when you cast your line. Stop pressing on the top button and allow the bottom catch to go back into the body of the bobber, gripping the line tight.

Step 4

Hold your thumb tight against the bottom catch so it cannot come out. Use your middle and index finger to push down on the sides of the top button on the bobber. This will cause another similar hook-like catch to rise up between your fingers out of the center of the top button.

Step 5

Wrap the line around the top catch one time. Remember that the top of the bobber must face up when you cast your line into the water, so use the line closest to the rod tip of your pole. Release your hold on the bottom of the bobber, allowing the top catch to descend back into the bobber, gripping the line. Your bobber is now secure and attached to your fishing line at both ends.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

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