The Bobber, - a fish bite detecting device, is really neat to have, but is it necessary?
The answer is, “Not in all Applications”. As the avid Ice Fisherman knows, fish bite detectors come in many shapes and is often un-noticeable. The device can be built right in to your fishing equipment and be virtually invisible to the untrained eye.
First we will start with the bobber. The bobber was invented in the last two hundred years. The first was a stick tied to the string the next was a piece of cork then came the plastic then finally the poly-foam. Of those previously mentioned, all are still in use today. Yes even the stick, though you wouldn't recognize it.
To name a few types;
Stick Bobber – long and slender with a rounded barrel or egg shape in the middle that if used with out weights will lie on its side, standing up on end when some thing has a hold of the line below. When used with weights, will stand up, zipping under the water when the bait has been taken. Not used for Ice Fishing can be if you isn't got nothing else.
Bubble usually clear plastic and is often used for its stealth, is not usually used for ice fishing, but can be in a pinch.
Slip Bobber is the most commonly used bobber among Ice Fishermen for its practicability, (Fast and easy to change depths) there is a large variety from spring loaded round (push button plastic) to wood or foam with the line passing through the center and held in place by a dowel. It is a good idea to match your weight to your bobber, you don't want your bobber floating at the bottom of the lake
Other bite detecting devices The ever popular thumb wiggle under the water method. Works well with pike. Unfortunately those gills, perch and crappie just cant get their mouths around it.
Flag most commonly used with the tip-up, maid from spring steal (or spring loaded in some cases) has a brightly colored patch of cloth/plastic that pops up requesting your attention.
Electronic Beeper Used on tip-ups at night to alert Ice Fishermen the possibility of a “fish-on.”
Ultra Sensitive Spring Tips These little devices made of spring steel, approximately 3-6 inches in length are attached to the pole. (Temp/Permanent) The line is beaded through the eyehole. (Can be placed above or below the tip eye) This sensitive little device will detect even lightest of bites, moving ever so slightly you can see the action.
Ultra Sensitive Pole Tips are built right in to the pole not requiring any other devices for visual bite detection.
The Noodle Pole is in it self, “the bite detector.” The pole will bend right over as with its name like a wet noodle.
Tip Down is actually a precision pole holder, balancing the pole at just right point so that when a fish bites the pole tip drops towards the hole exposing the handle for easy grabbing.
The Jingle Bell Used more for night and river fishing is not commonly used. Can be if you are not in to watching your pole.
My all time favorite fish bite detector is the “KID”screaming, “I got one! I got one!” alerting the whole lake that the fish just became active again!
What is a great secret for landing trout for the yearly trout opener?
What are the advantages and Disadvantages of braided fishing lines?
What is a good technique for spring crappie fishing?
What is the best way to aviod my frozen bait from falling off my hook?
What is the B-run for steelhead?
What are the different types of fishing bobbers?
What is a good technique for Halibut fishing?
What is a good bait for Tuna in the 20 to 40 mile range?
What is a Hybrid Striped Bass?
Do you have any tips for fishing clear water?
Do you have ay advise for fishing low visibility water?
What is the best way to hook a crawdad?
What is Biological reference points for fish refer too?
How do I keep the fish I caught fresh for cooking?
What is the best way to store live eels for fishing bait?
What is the best way to hook a crawdad?
What kind of fish can I catch if I go fly fishing?
How do I pick the right wader for fly fishing?
Any suggestions for an exciting destination to fly fish?
How do I know what to look for in a fly rod?
What are some good sources of information on fly fishing?
How can I catch pressured bass?
Try hybrid stripers for fast sub-surface action.
How do I lay a scent for big catfish?
How can I catch walleyes in the winter?
Where are the bluegills in the summer?
How does the thermocline affect fishing?
How can I make my crankbaits weedless?
How do I get my lure to track straight?
Can I add a trailer hook to my crankbait?
What sized crankbaits should I use for pond fishing?
How can I up my odds for predator species in the late fall and early winter?
How do I use a countdown bait?
How do I make my floating crankbait run deeper?
What about the new super baits?
What's the best way to store my lures?
How can I decide where to go fishing?
Where do I find a fishing lodge?
Where I can I fish in the city?
What are some things I should think about before I go fishing in the wilderness?
What one packing tip will make my fishing trip more enjoyable?
What have I forgotten now that I'm done packing?
How can I find new fishing destinations close to home?
How can I afford a fishing trip?
Where can I find cheap fishing equipment?
Can I get an inexpensive boat?
Are there inexpensive muskie baits?
Where can I find lake contour maps?
What's an inexpensive way to visit great fishing areas?
Why do panfish keep changing depths under the ice?
How can I improve my footing on the ice?
When is the best time to ice fish?
How do I deal with cold fingers?
Can I find live bait in the winter?
Can I catch big fish through the ice?
Should I fish at different depths?
What's the best bait going for under the ice?
What will a nightcrawler catch?
Are frogs really a good bass bait?
How do I keep my crawfish out of the rocks?
What are the best ways to use crickets and grasshoppers?
Is live bait difficult to care for?
Are there any new bass tactics?
Will hybrid stripers eat chicken livers?
What is bulging a spinnerbait?
How do I best fish a trotline for catfish?
How can I improve my retrieve?
How can I increase casting distance?
What's the most important aspect of night-fishing?
What is the best use of light?
How can I fool after-dark bass?
How can I catch walleyes at night?
What is the best bullhead bait?
What's a good activity for the kids?
Will bug spray hurt the fishing?
How can I find my way around after dark?
How do I catch pressured bass?
How do I finesse a northern pike?
What is the best way to target channel catfish?
What's the best way to catch crappies.
How do I catch big bluegills when the bite is tough?
Will walleyes bite in shallow water?
How is a lunker fish different from the smaller ones?
Can I catch fish in the warm-water discharges?
When can I catch big bluegills?
Why are shad jumping out of the water?
What time of the day is best for lunker largemouths?
What's a great way to catch trophy northern pike?
How do I get a lunker class walleye to bite?
How do I photograph my lunker catch?
How do I use the current to my advantage?
Where can I find the really big catfish?
Are the tailraces really that good?
Where can I find trophy blue catfish?
What's the best way to use a trotline?
Are skamania trout good fishing?
How do rainstorms affect river fishing?
What's a fool-proof way to take rainbow trout?
How do I tell the difference between a sauger, saugeye and walleye?
Which end of the boat do I anchor from in a river?
Are there any modifications to "standard" bass lures that will make them more effective?
Q.
I want to know about fish feeding equipment.
A.
Click for the Answer
Guru Spotlight |
Phyllis Serbes |