How to Rig Fishing Bobbers for Catfish

All images and illustrations by Daniel Ray

A popular way to catch catfish is to use a weight to fish the bottom of a lake, river or stream. This method is productive because catfish spend a lot of time in the deeper depths. But when catfish feed near the surface, you might want to try another method, such as using a float or bobber setup. A bobber also comes in handy when fishing a shallow river. A bobber will let you suspend your bait just above the bottom. Here are some different bobbers you can make, giving you alternate ways to catch catfish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bobbers Floats Toy balloons Leader material Light line Hooks Swivels Used 8- or 12-oz. pop bottle Small section of leader wire Paint
Bobbers
Floats
Toy balloons
Leader material
Light line
Hooks
Swivels
Used 8- or 12-oz. pop bottle
Small section of leader wire
Paint

Step 1

Rig a plastic bobber. Tie a hook to a 2- to 3-foot leader. Attach the leader and the fishing line to a barrel swivel. Push down on one end of the bobber and let the hook snap down on the line. Repeat for the other side of the bobber.

Step 2

Styrofoam bobber rig

For larger bait, rig a commercial Styrofoam bobber. Affix a hook to a 2- to 4-foot leader. Tie the leader to the swivel. Remove the plunger from the bobber and thread the fishing line through the bobber. Insert the plunger back into the bobber to fix its position on the line. Tie the line to the swivel.

Step 3

Balloon bobber rig

Rig a toy balloon to make an effective and inexpensive bobber. Inflate the balloon and put a knot in its lip. Attach a hook to a 3-foot section of leader and tie the line to the swivel. Tie the balloon to the swivel with light line.

Step 4

Paint an 8- or 12-ounce pop bottle a bright color. Screw the top on tightly. Attach a hook to a 3- to 4-foot section of leader. Tie the fishing line and the leader to a barrel swivel. Attach the bottle to the swivel by using the wire. Run one end of the wire through the swivel and make several loops around the narrow part of the bottle's neck. Make several twists to secure the wire.

Tips & Warnings

Tie your knots with a uni knot or an improved clinch knot.

Use caution when handling hooks.

Resources

Cincinnati catfishing

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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