Now that you know how to tie a slip sinker rig let’s get into how to tie a slip float rig. This is a very popular rig especially when fishing with prepared baits like dip or punch bait.
These catfish rigs are very versatile and highly functional for a number of different techniques. I really like fishing with them (slip corks). I guess they bring out the kid in me, I like to watch the slip cork go running or go under the water with a big bite.
Again, these rigs are HIGHLY effective for fishing with prepared baits like punch or dip bait.
Items Needed
Slip Bobber like the Premium Oval Slip Float or the Premium Pencil Slip Float
Bobber Stop like these Bobber Stops
Split Shot Weights like these Premium Reusable Split Shot Weights
Hook Of Choice (like a treble hook for fishing with punch bait) as explained in punch bait hooks, read our suggested tackle page for more information.
To rig a slip cork (slip float) rig follow these steps:
Thread the bobber stop on the mainline. You can make bobber stops but I prefer to buy them because it is hell on my big sasquatch hands trying to tie those tiny little knots. This is what they look like.
Feed the plastic tube onto the mainline and then slide the stop off of the plastic tube. Tighten the knot and then cut off the ends of the extra line from the stop.
Feed the bead for the slip float over the mainline so it rests at the bottom of the knot for the stop.
Feed the slip bobber onto the mainline
Tie your hook onto the mainline using a palomar knot.
Crimp the slip shot onto the fishing line a couple of inches above the hook.
The stop can be adjusted by sliding it up or down the line to adjust depth. You can fish these rigs in a foot or two of water or in twenty feet of water, it doesn’t matter (I prefer shallow water fishing with them).
Now before you start emailing me asking me about leaders and swivels. I don’t use them on these rigs. The reason is when I am fishing with a slip bobber rig 99% of the time I am fishing for channel cats or eating sized blue cats that are going to be between 1 and 5 lbs. If I hook into jaws, yes I might lose a fish not having a leader or swivel but I have landed fish up to 25 lbs with this rig not having a swivel or a leader and had no issues. I very much subscribe to the KISS method when fishing (keep it simple stupid) and don’t use things when I don’t feel they are necessary. Take it or leave it.
If you want to use a leader and swivel just do so and then add your cork on the North side of the leader. I’ll be catching fish while you are messing around with your swivel and leader, OK?
Be sure you also check out the catfish rigs section for more information.
Update: Feb 9, 2011 – we have updated this post with a video for more explanation on fishing using a slip bobber catfish rig.
This video covers:
- Some of the other names for this type of setup
- When to use the slip bobber catfish rig
- How to fish with this and what the advantage is of using this type of setup
- Getting the baits into to catfishing strike zone
- How deep to set the bobber stop on this setup
- Everything else you need to know about slip corking for catfish.
Once you are done watching this video make sure to check out our interview with Charles Jones of CJ’s Bait Company about slip bobber catfishing.
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SOUND OFF : Do you use these rigs for catfishing? How do you rig them? Do you use leaders and swivels?
I use exactly this rig continuously. Like you, I buy the premade bobber stops and don’t mess with fiddling with tying knots. I have so many poles on my boat it isn’t funny so keep a couple of poles with this rig ready to hand. One pole has a dip tube attached (I use Secret 7) and the other has a plain old J hook for my old-faithfull walmart luncheon meat (has to be Great Value brand).
I read your review of the “Bobber with a brain” product and bought some to give those a try. I am hoping they will give me a similar slip bobber style but at varying depths … which is the biggest hassle with the slip bobber. If I am fishing a very un-even bottom where the depth can change on the order of feet per cast, I can be too high or too low for where I want to be.
I hope they work well for you. I would be interested in any feedback you might have on the bobbers.
Maybe I’m having a problem with my slip rig due to my inability to set one up properly. About 3-4 times out of ten casts, my rig fouls with the hook sometimes hanging up on the float or the line. Would 3 or more evenly spaced split shot that equal the weight of the one big split shot be a more effective way to set this up? This is especially a concern while night fishing with a lighted float because I can’t see how the float is riding in order to see if it is fouled. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again. Great site! Gene
If rigged correctly and cast correctly you shouldn’t be having these issues. My guess is you are probably doing something when casting to cause it to foul. Try something different (when casting) or see if you can diagnose what you are doing during casting to cause the issue.
Thanks for the reply. Will try some different techniques while casting.
Chad, I’m laid up on the couch with a bum knee, but as soon as I can move around, I’ll shoot you a quick vid of these line stoppers that I use that are even easier to use than the pre-tied knots. They are beads that are pre-loaded onto really thin wire. You run your line through a metal wire loop and pull the bead off the wire loop onto your line. Really easy to use. BPS sells these bober stops. Great for quick riggin’! I’ll shoot you a quick vid within the next day or two to demonstrate and I’ll mail you a sample so that you can try them out yourself. Stay tuned! Steven
Love to look at them, and the reels worked great!
Awesome! Glad You’re happy with the reels. Check your GMail. I’ve sent you a quick vid showing you how easy it is to use these slip bobbers. A fishing buddy of mine introduced them to me and I think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread! I’ve also sent a follow up email with some more info. If you reply with your address, I’ll pop a few of these in an envelope so you can try them out.
Steven
Chad, I’m popping a sample of these slip bobbers in the mail as soon as I get off of work in the morning. I’m sending it to the same address that I sent the reels to. The video I shot was pretty bad and I’m not sure if you can see how to pop them on, but if you have any questions, drop me a line and I’ll explain it. It’s fairly simple, though. These bobber stop beads are on little strands of wire with a loop at the end. You slide your line through the wire loop, then pull the bead off the wire and onto your line. Easy Peasy! Be on the lookout. You should get them before the week is over.
Steven
Here’s some useless info about my set ups. I actually do use a swivel and tie on a mono leader because I have braid on my rigs (TC Nuclear Yellow, to be exact…it’s pretty bright, so I like it because I can see if I have slack in the line). Using braid, I have a problem keeping split shots on. I’ve also taken a cue from reading your articles and I tossed 3 of my Abu’s (5×00 series) onto some Berkely Cherrywood rods. The rods are 20 bucks, and not the best quality out there, but they are light as a feather. That will help since I’ll be holding the rod. Anyway, thought I would share since I won’t be hitting the water until the weekend.
Steven
Thanks I will check them out.
Chad, is it alright have a bead at the top of the bobber after the bobber stop or not?
You want the bead of the bobber stop to be between the bobber and the stop (string).
Chad do I need.a seperat rod and real.set up for this or can I use the rig with.20 lb test line that I use for slip sinker rig?
I prefer to use a lighter weight line like 12 lb test but I know many who use 20 lbs. Same rod and reels will work but I like to use 5500′s because they are lighter.