How to Tie a Slip Bobber Rig in 5 Easy Steps: Catch a Boatload of Panfish

What is a Slip Bobber Rig?

A slip bobber rig requires a few key components to tie everything together, but the star of the show - and what gives this rig its name - is a float (bobber) that has a hole through the center, allowing it to slide freely up and down your line.

The slip float rig is simple to tie and excels at catching all types of panfish, including crappie, perch and bluegill — The slip float rig is simple to tie and excels at catching all types of panfish, including crappie, bluegill, perch and sunfish. | Justin Hoffman

Compared to a set, or fixed bobber, that stays 'pegged' at the position you set it on your line, the slip float can move to any set depth depending on where the bobber stop is placed. This means you can easily present your bait at one foot or 10 feet and higher - and any depth in between.

Tackle items needed to tie up a slip float rig, starting from the top and the first to go on your line, include a bobber stop, plastic bead, slip float, split shot and your jig and plastic offering.
Let's take a closer look at the five components and steps.

1. A Bobber Stop Determines the Depth of Your Slip Float Presentation

There are two types of bobber stops that are designed to use with a slip float. The first, and my favorite, is a rubber stop that come packaged on thin loops of wire. Simply place the tag end of your fishing line through the loop and slide a bobber stop on. These are the same bobber stops I use to peg worm weights in place when fishing Texas-rigged plastics for bass.

Using a rubber bobber stop when rigging a slip float determines the depth that the float will slide up the line to. — A rubber bobber stop easily threads on the line and stays secure for when rigging a slip float. | Mudhole.com

The other is a string style slip knot. These are purchased tied on a plastic tubing and are added to your line using the same method as above. I don't find this style holds in place as snugly as the rubber stops but it all comes down to personal preference. Many folks love them. Try both and see which you like best.

A string style slip knot makes a good bobber stop when targeting panfish. — The string style slip knot stop. | Cabelas.com

2. The Plastic Bead Ensures the Bobber Stop Doesn't Get Stuck in the Slip Float

Next to go on the line is a plastic bead. These small round beads have a hole through the center and are threaded on your line after the bobber stop goes on. The circumference of these beads are greater than the hole in the slip float, meaning they won't get hung up or interfere with the sliding motion of the slip float, something that would happen if left off with only the bobber stop in place.

3. A Slip Float is What Makes This Rig (and Technique) Work

Slip floats come in a wide range of styles and shapes. The common trait is the hole running through the center. I like to carry a few different brands and models when working the water for panfish, including some taller floats for wavy water, smaller floats for calm and/or spooky fish, and even a lighted float for those dusk outings for hungry crappie.

Slip floats come in a wide range of sizes and styles. Choose a few different kinds when targeting panfish to cover the bases. — Stock a selection of different styles of slip floats to cover all of your bases. | Cabelas.com

Keep in mind the weight of your presentation, which will be a jig in most cases. If your slip float is too large, the weight of your jig might not be enough to force it to sit upright on the surface of the water. Split shot help with this problem - but won't if the float you choose is designed for targeting walleye or bigger fish.

4. Split Shot Helps the Slip Float Stand Upright and Gets Your Bait Down Quicker

Adding a split shot or two between your jig and the float will both help in keeping your float upright but also in getting your bait down to the desired depth quickly. I like to clamp the lowest split shot approximately 12 inches from the jig to not spook fish and give my offering a more natural presentation and movement.

5. A Jig Works Great to Lure Panfish When Using a Slip Bobber Rig

What you tie on to the business end of your slip float rig is entirely a personal choice but when it comes to fishing for panfish a number of options shine bright.

Soft plastic grubs or tubes, rigged on a jig head, definitely get the nod. I choose plastics in the 1.5 to 3 inch range and jig heads from 1/32 oz up to 1/8 oz in weight. Most times I am tossing a 1/16 oz jig.

Soft plastic jig or bucktails are two great options for working with a slip float rig when targeting panfish. — Soft plastic jigs or bucktails are two great options for working with a slip float rig when targeting panfish. | Justin Hoffman

Small bucktail jigs - especially those with tinsel tied in - also attract the attention of all panfish and are a personal favorite. Whatever style of jig or trailer you choose, opt for natural colors but also those bright and neon colors. Panfish seem to have a penchant for bright colors, especially in stained water or on those overcast days.

If panfish are extremely finicky, a simple hook and live minnow can turn sniffers into biters. Be sure to use ample split shot in order to get your bait down to the depth you set your float at.

Why Slip Float Rigs Work So Well For Catching Panfish

Depending on the season, and even current weather conditions, panfish can be found at varying and ever-changing depths. Fish will be shallow during the spring spawn but then move off to deeper water when summer patterns kick in. This is why a slip float rig is so productive year round.

Slip float rigs are an excellent choice for targeting panfish year round. — The author holds a nice crappie, caught shallow in the spring on a slip float rig. | Justin Hoffman

A slip float rig gives anglers the ability to quickly change the depth of their presentation, simply by sliding a bobber stop up and down the line. And since a bobber stop can easily pass through rod guides with ease, there really is no limit to how deep you can fish your jig or live bait. This makes the slip float a versatile rig for targeting panfish hugging the bottom, up high, or any depth in between.

Give the slip float rig a try this season when targeting crappie, bluegill, perch or sunfish. It is a simple presentation that consistently yields excellent panfish results.

PANFISH RIGS	Best For...	Advantages	Limitations
Slip Float Rig	All water depth fishing	•Precise control. •Easy to cast. •Easy to see bites.	•Longer setup time •Extra tackle.
Fixed Bobber Rig	Shallow-water fishing	•Extremely simple • Good for beginners •Easy to see bites.	•Restricted to shallower depths. •More difficult to cast.
Bottom Rig (Slip Sinker/No Float)	Deeper water/bottom fishing	•Keeps bait near bottom. •Good in current. •Easy to cast.	•Bottom feeding fish only. •More difficult to see bites.