Thingamabobber

[flyfishmaster]

I just saw this newer type of indicator called a Thingamabobber.

Has anybody used these things before? To me it looks as if it is possible you could cut your line on the metal ring.

Here is the link to the Thingamabobber

Later,

FFM

[Paola Cat]

I think Feather-Craft sells them. Has anyone called FC? Is it really a metal ring ... I can't tell from the picture. PC

[drew03cmc]

Several people here swear by them. I saw some, and I think they have a plastic ring, but I am not sure. yagersflies.com carries them as well. They are not listed, but you can call them and order some.

[Paola Cat]

Thanks drew .... I might just swing by there. PC

[MEL44]

I've been using the TMB's for almost two years now and am very happy with their castability and sensativity. My only original complaint was that they would weaken the tippet or leader, where they were attached, after catching several fish. This was leading to too many fish "snapping me off". The other problem was that they would slide sometimes and cause your leader to get kinked and curled. My remedy for this was to start attaching the TMB's with orthodontic rubberbands. Works like a charm and makes adjusting the TMB for different depths quicker than anything else I've seen so far. If anyone is interested I could give directions and maybe post some pictures of the attachment. It's easy. I use the small ones on tailwaters, the med. ones on freestones, and the large ones for suspension nymphing on stillwaters.

B-Ray

I am very interested in learning the details of your ortho. rubberband attachment system. Thanks'

[Paola Cat]

Tried one of these Thingamabobbers for the 1st time last week. I used the 1/2" size. I agree with FFM .... the sensitivity, castability, and floatability are great. In my evaluation, I was using it on tippett only. If re-positioned it does have the tendency to kink or curl tippet. I didn't notice any slippage. I didn't "snap" any fish off .... because of the Thingamabobber. I think the orthodontic rubber band attachment method is a great idea (B-Ray) and will give it a try next time out. Overall, I like these better than the twist-on, tooth-picked, or sticky-back press on strike indicators. If you have to use an indcator, I would recommend the Thingamabobber. Overall A. PC

[B-Ray]

B-Ray

I am very interested in learning the details of your ortho. rubberband attachment system. Thanks'

Sorry it's taken so long to get back. Anyway, the set -up is something like this.

The first picture(step 1) shows the rubberband attached to the tmb with a girth hitch.

Step 2: Lay your leader or tippet across the rubberband as shown. I'm using a colored string so you can see it better.

Step 3: Open the rubberband and pass the tmb thru the hole about 3 or 4 times (or as many times as it takes to keep it snug to the line). If you have to go more than 6-7 times you might want to try a smaller band. I use 3/16"-1/4"-5/16" bands.

Photo 4 shows the finished wrap. It will not be so spread out on the mono or flouro, it will bunch right up at the base of the tmb.

[

To adjust the tmb from this point just pull the line tight wet the connection( I spit on it ) and slide the tmb up or down your leader. I usually put it above my blood knot as it is hard but not impossible to pass this connection over a knot. I get the bands off e-bay for cheap. The whole set-up, after you get familiar with it, only takes a minute or so. Hope this helps. If I forgot something or you have any questions, just post here again.

[jjtroutbum]

B-ray

Thank you for the process explanation with pictures. Very "Well Done" sir.

[MEL44]

Sorry it's taken so long to get back. Anyway, the set -up is something like this.

The first picture(step 1) shows the rubberband attached to the tmb with a girth hitch.

Step 2: Lay your leader or tippet across the rubberband as shown. I'm using a colored string so you can see it better.

Step 3: Open the rubberband and pass the tmb thru the hole about 3 or 4 times (or as many times as it takes to keep it snug to the line). If you have to go more than 6-7 times you might want to try a smaller band. I use 3/16"-1/4"-5/16" bands.

Photo 4 shows the finished wrap. It will not be so spread out on the mono or flouro, it will bunch right up at the base of the tmb.

[

To adjust the tmb from this point just pull the line tight wet the connection( I spit on it ) and slide the tmb up or down your leader. I usually put it above my blood knot as it is hard but not impossible to pass this connection over a knot. I get the bands off e-bay for cheap. The whole set-up, after you get familiar with it, only takes a minute or so. Hope this helps. If I forgot something or you have any questions, just post here again.

B-Ray --- Thanks for the helpful photos.

[B-Ray]

Your very welcome. I really liked the tmb's when they came out, but just wasn't happy with the intended attachment method. I had been using rubberbands to attach homade yarn indicators in a similar manner and just kinda stumbled onto it. I fish rivers/streams more than anything else, and the ease of adjusting my depth with this setup was like a miracle. I use a Ty-Rite tool to make the girth hitch a snap, and use it like a crochet hook.