If you have ever fished with a slip bobber or a Texas Rig you might have heard about a bobber stopper and might be wondering what they are and how to use one properly. Regardless of the fishing rig you are using or what your target species is, having a bobber stopper can help make things a lot easier for you as an angler in certain fishing situations.
A bobber stop is a small tackle accessory made out of rubber, string, or plastic that you use to thread onto your fishing line that allows you to position your bobber for certain depths. They can be repositioned to adjust as fishing conditions change. Bobber stoppers are also used to peg certain weights into position like on a Texas Rig used in bass fishing.
In this article you’ll learn everything you need to know about using and rigging bobber stops including:
- What is a bobber stopper?
- What are the different types?
- How to use each bobber stop
- And much more
Let’s get started
How to Use a Bobber Stoppers
Bobber stops are a piece of fishing tackle that is made out of a small piece of string, rubber, or plastic that you can thread on your line to prevent your bobber from sliding up your fishing line. If a bobber stop is not used, your fishing line would simply run through your bobber until your rig hits the bottom.
Bobber stops are also a great tool for setting the depth of your fishing rig and ensuring your fishing in the strike zone. They also make it easy to adjust the depth of your bait or jig on the fly so you can adapt to any fishing condition while out on the water.
There are four main types of bobber stops and most come with some type of bead that is used to ensure your bobber doesn’t slide right through your stop.
Being able to adjust and change your fishing depth and keeping your bobber or weight from sliding can give you a huge advantage and improve your overall fishing success.
Let’s talk about the four different types of bobber stoppers and to use and rig each one:
Types of Bobber Stoppers
- Rubber Bobber Stop
- Slip-Knot Bobber Stop
- 4-Hole Bobber Stop
- Dogbone Bobber Stop
How to Use Rubber Bobber Stoppers
A rubber bobber stop is the one I find myself using the most and is what I recommend most anglers use. It can be a great tool for a lot of different fishing rigs and situations.
It is a little bit more expensive than some of the other types of bobber stoppers, but they do tend to last much longer. You’ll end up running out of line or snagging your line long before these will wear out.
They typically come in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. Each size is designed to be fished with a different pound test to best match the type of rig and line you are going to use.
Here is a quick guide on which one you should choose based on your line size:
Bobber Stop Size Breakdown
- Small 2-4lb
- Medium 4-8lb
- Large 8-12+lb
Rubber bobber stops are super easy to put on and adjust while on your line and are a great tool that can be used for a variety of fishing applications. Some come with a bead implemented in while others may just be a single piece of rubber. The bead helps prevent your bobber from sliding right through your stop.
Here are four easy steps on how to use a rubber bobber stopper properly:
- First take your fishing line and run it through one of the wire loops on your bobber stop holder.
- Ensure you thread enough line through the wire loop and that the tag end is about 3 inches long.
- Now, grab the rubber stop with your thumb and index finger and slide it over and onto your line
- If your bobber stop does have a bead, make sure to do the same thing.
- Now you can put on your bobber or weight as needed and adjust the bobber stop by sliding it up and down until it’s in your desired position.
Here is a quick video demonstrated the instructions I have outlined above.
How to Use Slip-Knot Bobber Stops
Another common type of stopper used by anglers is what is called a slip-knot bobber stop. Just like the name suggests it’s designed to be used when your fishing setup calls for a slip bobber.
Slip bobbers come in a variety of different sizes and are used to help aid anglers catching fish using bait or jigs. The slip-knot bobber stop allows you to position your bobber and associated line & bait to a certain position. This ensures you are fishing at the right depth which will ultimately help you catch more fish. It also helps keep your bobber from sliding up and down, potentially causing problems when casting and managing your line.
This type of bobber stop is basically some string and a bead that you can put on your line that will prevent your bobber from sliding around. The string will hold it into place and the bead is to help prevent your bobber from rubbing against.
The major downside to this style is that they tend to not last as long and are hard to adjust after they have been put onto your line. However, they are a very popular bobber stop when fishing with a slip bobber and loved by many anglers.
Here are some simple steps on how to use a slip-knot bobber stop:
- Find the piece of tube that came with your bobber stop and slide your fishing line through one end and out the other.
- Now, slide the piece of string wrapped around your tube and place it onto your line.
- Next, pull each end of the string until your stop knot is on your line tightly.
- Cut the tag ends of the string so that you only see the knot, but not too close where you will damage it.
- Slide the bead onto the fishing line.
- Now, slide the slip bobber onto your line and set up the rest of your fishing rig.
- To adjust it simply, slide the stop knot up or down the line until you reach your desired depth.
Here is a quick video tutorial on the steps I have outlined above:
How to Use 4-Hole Bobber Stops
A 4-hole is another popular and effective bobber stop to use with your fishing rigs. This type is a favorite among many anglers and is easy to use.
They are a small piece of plastic that has four different holes where you thread your line through each hole which holds it into place and acts as a stop. You can move them up and down your line fairly easily and they can work really well.
The only downside to this design is that they have a bigger profile than some of the other stops and if you end up reeling them through your line guides and onto your reel, they tend to get stuck when you go to make a cast.
Here are some simple steps on how to use and rig a 4-hole bobber stop:
- Grab the bobber stop with one hand and the tag end of your fishing line with the other.
- Thread your fishing line through the bottom hole of the stop.
- Now start weaving your line in and out through the remaining holes.
- Finally slide the stop bead onto your fishing line.
- Now you are ready to set up the rest of your rig and can start catching fish.
How to Use Dogbone Bobber Stops
Now it’s time to discuss the final type of bobber stop which is called a dogbone stop. This type is also made of plastic and is very similar to the 4-hole bobber stop. This stop isn’t as common as some of the other types, but it can still be really effective.
The dogbone bobber stop comes with three plastic pieces and works pretty much like the 4-hole style of stop. They allow you to adjust your slip bobber quickly and easily to any depth and are perfect to use when fishing for crappie and other species.
Here is how to use the dogbone bobber stop for fishing:
- Grab the tag end of your fishing line and run it through one of the dog bone stop’s holes.
- Next, twist your line around the dog bone 2-3 times.
- Now, run the end of your line through the second hole of the dog bone stopper.
- Next, place the stop bead onto your fishing line.
By twisting the line around the dogbone section of the stop will help prevent your bobber from sliding down your fishing line when casting out and reeling in.
Now you know all about what the different types of bobber stops are and how to use and rig each one. Now it’s time to go out and apply what you have learned and use it in your fishing.
If you would like to learn more fishing tips and tricks make sure to check out the additional posts mentioned below.
Other Fishing Resources
- The 8 Best San Diego Party Fishing Boats & Charters
- Best Plastic Worm Colors for Bass [Must Have Colors]
Final Thoughts
A bobber stop or bobber stopper is a small piece of tackle that can be used in a variety of rigs and fishing situations. A bobber stop allows you to easily adjust the depth of your bobber and can also peg your weight into certain positions making line management much easier.
I hope this quick bobber stopper guide has provided value to you and that it helps you understand what bobber stoppers are and how and when they should be used.
