Bobber fishing rod? What'cha using? (2024)

This is probably a "Gear" thread, but the folks I want to ask are more likely hanging out here in "Lakes" so here's my question...

For those hard core bobber fishermen (boxes full of a myriad of secret chironomid recipes in every size from #20 to #8, long leaders, anchors on their floating device, thermos for coffee or other, etc), do you have a specialized rod for long leader indicator fishing? If so, please let us know about it.

Pic just for fun

So, this is an interesting question. I have talked to several people about this and the answer is like everything, it depends.

I personally set up a rod for deep water "bobber watching". I prefer a stiffer backed rod for "deep water"/ long leader fishing, as this makes swinging the long leader up and out with my "rodeo retrieve and cast" easier. I like a faster tip for the fight. I use a 9ft rod but know several guys that have gone to 10 or 11ft rods.

Salmo_g said:

5' Zebco spincast and a slip bobber. After surveying all the equipment variations used for so called high falutin' chironomid fishing, I realized that going back to what many of us started out with is perhaps the most efficient bobber fishing tool of all.

Click to expand...

I still have mine! It’s only 64+ years new……might just have to fish it this year!

clarkman said:

I actually prefer my 8' Steffen glass (shocker, I like that rod for everything trout) over any of my 10' rods primarily because it is so much easier when landing fish.

Click to expand...

That’s exactly what I use, the 8 ft, 5/6 wt.

Irafly said:

10’+ for most my deep stuff with an indicator. I can cast 30’ of leader two flies and an indicator 60’ with my NRX + 4wt. You don’t have to cast that far, but sometimes it helps me zero in on an area, and or let’s me play with retrieves.

Click to expand...

Hi Ira. I recall you mentioning how much you like that rod. I got an extra class this quarter and I'm leaning toward getting the same rod instead of a more dedicated euro stick. Thanks for chiming in and mentioning it.

Tom Butler said:

Hi Ira. I recall you mentioning how much you like that rod. I got an extra class this quarter and I'm leaning toward getting the same rod instead of a more dedicated euro stick. Thanks for chiming in and mentioning it.

Click to expand...

Tom, you are forbidden from getting any new angling gear that might make you still more effective. You already haul the fish out two and three at a time. Might as well just get a cast net from here.
Signed,
The Fish

Irafly said:

10’+ for most my deep stuff with an indicator. I can cast 30’ of leader two flies and an indicator 60’ with my NRX + 4wt. You don’t have to cast that far, but sometimes it helps me zero in on an area, and or let’s me play with retrieves.

Click to expand...

I still have my original glx 10’ 4wt that I bought in the 90’s and used to fish 25’ leaders at pass lake and kamloops.
Now it’s job is swinging soft hackles for 1/2 pounders.