A bobber is a great way to present bait at a specific depth below the water’s surface. There are several commercial bobbers on the market in various sizes, geometries, and colors. However, you are not limited to what’s available in the marketplace. With some simple tools and materials, you can make your own bobber to fish a variety of baits in a variety of conditions.
Materials
- Wine Bottle Cork
- Monofilament or flurocarbon
- Hook
- Swivel
- Split shot (optional)
Tools
- Safety Glasses
- Line cutter or scissors
- Rigging Needle (e.g. Carp Bait Needle)
- Pliers (optional)
Making your own bobbers is easy. Cut a length of monofilament or flurocarbon to fish your desired depth; be sure to add addition lengths for knots. Tie the length of monofilament or flurocarbon to a swivel via improved clinch knot . Tie a double surgeon’s loop to the other end of the leader. Insert a rigging needle through the enter of a wine bottle cork and hook the loop.
Pull the line through the cork until the bottom eye of the swivel touches the cork. Â Push bottom eye of the swivel into the cork. Â Cut the double surgeons loop knot and tie a hook of your choice via improved clinch knot . Depending on your application, you can add a non-lead split spot.
Besides being very low cost (excluding the cost of the wine), the primary advantage of this DIY bobber is that it provides maximum buoyancy with a minimal profile. I personally think that cork has more of a natural look than a red/white plastic sphere. 😉