Slip Float Depth Control

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03-21-2015, 12:31 PM
Jump'n Jack

Slip Float Depth Control

Good morning. I use slip floats and have difficulty keeping the thread set from slipping on the main line after it become wet. You probably know this but let me tell you how I put on the thread in case I am missing something. The thread and bead come on a small plastic tube which slides on the line to the depth you want to set it. Slide the thread off the tube onto the line and pull the two ends tight. Remove the plastic tube. Put bead followed by float on line. Works for a while then the thread begins to slip. As crappie fishermen you know how this change in depth can affect your catch. Any hints, suggestions or tricks to keep this in place are greatly appreciated. Jump'n Jak
:biggrin
03-21-2015, 01:03 PM
"G"

I dont use the thread type bobber stops for that very reason..... I use the little rubber football shaped ones from BPS. I they are on a looped piece of wire....run you line thru the loop and pull the rubber bobber stop off of the wire and right on line. Works great and will stay set.....goes thru rod guides good too.
03-21-2015, 02:41 PM
Rprince80

Quote:

Originally Posted by "G"

I dont use the thread type bobber stops for that very reason..... I use the little rubber football shaped ones from BPS. I they are on a looped piece of wire....run you line thru the loop and pull the rubber bobber stop off of the wire and right on line. Works great and will stay set.....goes thru rod guides good too.

X2 but I ordered mine on Amazon, they are black and a little smaller
03-21-2015, 03:05 PM
kickingback

They come in red, black and yellow and work good on mono. Not so good on braid. The braid wears them out sliding them up and down. To keep the knots tied tight make sure when you first put the stop on that you pull it as tight as you can and leave some string (about 1/4 inch) on the tag ends and if it gets loose again take a two pairs of pliers or your nails and tighten again. They come loose from moving them around a lot.
03-21-2015, 05:52 PM
Cane Pole

Rubber elastic bead string.
03-21-2015, 06:43 PM
Crestliner08

I use slip floats for not only crappie, but for smallmouth bass & salmon fishing as well. Tried the rubber stops, but they tore up way too fast. And those "dog bone" types are a disaster for casting. The string ties are what I use exclusively now. Never had a problem and some of my bass & salmon rigs have the same stop on for most of the season. And I move them up & down quite a bit as well, depending on the depths I'm fishing.

What may be the problem is the type of main line you are using. I use both PowerPro and Fireline Crystal on 3 of my bass & salmon rigs. Two are set up with 8# test and one with 10# test. I tie a fluorocarbon leader on these rigs (Alberto knot) and have been very successful for over 12 seasons now. I use 2# test Fireline Crystal on two of my crappie rigs. Only one is permanently set up for slip floating. If I'm fishing water that is less than 10' deep, I don't use a slip float. In that case I'd use one of my other rigs with a spring float. Again, the string stops work just fine for me. No problems, no worries. :)

One other note; I use two pair of pliers to pull on the tag ends of the string stops when setting them up. Not sure if that has anything to do with it though, but like I say, it's been working really well for me for many years.
03-21-2015, 07:14 PM
fishingman

If you choose to go with the BPS style bobber stops, be aware of the different size stops for different size lines. I use them exclusively and the only problem i have encountered is that on ONE of my reels, the bail is too close to the spool and it will hang.
03-21-2015, 08:30 PM
Eagle 1

GO TO DENTAL OFFICE AND GET A BAG OF RUBBERBANDS FOR KIDS BRACES . WILL HOLD, CAN TRIM VERY SHORT . I ALSO USE THOSE LIKE "G" . GET THEM AT DICKS SPORTING GOODS MADE BY EAGLE CLAW .
03-21-2015, 08:47 PM
matzilla

tie an overhand or square knot with the tag lines of the string...it'll hold tight, sometimes too tight lol! I like the rubber stops as well but they're getting harder and harder to find locally
03-21-2015, 09:21 PM
Yaker

I use both the string and rubber stops,I have never had a problem with either.I have used the string stops for several months each year for bottom fishing for trout,I just slide it up the line when I lose a hook or the line shows wear.I pull the string stops pretty tight,a little spit or water will help snug the string better.One tight I snip off the tag ends to just enough to tighten again if needed.
03-22-2015, 01:20 AM
cpd21

I just use small rubber bands...they always worked well for me and they are easy to get

Andy
03-22-2015, 05:37 AM
wannabe fisherman

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishingman

If you choose to go with the BPS style bobber stops, be aware of the different size stops for different size lines. I use them exclusively and the only problem i have encountered is that on ONE of my reels, the bail is too close to the spool and it will hang.

