Slip Bobber Set Up

[Spoonbill]

Was wondering what makes an ideal slip float rod/reel combination. I have underutilized this technique in the past and want to obtain a new setup to begin this spring...with particular use off points and sunken humps at night. Searched the net but didn't find a lot of agreement. What would you recommend in terms of rod length, action, etc. ? Have you had best luck with spinning reels, baitcasters, or even spincast reels ? What type/size line ? Would appreciate hearing what works for you for working slip floats.
Thanks !

[Irishwebs]

I like a 7' rod to do this and line depends on fish I am going for.

Hope this helps

Michael

[Spoonbill]

Sorry...should have been more specific. Targeting walleye exclusively in reservoir environment...tributary rivers to the reserviors in spring...main lake rest of year.
Thanks

[bullhead]

Spoonbill,
I like a Spinning set up with a 7' or longer Rod. I use a 7'10" rod myself. Line make a big difference, I use a High visibility Green line, this helps when reeling down to the fish on a windy day, I use a Vanish 1-3’ leader from the bobber to the jig.

Good Luck
Ed Fiore

[Tom B]

I use an 8.5 foot salmon rod. Fairly soft action and long length makes very long, gentle casts a piece of cake. I have 2 of these with Diawa Tournament SS's. Sweet combos.

Tom B

[Mr Ranger]

Dido to Bullhead with a few additions. I usually will put two rods out. One with plain hook and another with small jig, have had good luck with the Lindy slip bobber jig (The old Strictly Walleye Jigs). For line have gone to high visibility 8# green with 3 - 4 leader of 6# Vanish. If in heavy northern traffic will use 8# Fireline to prevent most bite offs. I use the 8# Mono line so the slip bobber knots hold better.

In recent years have actually taken the one rod, put a small circle hook on and split shot and just let is sit on the bottom. Have had some very good luck with that.

Good luck think your on the correct path.

Keep it in the boat!

[jake]

i use a loomis medium weight fast action 7 ft rod with a diawa 2000 regal z spooled with 6 lb xl. most of the time i put on a plain hook, sometimes add a couple of beads and a # 2 spinner. size your float and split shot to meet the wind conditions. i like the line to be as straight down as posible and then use the smallest float that will hold it up. you will have to spend some time working out your weight/float combinations, but you can do that at the dock anytime.

[GLO]

I had a post not long ago inquiring about longer rods, much of which I think you would be interested in. Got some good help. I've become convinced in the advantages of 7' or 7'6" or longer rods for slip bobbers. Got some good ideas for rods, and plan on experimenting with the Loomis HSR9000S, and maybe a salmon rod for casting, slack line, other considerations. But, I think there are plenty of longer rods in all price ranges that are good. I generally go with 4 lb. or 6 lb. test, but I believe it is definitely a spinning application. Have used 6'6" ML rods in past and have lamented not having longer rods and that seems to be the consensus.

[vetspet(ind)]

i tried something really wierd last yr and did really well on perch...i used my icefishing lightning genz rod...it was a riot catching large perch on a short rod...got doubles quite often...the fight was fantastic..and i outfished my buddies big time...i could control the line out and the depth better..we fish a steep rock pile on the port of indiana...the breakwall is quite steep and if i use my longer rods it seemed much more difficult to get it to work as well as with my short rod right over the side of the boat...not to mention the riot when i had a fish on...steve heckler

[Spoonbill]

Thanks a lot for the suggestions. Sounds like I need to look at getting some longer rods. Have a couple of inexpensive 9' crappie rods I use for float n' fly fishing for smallmouth...may try those with a little heavier line until I can invest in a more expensive rod. If they can handle a 3-4 pound smallmouth...might work for walleye slipfloat fishing. Thanks again.