Deciding to get into fishing also means you must learn the factors that affect your catch, and one of these is the depth of the bait. Even an inch can cause you a lot of differences. To ensure that the right depth is given, anglers use bobber stoppers. However, if you’re new to fishing, setting it up might be a big challenge as the knots used can be intimidating.
This article will help you learn about bobber stoppers and how they work. Continue reading to find out about the perfect bobber stopper knots you can use.
The Different Types of Bobber Stops
Before even getting into the knot tying, you must first get to know the different types of bobber stops. Each one of them is used and rigged in different ways.
Rubber Bobber Stop
As the name suggests, this is a rubber type of bobber stopper. Aside from its stop bead, this type is also attached on a wire trace through a loop at the end. Its size depends on the pound test of the line you are using.
| Size | Pound Test |
| Small | 2-4lb |
| Medium | 4-8lb |
| Large | 8-12lb |
Slip-knot Bobber Stop
Most anglers use this type as a bobber stop, especially when using slip bobbers. When buying slip bobbers, you’ll usually see slip-knot bobber stops with them too. This bobber stop has a standard stop bead and a small tube tied with a short string around it.
4-Hole Bobber Stop
Similar to the first bobber stop, this is also made up of plastic. However, it has four small holes that are enough to fit a 12lb test line. It can range from 5-7 mm long.
Flexibility and bendiness are also two of the most distinct characteristics it has.
Dogbone Bobber Stop
In a similar way, this type of bobber stop is also made up of plastic, has a stop bead, and functions just like the 4-hole bobber stop.
But what sets it apart from others is how it behaves during reeling or casting out. If you twist the line around the dogbone, the bobber stop can no longer slide down the fishing line.
Best Ways To Tie a Bobber Stopper
When using a sliding fishing bobber, a knot above it is used so that the bobber stops at the depth you want to fish. Knots used in this method can be reeled past the yes of the fishing rod whenever casting is done. The bobber moves upward until it hits the stopper. Once this happens, it means that the bait has reached the desired depth. Hence, allowing deep bait presentation without any disturbances on the cast.
There are quite many ways to tie a bobber knot, you just have to find what works best for you and your fishing style. Here are some of them:
Most Commonly Used Knot
Bobber Stopper Knot
Fishing knots come in different forms, but for panfish or walleye freshwater fishing, the bobber stopper knot is the most common type used. For beginners, this is a great way to start your journey on knowing how to knot. It isn’t only easy to do but also allows the bait to settle at whatever depth you want without the main line stopping the bobber when casting.
All you have to do is follow these easy steps to achieve the bobber stopper knot:
First, make sure that you have about 6 inches of line with the same diameter as the line itself or the Dacron.
Second, the stopper line should be laid against the fishing line at your desired point, forming a loop by double backing.
Third, you should make sure that you are holding the loop at the point where it crosses over itself and the fishing line.
Fourth, two to three turns should be made around both lines. Be sure to pass through the open loop every turn.
Finally, tighten the knot down by pulling the two ends in opposite directions.
Here’s a good video from Show Me the Hawgs channel showing how to tie Bobber stopper knot.
What if it doesn’t work for me?
However, the bobber stopper knot does not always do the trick. This is especially true if you want other types of bait. But don’t worry, for we will be covering other knots that might be helpful for you.
Egg Loop Knot
If you want to fish for Salmon and Steelheads, fish eggs and roe are excellent choices of baits. With their size, it can be hard to attach them to the hook, but it can be possible by using the egg loop knot. Here are the steps to do it:
First, prepare approximately 4 feet of leader. You should then thread it through the hook eye so that it can bend in the hook. Hold this with your thumb and forefinger.
Second, make about 10 to 20 tight wraps back toward the bend in hook. Hold it firmly in place.
Third, thread the end of the leader back through the hook eye but now in the opposite direction. Repeat it for 5 more wraps.
Fourth, tighten the knot by pulling the leader down.
Lastly, the line at the top of the hook should be opened up into a loop to provide a place to hold the eggs or roe sack.
Here’s a good video from Fishthatwontquit’s channel showing how to tie an Egg Loop knot.
Drop Shot Rig
For bass fishing, the best knot to use is the drop shot rig. This knot is specifically made for drop shotting or the process of suspending a bait at the bottom level so that it is placed in front of the fish and away from the gunk at the bottom. Here is how to do the knot:
First, tie a Palomar knot with a long tag end. Depending on how high you want the bait to be, you can double the line from 12 to 30 inches. Make sure you pass the end of the loop through the eye of the hook.
Second, using the hook hanging from the bottom of the loop, make a loose overhand knot.
Then, tighten it onto the eye of the hook by pulling both the standing line and tag end. After that, feed the tag end through the hook eye from beyond.
Once that’s done, a small weight should be attached to the end of the line at your chosen distance from hook and trim tag. Now, you can finally attach the bait.
Here’s a good video from Tyson’s Tight Lines’ channel showing how to tie a Drop Shot Rig
Alternatives for Bobber Stops
When all else fails, do not fret. Here are some of the alternatives regarding bobber stopper tying that might come in handy:
Rubber Band as Bobber Stop
Bobber stops can easily be bought in stores at such cheap prices. However, there are instances where you can’t find one. Narrow gauge rubber bands are good alternatives for it. This is how to do it:
First, loop the rubber band through itself and around the line. Make sure you tighten it as much as possible.
Then, cut the rubber band using nail clippers off close and you now have a bobber stop.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can you use a slip bobber on a braided line?
Slip bobber stops are used to get the desired rig depth whenever you are fishing with slip bobbers. They also come in different types depending on what line you are using.
For instance, if you are using braided lines, 4-hole bobber stops are ideal for you. But if you are using a monofilament line, you can opt for rubber bobber stops instead.
- How far should a bobber be from the hook?
The smaller the bobber gets, the more sensitive and less resistant it is to the fish. With this, you need to determine the right distance between a bobber and the hook for a smoother fishing.
Usually, it is only a short distance of 1 to 2 feet so the bait is still placed in front of many fish without the hook bumping the surface.
- Can you reuse float stops?
Although float stops are not expensive, it’s still a waste to replace something in a perfect condition. A lot of anglers are not aware of this but it’s quite easy to reuse float stops. Here is how to do it:
- Cut the mainline just a few inches above the float stop;
- Get the cute piece and tie a loop at its end but just above the stop;
- You can now use this replicated float stop and put it in a new line.
Conclusion
Fishing can be a very fun and fulfilling activity or even a livelihood. However, we should always remember that success in this activity depends on how we use both environmental and material factors. It’s good to know which type of fish you can catch from different types of water and it’s even better to know how to use your equipment properly. Knowing how to tie bobber stopper knots is the ideal way to start.