Slip Bobber Fishing Rig
The following illustration is another example of a highly versatile freshwater fishing rig. This particular fishing rigg is ideal for shoreline anglers and working off a boat. This slip bobber fishing rig configuration is similar to the water bobber versatile fishing rig as it can be used for fishing the lake bottom or the upper layers of the water column.
One of the benefits of this slip bobber fishing rig is that the amount of leader length is adjustable and you are not dragging line during the cast. The slip bobber is threaded onto your main line and then tied to the hook. A split shot weight is attached between the hook and the slip bobber as the split shot weight works to stop the bobber from hitting the hook as well as define bait depth. Above the slip bobber, secure a knot with additional test line to act as another stop. This knot is small enough to glide through the fishing rod eyelets up to the reel but thick enough to stop the small plastic bead that is secured to the slip bobber. To control depth, simply slide that knot up or down your line.
I typically use a 3 foot leader; so if I keep 3 feet of line hanging during cast and have my top line knot 5 to 7 feet from the slip bobber, I can fish depth from 8 to 10 feet. That will open up a new range of feeding zones while visibly responding to a strike via your bobber. Utilizing small to medium size split shot below the slip bobber will contribute to create different action when luring this type of rig.
This rig can also be used for bottom fishing by utilizing heaver split shot weights with a smaller size slip bobber. Don’t expect to rest this rig on the bottom and fish upward, rather add weight to get the bait into the lower depth layers while the bobber adds some action to the bait movement. Utilizing an alternating retrieve speed while stopping periodically creates an enticing drop action or swim movement that are known to trigger strikes.