FOCUSING ON SPRING BOBBER SET-UPS

It was over 40 years ago when Dave Genz began introducing to all of us the modern way of ice fishing, and at that time there wasn’t a whole lot of manufactured ice fishing equipment. So, we made our own gear out of necessity. One of those items being the spring bobber. Quite a fitting name because it literally started with a spring from a ballpoint pen which was attached to about a 2-foot section of a broken open water rod. It was crude, but it was the best we could do at the time, plus it worked. The spring was used mostly as a bite indicator, not knowing how many other advantages we would learn about down the road. Things have really changed since that time; we have an unbelievable amount of equipment and knowledge available to us now. Though, let’s continue to focus on spring bobbers and why you may want to use one. Let’s rig some ice rods and then we’ll talk about the advantages of using one.

First setup: let’s rig the Clam Outdoors Katana 27” Light Spring Bobber Rod and attach the Gravity Elite Reel and spool that with Frost Ice Fluorocarbon in 3# test. Then we will tie on a Clam Pro Tackle Drop Kick Jig and add a Silkie plus a Maki Polli plastic.

Second setup: let’s go with the Clam Outdoors Scepter Stick 27” Medium Light Spring Bobber Rod and attach a Clam Outdoors Genz Spooler Elite Reel. Spool this one with Frost Ice Monofilament in 3# test. Also add the Drop Kick, Silkie and Maki plastic—increasing our size of Drop Kick on this one.

Third setup: let’s go with the Clam Outdoors Straight Drop Combo 27” ML Spring Bobber combo and spool that with Frost Ice braid in 4# test, then add a short section of 2 or 3# Fluorocarbon for the leader. Also add a Clam Pro Tackle Swirl Drop and Maki Wammi.

Now we are ready to fish!

I’m sure you are wondering why did he just rig with spooler reels and why three different line types? The spooler style reels prevent a lot less line twist and line memory. Also, very easy to hold the rod like a pistol, letting you fish longer and set the hook quicker. Besides, if you hold your rod like this you can do the famous “Dave Genz jig quiver” much easier!!!

Next, the three different line types, in which each will get you setup for panfish, but provide a slightly different action. There are days when this can be very important!

Now, back to the spring bobber, not only is it a bite indicator, but fish feel very little resistance when inhaling your jig. This can—and is—a big deal a lot of days. Studies show that a bluegill can inhale and exhale a jig in about 1/4 of a second. Now that is quick, but the Spring Bobber gives you time to detect the bite and set the hook!

Some days fish don’t want an aggressive presentation, whether it is from a weather change or maybe fishing pressure, and a spring bobber will give you an added advantage on those tough days. The rod rigged with the monofilament or fluorocarbon line will be the most subtle action on your jig but remember there are many days when a very aggressive presentation is the only way to get fish to bite.

Another great advantage to a spring bobber is the famous up-bite from crappies and even sometimes bluegills. Visually you will see this right away. Make sure when you rig your spring bobber setup that you have a slight bend in the bobber, this way you will see the up-bite and set the hook!

Although there are many more advantages to using a spring bobber, these are some of my favorites. Spring bobbers are just another tool to make you a better ice angler.

Have a great ice season—maybe I will see you on the ice!!