spring bobbers

[slabz]

hey yall i have always wanted to use a spring bobber for when i fish them finicky sunnies and crappies but just have never got to doing it. for all of you that use spring bobbers for panfish, what brand or model do you use? thanks!

[that_guy]

I use the flat metal HT ones...I've used the actual spring ones, but found they freeze up a little too much for my taste. The spring ones are significantly more sensitive, but I like the durability of the flat metal. Not to mention easier initial line spooling.

I also use tape to hard mount them.

No kidding, once you use a spring bobber (given adequate patience in slow fishing conditions) you'll never go back to a regular slip bobber.

Go out and buy one, rig it up, you can still bobber fish with them on. No worries!

[bk_MN_iceman]

I've always fished spring bobbers just so I don't have to deal with having multiple bobbers for weight etc... now with Venom floats, i've been using spring bobbers and slips.

I prefer the spring style spring bobbers when fishing in a house and the flat metal when outside for the reason stated above with the hole freezing shut.

Good luck!

[Dano777]

I use the spring bobbers by Frabil, it snaps into the end of the rod. Works great, definately catch the more finicky fish or the light biters that sometimes just inhale and don't pull a bobber down, very handy for jigging with a vexilar.

[The_Diesel]

I used to use the ones that come on the rod. They were like actual springs the came out the tip of the rod. Always froze up on me and [PoorWordUsage] me off a lot. Got rid of them. Thinking I may get one of those wires that clips on just down the rod from the tip and hangs over the end, after missing a bunch of these early bites on the panfish. Seems a lot less likely to freeze up. Although now I've got a portable shack, where I didn't have one before, so freezing up in general is a lot less common. I know Wal-Mart carries them from the HT brand. Not the biggest fan of that brand, but something that simple is tough to produce a poor-quality product on, and I'm sure it's cheaper than other brands/stores.

[Dano777]

the HT ones are terrible, you can't see the actual spring when trying to fish, kinda defeats the purpose, anyway, Good Luck

[OnAFly]

I bought the flat metal HT ones and the nice St Croix Legend ones for a TB outdoor rod I bought. I got the flat ones to fish that day with full intentions of discarding them and figuring out a way to get the STC one on later. The flat ones worked so well, I never bothered putting on the much more expensive STC one.

One note, I did significantly shorten up the HT one. It comes about 5 inches long. I shortened it up by half. It's plenty sensitive and is easily removed for storage. The best part, it doesn't freeze up. I think I had to thaw it once or twice in a half day of outdoor fishing.

[ihc1]

Give the spring bobbers a try. I would say try some that you can attach to one of your current rods and see if it fits your fishing style. I tried the wire and spring type a few years ago and didn't like them because I do alot of hole hopping and they would freeze up and if it is windy it is still really hard to see a light bite. But if you fish in a house alot you may just love them. I found that a rod with a really soft colored tip like the T.B. Power Noodle or the J.M. Meatstick with the yellow and red striped tip are almost as sensitive and easier to use outside. Just my 2 cents.

[blackdog1101]

I have the flat HT spring on some of my rods, the St Croix spring on some others, and I modified a couple other rods to accept the St. Croix rod by winding on a guide and putting a rubber grommet in the guide. IMO they all work equally well, but I'm partial to the St. Croix style.

[GatorBait]

With my inline jigging rods, the best spring I've found is the one that comes out of a Bic lighter. It's rigid enough, but yet sensitive enough for even the lightest hits. Been working for years.

[motley man]

Flat ones work great and I use them on most of my rods except with heavy lures.

[harvey lee]

The St Croix spring bobber to me is hands down one of the very best on the market.

With just a little work one can attach them to the end of your favorite panfish rod for a great SB set up.

[pulleye16]

St. Croix spring here as well. If your rod isen't equipt for it, its easy to rig up or most shops will do it for you for a minimal charge...money well spent for the best spring bobber out there!

[eyeguy 54]

Frabill for me too. Very easy to use. Nice buck in that avatar! You look familiar.

[walleyeslammer]

I tried everything and have decided on the St. Croix setup. I have one of the actual St. Croix setups and two that I have made using the upside down rod guide with a rubber grommet inside. Works like a charm. Now I have 3 setups with this on it.

[jBohmer]

I started my ice fishing career with a spring bobber and then tried a slip bobber.

I personally have not cared what type of spring bobber I have used as I have a flip-up and freezing is not normally an issue to me. I have had issues with the freezing when sitting outside but no solution for it. I did not read all of the above posts so maybe someone had an answer for that. But I will tell you that pan fishing with anything else for someone who likes catching fish is crazy! I destroy panfish with a spring. If I could reccomend a type, I do not remeber the brand, it is the type that has a plastic tubing in the spring for the ease of feeding the line through it. I have gotten better at feeding the line through an open spring but it is still tricky and annoying to me. And the answer is "yes" to all you out there who say to feed some type of rigid line like tip-up line or wire to aid the process.

[castmaster]

I prefer the style like whats on the Jason Mitchell spring bobber rods. Plenty sensitive and absolutely no worries about it freezing up. The guides are also a little bigger so dont have as many issues with ice forming in the guides. I wont even fish my Meatstick outside because that tiny little tip is iced up within minutes and nothing but a pain after that.

[Finns]

I use a 'floss threader' to help get my line through a spring bobber.

[BartmanMN]

I use a 'floss threader' to help get my line through a spring bobber.

Good tip, I have some of those lying in my bathroom drawer. I will put them to use. I absolutely hate trying to thread 2lb test through the spring with the tiny hole on the end.

[OnAFly]

I used my bobbin (fly tying) threader since I never use it at the bench. Then I switched to a bobber with a much larger opening and I no longer have to worry about that...or freeze up!

[WallyGader]

Wow.. Im surprised how many people like spring bobbers. I have not tried all them but between feel, and the vex, I have not seen a big advantage to them.

[that_guy]

Wow.. Im surprised how many people like spring bobbers. I have not tried all them but between feel, and the vex, I have not seen a big advantage to them.

I think they are a huge benefit for those of us who don't necessarily have the best equipment and line. I often feel the bumps, but the spring bobber SHOWS me that I'm feeling what I think I'm feeling. Especially with the super light crappie bites. I've caught fish where the spring bobber barely moves but there is definitely a 12in crappie on the line!

All I know is since I put one one, I've become much more successful in catching panfish.

[Rick G]

Been using the St. Croix ones for the last few seasons for panfish and light biting catfish and I have to say they hold up better than some of the other kinds I have tryed. Another good brand is the Action bite indicator. They are usaly around five bucks and come in a bigger plastic box. Not as durable as other brands but real sensitive.

[harvey lee]

Totally agree that-guy. I have a few spendy rods and there are times when I do not feel a bite from a light biting fish.

With the spring bobber, one sees all the light bites.

[TruthWalleyes]

Wow.. Im surprised how many people like spring bobbers. I have not tried all them but between feel, and the vex, I have not seen a big advantage to them.

Come winter, i don't fish without them. And typically when fishing crappies, the weight of the lure will slightly bend the spring bobber, then when a crappie taps it, the spring will slightly lift...set the hook! Fish On! You won't even feel that, nor see that in your line, or on a regular rod. IMO.

Disadvange to the spring style is they freeze up, i just put them up to my mouth and blow some hot air to free them up. No problems.