Free Lining vs Slip Bobber

[Nick Li]

What's y'alls opinions on free lining jigs and minnows vs using a slip bobber? Is there any preference depending on weather, turbidity, wind, depth, etc?

[gabowman]

I never use slip bobber due to the fact that all my rods have such a small eye on the ends that the knots hang when casting. I tightline when vertical fishing. The only times I use a float is when I'm fishing the jig/minnow shallow.

[jimp]

what is "freelining" ?????

[Percidae_Papermouth]

I believe your refering to tightlining, I use a 1/2 to 1 oz sinker depending on the rod and how fast im moving. put an egg weight on above a swivel with 12-18" of leader to either a hook or jig....with a 1 oz you can troll up to .7mph-.9mph and remain vertical and keep a tightline. I use four rods at a time while fishing open water. unless they are biting well and i have em pinpointed then i cast count and slow retreve.

Now you cant compare slip floats to tightlining, two totally different animals... when tightline rigged you CAN fish thick cover vertically by dipping, when snagged, the weight combined with an up and down motion will shake it free...

I do not use slip floats while trolling, but they work well while casting under docks, or low bridges, even in thick laydowns when you cast to the tip of the down current or down wind side, this allows you to back off of the structure, not spooking the fish.

I think I covered everything.... I hope this is kinda what you were looking for.

[Nick Li]

Well, I learn somethin new every day! thanks guys

[no1son]

I never use minnows for crappies anymore, all plastics.
The only bobbers I use are slip bobbers and only then when I need to suspend over very shallow water that needs to be cast to, which is very seldom.

[Doodlum]

What's y'alls opinions on free lining jigs and minnows vs using a slip bobber? Is there any preference depending on weather, turbidity, wind, depth, etc?

Nick, It's boils down to "What floats your cork". What and how do you enjoy catching fish.All fishing methods have there advantages. Be as versitile as possible in having the right terminal tackle for the right speci, weather conditations, and location your fishing. Most Important, keep your eyes/ears open and pay close attention to what's being posted on this site. C.c posts will help you decide on a lot of choices of tackle.

[Corker]

Also consider pegged corks on telescopic poles. This passive technique involves a slow drift and as many rods as you can handle. Because the pegged corks stay put on your line, you can't cast them like slip bobbers. Instead, you control the boat so it pushes the baits to the fish at very slow speed--0.5 mph or slower. You can't cover as much ground as a tight-line spider rigger, but you'll catch plenty of fish. I use 14' poles (no reels), pegged cork, 0.25 oz egg sinker, and a plain hook for the minnow. If you're out of minnows or the fish are in the mood for plastic, substitute grubs for minnows or replace the plain hooks with jigs.

[Nick Li]

Haha, thanks guys, this is helping a lot, and do y'all ever use rosies for bait when you can't find minnows at bait shops?

[TapOut64]

do y'all ever use rosies for bait when you can't find minnows at bait shops?

Rosie O'Donnell is a bit too large for crappie bait. But heck, give it a try, you never know. Rofl