The basic bobber or float is used with a split shot for the weight and a hook with your bait. This is a common technique for catching smallmouth bass when the fish are located in shallow water during the spring and fall.
Once these fish go deep, anglers tend to go to the slip bobber rig so they can get their baits down deep where the fish are. Live baits such as minnows, leeches and nightcrawlers work well when fished under a float.
Live Baits
A simple bobber or slip bobber and lively nightcrawler, leech or minnow is one of the easiest ways to catch smallmouth bass.
Soft Plastics
A bobber or slip bobber with a jighead and soft plastic minnow bait is a great way to target suspended smallmouth bass.
Hair Jigs
A hair jig is often fished under a bobber or float when fishing for suspended smallmouth bass. Work it in with a jig and pause technique to find some active suspended bass. It is a very popular winter time technique on smallmouth bass lakes down south.
