Using a slip bobber and leech is a great technique to target walleye in the summer. However it’s especially effective when you combine it with forward facing sonar. This doesn’t just allow you to target fish in numerous locations, but also allows you to easily target, and catch, individual fish.
How to Set Up a Slip Bobber for Walleye:
- Use 3/16 oz Thill Wobble Bobber (choosing a smaller profile bobber reduces the plopping noise which helps when fishing shallow water)
- Add a 1/8 oz bullet weight
- Put a Single bead above a swivel
- Use 6-8lb fluoro leader (use a longer length for clearer water)
- Attach a VMC Sleek Jig with a sickle hook (vertical jigs tend to pull out of the fish’s mouth, whereas a horizontal jig can give you better penetration on the hook set)
- Rig this setup on a couple rods:
- For many applications, try a 9’2″ snare casting rod from JT Outdoor Products . It has a stiff carbon backbone to drive solid hook sets and a fiberglass front end which allows the rod to load when you reel down on the fish. The length is great for withstanding headshakes.
- For heavy weeds or timber, try a 7’3″ medium-heavy extra-fast action rod. This has a stout backbone and sensitive front end to allow you to play that fish but also fight them out of cover.
Wherever you are fishing this summer, don’t be afraid to dig out the slip bobbers to turnover more fish.
