Spring Slip Bobber Fishing
For rod recommendations, I prefer a 7’ light action blank with a fast tip so that I can present the hair jig or plastic with the right cadence.
For reel recommendations, I prefer a size 1000 reel. My go-to reel is the Piscifun Carbon X . It has performed well for me the last two seasons. The reel is lightweight and well-built, plus has been put through some major abuse and has stood up way beyond my expectations for a reel at this price point! The drag is also very solid and can handle bull bluegills and big rainbows with ease. Castability is also something I really like with the Carbon X, as I get further casts and cover more water with this reel with ease.
🧵 Line Setup: Mono Mainline + Fluorocarbon Leader
For line recommendations, I prefer using mono and use 4-pound test. I also use a size 10 barrel swivel with a 12- to 18-inch 6-pound fluorocarbon leader to minimize line twist and keep my jig, hair jig, or plastic looking more natural — which means increased strikes and more fish in the boat or from shore.
☑️ Slip Float and Jig Pairing Guide
For my slip float, I prefer a cigar-style float as it is lightweight, easily visible, and easy to cast. Fish cannot feel the weight, which means they hold on longer for better hookups. I also place a size BB split shot right above my barrel swivel to give me a little extra casting distance.
For different size jigs, I use a different size float:
1/64 oz. jig – 1.5-inch float
1/32 oz. jig – 2-inch float
1/16 oz. jig – 2.5-inch float
You can make adjustments to these suggestions based on how you like to fish. These are just what I prefer. For tungsten jigs, if you’re using them, I use the same parameters for 3mm to 5mm ones.
💡 Presentation Tips: Mastering the Twitch-and-Pause
For the presentation, you can fish this from 2 feet to 6 feet with ease. You can also try fishing it deeper depending on your conditions. I make my cast and count up to 10 seconds for my presentation to sink, and then I start my retrieve.
An example of how I present my bait is to make three small twitches and pause the bait, then make three more twitches and repeat. You can make them short or long — the fish will dictate how they want the bait presented to them, along with the speed and cadence.
🧪 Fine-Tune Your Technique
I have had days on the water where they want small twitches of 2 inches all the way to a foot. You can figure out a pattern and get them dialed in with this presentation by simply making fine adjustments to your cadence. It does take practice, but if you put in the effort, it will pay off for you as it has for me.
It has been a game changer! Good luck and tight lines, everyone!
author
Jay Elmquist Magyar
I grew up in southwest Minnesota and started my passion for angling at a young age. I now reside in southeast South Dakota and get out and chase as much as possible across the region. I also like to share my knowledge with other anglers. Presentation and cadence can be a huge part of how we catch fish and one of the ways that I do that is with a slip bobber setup. It has become a favorite way to target panfish and trout.
