Paddlin’ with Madalyn: Back to the Basics
By Madalyn Roberts
As my knowledge of different fishing techniques continues to grow, I feel more prepared to set myself up for success when I get out on the water. However much to my chagrin, not all the techniques I’ve picked up are easily replicated when fishing from a kayak.
One technique that is kayak-friendly and requires only the most basic gear is slip-bobber fishing. One of the greatest aspects about slip-bobber fishing is that it’s easy for folks of all ages to pick up on.
What I like about fishing with a slip bobber versus a fixed bobber is that a slip bobber isn’t limiting in the depth of water you can fish. For many anglers, fishing 30 to 40 feet below a bobber wouldn’t necessarily be in their playbook. Using a slip float, however, makes it completely feasible. With the use of a slip bobber, one can easily adjust the bobber stop by sliding it up or down the line to set the preferred depth.
The only additional piece of equipment needed beyond rod, reel, line and bait is a bobber and a few bobber stops, which makes bobber fishing a very affordable option.
No additional equipment on the kayak is necessary either. Slip-bobber fishing is especially lethal in a kayak during the spring and fall months because there are so many places boats can’t get to easily, meaning the fish are less pressured in those areas.
Another situation that calls for a bobber is when the fish aren’t in the mood to chase. Long poles come in handy to drop it right on their nose and hold it there, but if you’ve ever attempted to long pole in kayak, you know it’s a tall task. It’s all but game over when the line gets wrapped around the rod tip. That’s the appeal of using a slip bobber in the kayak; it allows you to drop the bait right on top of fish and hold it there until the bait provokes a bite.
My go-to slip bobber is made by Stan’s Slip Bobbers. Stan’s has an assortment of slip bobbers from which to chose, but my favorite so far have been Stan’s P.B.S.- Professional Balsa Series , which were designed and tested by professional guides and tournament anglers. The balsa floats are produced in three sizes, and what makes them super user-friendly is that each size float comes labeled with the corresponding weight it should be paired with, effectively eliminating the guessing game of how much weight to use to make the bobber sink just right. Even better, the black and white contrasting lines in the middle sit right at water line, making it easier to see from longer distances when the fish takes the bait.
Make sure to sign up for the CrappieNOW newsletter and stay tuned for my upcoming 2027 article on the complete line of Stan’s Slip Bobbers, all their features and real-time applications with Professional Guide Corey Thomas.
(Madalyn Roberts is from Kansas City, Missouri although she considers herself a southern transplant, having lived in Kentucky for 17 years. She serves her Louisville community by working for a non-profit organization facilitating free home repairs for elderly and disabled homeowners. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the outdoors in all capacities, especially fishing, hiking and camping.)
