Hello. I was wondering if anyone can give me a general idea of how to rig and fish a bobber setup for salmon? I will be fishing bait. Thank's in advance. Dale (SalmonBuster)

There are several factors you need to consider before you rig up for bobber fishing first, how deep are you going to be fishing, second, how long are your drifts going to be, and water clarity.When fishing salmon I am normally fishing holes between 5 and 15 feet deep which means I want a sliding bobber setup with a big weight to get down quick which means you will need a bigger bobber. If you are going to be fishing shallower water you can go to a smaller bobber. Bigger bobbers are also nice to use when you are carrying your drift 50-75 yards down river, much easier to see. I just rig mine with a bobber stop, bead, bobber snap swivel with 1/2 or 3/4 oz weight, 2-3 foot leader and hook with egg loop

Here's a basic illustration of a sliding set-up, "beer can" float, and shrimp cocktail.
A tried and true rig, although I would be more apt to use 2 oz or less with a smaller float.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiWCgV3Uv5A

As Springers keg up in the usual spots, this rig will be taking a lot of them.

what's a bobber?

That is the same thing fly anglers call a "strike indicator".


ClearCreek

Plenty are hooked on a float and jig setup. ;-)

Oh, shrimp tail leaves a nice scent.

ask Dave V

Thank's for the link Direct-Drive. I learned a lot from that video.

I'm thinking of trying jig's too. Think prawn tail's will work?

Yeah! The thing is to keep them cool. Salmon are turned off by rancid scents.

Here is a sliding setup I use when float fishing for salmon or steelhead. Typically a 1 or 2 oz West Coast float and matching weight with a salmon jig.




Mark

Thanks Mark. How long of a leader do you recommend for a float setup? I have two 1oz salmon stalker floats I'm going to use.

I use the term "bobber".........just sounds better to shout "bobber down", than "float indicator under" or "float down".....just my take on this subject.

i like to use around a foot or two of leader most of the time. easier to keep the bait down where you want it.

i don't do the oregon style 4oz of lead with a crab pot buoy though. rarely use more than 3/4oz of lead in the places i fish.

Yep, things got all mucked up when they started calling Corkys and similar, "drift bobbers" .
Who was the deep-thinking genius that came up with that one ?
I wish that the "float" word stayed up in Canada where it belongs along with centerpins, eh ?
Don't get me going on "cutplug"

DD
Who feels better now

you should ask seastrike.....

I typically use a 2-3 foot leader of maxima ultragreen in the 20-40# range.

i too agree on the short leader length from what ever weight you choose to sink the bait. rarely ever run over 24"s. i've watched guys run the long leaders for fall kings. watch enough salmon takes, heads shakes and not see the fellas bobber show the hard bite. your bobber only strike indicates when the bite occures. the longer the length, the less sensitivity the bobber has.

i've noticed that kings have zero smook reflex about the weight being close to the eggs. if the eggs are milking out and look hot. kings become stupid blind to the lead or the heavy leader.

however to each his own on leader length.

I dont like to go below a two foot leader, if the water is extra swirly and I am worried about my bait being down I will throw on a drift weight above my hook. They look and are used just like a corky but they are lead.