I'm aware of the different sizes, but what color for what size line? I haven't seen that info anyplace.
03-22-2015, 06:18 AM
mcgivor13

I use 12# to 14# test line and a uniknot doesnt move unless you want it to. It can be be set as deep as you like.
03-22-2015, 08:22 AM
kickingback

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabe fisherman

I'm aware of the different sizes, but what color for what size line? I haven't seen that info anyplace.

When you buy the rubber stops they come in different packages and colors. If you get the one with red, black, yellow, and green rubber beads mix you can find the right size you need. They come in size 1,2,3 or 4 for different pound test line. I used the 2-4 lb (size 2)on braid and the braid cut into the rubber so use mono. They are on Amazon for cheaper too. Amazon.com: rubber bobber stops

Bass Pro Shops Bobber Stops | Bass Pro Shops
03-22-2015, 08:12 PM
jdfisherman

Try a little spit on that string before you pull it tight. Get it pretty wet then pull tight.
03-23-2015, 05:56 AM
shipahoy41

Quote:

Originally Posted by "G"

I dont use the thread type bobber stops for that very reason..... I use the little rubber football shaped ones from BPS. I they are on a looped piece of wire....run you line thru the loop and pull the rubber bobber stop off of the wire and right on line. Works great and will stay set.....goes thru rod guides good too.

I do the same David for the same reason. When I find those rubber ones I usually get about six packs. That lasts the old man about five months.
03-23-2015, 05:57 AM
shipahoy41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jump'n Jack

Good morning. I use slip floats and have difficulty keeping the thread set from slipping on the main line after it become wet. You probably know this but let me tell you how I put on the thread in case I am missing something. The thread and bead come on a small plastic tube which slides on the line to the depth you want to set it. Slide the thread off the tube onto the line and pull the two ends tight. Remove the plastic tube. Put bead followed by float on line. Works for a while then the thread begins to slip. As crappie fishermen you know how this change in depth can affect your catch. Any hints, suggestions or tricks to keep this in place are greatly appreciated. Jump'n Jak
:biggrin

ALso, welcome from Alabama
03-24-2015, 08:11 AM
Fatman

I use the little rubber stops - One thing you want to do is take them out of the package and mark the LB. test on the plastic piece that holds the wires. If you have different ones with you it saves the hassle of making sure to get the right one on the line. The Eagle Claw ones are okay - but I still have some I got from Jann's Netcraft a few years ago.

As far as what color to get I don't really think it makes a difference - Mine are all the same color like the EC's. If I'm ever out I stop at Dicks sporting goods and pick them up, but it's easier to order them during the winter when you're restocking stuff.
03-24-2015, 08:57 AM
Jump'n Jack

Many thanks. I will try your method. Jack
03-24-2015, 09:05 AM
Jump'n Jack

I am not finding any information concerning sizing on Bass Pro or Amazon. Do you have a brand preference?
03-24-2015, 10:17 AM
sky hawk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crestliner08

One other note; I use two pair of pliers to pull on the tag ends of the string stops when setting them up. Not sure if that has anything to do with it though, but like I say, it's been working really well for me for many years.

I think this makes the difference. I used to have the same problem as the OP, but I began to use pliers to pull the string REALLY tight. Now they won't move, and I have even have trouble getting them to move sometimes when I want to change depth.
03-24-2015, 10:25 AM
CrappiePappy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jump'n Jack

I am not finding any information concerning sizing on Bass Pro or Amazon. Do you have a brand preference?

I looked at several different brands (Google Image search) and they seem to all be sized at 4-8lb ... 8-12lb ... 12-20lb test line. Not all of them had a bead with each rubber stopper. Colors didn't relate to the line size they're used for, either.

I've got several different ones, and would tell you the brand and line size ... but, unfortunately I don't keep them in their original pkg. but all together in a ziplock bag. I'm pretty sure I got them at Wal-Mart, and I'm "sorta" sure they are Eagle Claw brand. And the pkg did have the line size printed on it, or else I'd never have bought them. Mine came on a white ring, with the red rubber stops & a red bead on each wire.

The bead would probably not be necessary if the stops are used on slip floats with very narrow openings in the stem.

Also, I did notice that some were listed as SS, S, M, L .... and I'm just guessing here, but I would assume that SS=<4lb ... S=4-8lb ... M=8-12lb ... L=12-20lb test line.

... cp :kewl