What rods for slip-bobbering?

[Bemidjiboy]

Hey gang. Walleyes still shallow-ish around these parts, I reckon, but it might be slip-bobbering time soon. I enjoy this method and wondered what you guys like to use for rods. Long ones? Telescoping? Expensive? Economical? Let's hear it!

[lund115]

my theory on Slip bobber rigs, and the same for trolling rods, is that you do not need to spend the big bucks like you would on a jigging/live bait rod like a St Croix or G-Loomis. You're watching a bobber go under the water, and don't need the sensitivity in my opinion. Sure you get more qualities with a better rod, but with that comes price, and IMO it is not needed. To me a good 7’ rod in medium action is perfect. I like a Berkley Lightning rods, but any decent $30-$50 rod would work just fine. As I buy new rods, my older rods get turned into bobber rods. I would be very comfortable buying a Cabela's rod and use it for this application, to me the reel with a good drag would be more important.

[JOE WALLEYE]

I don't buy special rods just for slip floats. I like to fish them with my 7' rigging rods. St. Croix 7' ML fast action. If I did not have my rigging rods, or wanted rods specificly for slip floats I would find an inexpensive 7 to 7'6" medium light rod in the $40-$50 range.

also I started useing high vis line on my reels when fishing slip floats. If I can use two rods I have one with high vis orange and one with high vis green line. It makes it easy to watch and make sure that the wind is not crossing the slack line between the rod tips and the floats. Then I use an 18" floro leader to the jig or hook below the float.

[teamlund]

I have dedicated rods for slip bobbering. I bought the cheapest combos I could for slippin....I liek a 7' for corks. I bought 2 combos that were $30 a piece. I have been using them for about 5 years now and they have been great. They are gander mt guide series rod and reels. Nothing fancy and the rods are useless for anything but bobber fishing, too flimsy.......I like a long cheap rod for corks.

[toolboy]

I have a Fenwick Elite Tech slip bobber rod and love it. It has a slow action that is perfect for bobber fishing.

[Gale Johnson]

glad someone likes the elite tech, i bought a pair of them and going to test them at Mille Lacs for ten days starting tomorow

[REW]

My favorite bobber rods are those designed for steel head fishing.

These are 8-10 foot rods with slow to moderate action with a good beefy butt and mid section.

The advantage of this sort of rod for bobber fishing, is that with the long soft length of this rod, with the beefy mid and butt section, you can fling a bobber loaded with live bait, have way across the pond, so to speak.

IE. you can cast your bobber a very long distance.

The ability to cast the bobber a good distance is really an advantage, when you are trying to cover a lot of water - for example over a rock pile or point - that might hold fish.


The moderate action gives the nice soft action to the bait so the bait is not torn off during the cast. The 8-10 foot length, gives plenty of leverage, after taking the slack off of the floating line to effect an excellent hook set.

For example, here is an inexpensive example of a great float rod:

REW

[Mattman]

Ditto REW's comments.

For a dedicated bobber rod...really like a Steelhead rod.

If you want a rod to pull double duty, use a rigging rod. Or, a rod for trolling cranks. Longer, softer rod is the key.

[Bemidjiboy]

Thanks for the replies. I wanted to hear your thoughts because I picked up a Mr. Walleye, telescoping 9'6" rod yesterday morning for $70 and then began to have second thoughts. That's what I get for a spontaneous purchase! I was just wondering if I should have gotten something cheaper or easier to fit into the boat. Might return it for a couple of cheaper ones. Glad to know there's no point in spending lots of money for this method.

[Waxy]

I got a good deal on a St. Croix Legend Tournament series "Slip Stick" rod. It's a telescoping 8' or 8'6" rod (I can't remember which) that is a ML action with a mod-fast tip.

The extra length and the action of the rod are perfect. It casts a mile, it's great for picking up the slack and setting the hook on those far away bites, and it's great during the fight. I think I'll be able to come up with a few more applications for it as well, it's remarkably light and sensitive.

Would I spend full retail on one? Probably not, but if you've got the cash, it is a great rod, absolutely top of the line.

Waxy