Thingamabobber

[jdixon]

Just wondering if anybody has used them and what your opinion is on them. It seems like a good product but do they leave a kink in your line if you move them up or down? Or if you have an indicater you like. I have been using Thill's and the small round orange ones but just thought I would look around for somthing new.

[Joe C]

I have used them and found the same thing. They do kink your line. They also do not stay put very well if you try to use them closer to the tippet. I am in search of the perfect indicator and have tried many. I recently found a traditional red and white bobber a little smaller than the med thingamabobber, but have not had it in field to try it. I hesitate because I may get a look from the fly fishing snobs. If maybe some mfgr would be smart enough to make them in a more fly fishing snob-free colors, it could take off.

[troutfiend1985]

I have used them and found the same thing. They do kink your line. They also do not stay put very well if you try to use them closer to the tippet. I am in search of the perfect indicator and have tried many. I recently found a traditional red and white bobber a little smaller than the med thingamabobber, but have not had it in field to try it. I hesitate because I may get a look from the fly fishing snobs. If maybe some mfgr would be smart enough to make them in a more fly fishing snob-free colors, it could take off.

I guess it depends what you are looking for in an indicator. I like the twist indicators a lot, they are convenient as they float well and are adjustable. Putty works well also, but it has a tendency to sink if you are using heavier rigs. Yarn indicators are great for small creeks with spooky trout. I don't know of a perfect all around indicator, just certain ones for certain situations. I guess it would depend on where you are fishing and what conditions. My favorite is the yarn indicator as a I fish a lot of small creeks, as long as I am not using a heavy rig. Also, "dotting" is a nice tactic for spooky trout when midging.

[Justin Spencer]

Thingamabobbers are great for fast big water because they float well, are light and very visable. They will slide, but I keep mine close to the fly line to get my fly deep quick in fast moving stuff. Fishing in slower water I probably would use something else, but for the fast stuff they are my favorite option, even though I cuss them quite a bit.

[jah]

Thingamabobbers are great for fast big water because they float well, are light and very visable. They will slide, but I keep mine close to the fly line to get my fly deep quick in fast moving stuff. Fishing in slower water I probably would use something else, but for the fast stuff they are my favorite option, even though I cuss them quite a bit.

Out of curiosity, Justin, how do you cast it? With a 9 foot leader, and a dropper (I assume) below your first fly, it seems awkward to cast such a rig. I assume you roll cast? I like using them for fast water, too, and since I always use a dropper, I have difficulty casting them. I find myself tangled when I try to move the thingamabobber too high on my leader.

[flyfishmaster]

Jdixon,

Here is a previous post for the Thingamabobber: CLICK HERE

I use the oral rubber bands to attach the Thingamabobber to the line as the direction indicate. This will eliminate any link kinks, plus at the end of the day you can cut it off and be done. You can purchase 100 of the rubber bands on ebay for about $2.50.

I hope this helps out.

Later,

FFM

[Justin Spencer]

That's a frustrating thing with most big indicators. When the fish are taking my lead fly on a regular basis I quit using a dropper and catch as many if not more fish. With big flies I seem to catch more fish without a dropper for some reason. I think I get a better drift that way. When I do use a dropper I tie it fairly close to my lead fly 8-10" and that can help with tangles. The simple fact is that fishing big water with big flies big lead and big indicators equals big tangles, at least for me. It also equals big fish and more fish in the fast water. I think when it takes fewer casts to catch each fish that leaves me more time to re-tie, untangle, and climb trees to retrieve my flies. The main reason I put my indicator so high is it helps me cast heavy rigs, and lets the fly get down as quickly as possible, I fish with people that put their's much lower than I do and they catch fish also, so who knows. If you use the current to help you flip cast back upstream that can really help, but it also can limit your ability to get across the stream where the fish always seem to be.

[jdixon]

FFM thanks for the link, I really like the idea of using rubberbands to eliminate the kinking, will definatly try that next time out. I was really looking for an indicater that worked well in swift, choppy water with a weighted nymph and it sounds like the TMB might be it.

[stlfisher]

I like them quite a bit myself and I have on occasion found them to slip. I usually just twist the line a few times if it is close to my tippet and that has worked fine. The do leave a kink which is kind of annoying, but they are so conveniant and durable that it makes up for it IMO.

[ozark trout fisher]

I prefer smaller indicators myself.

I generally use Lightning Strike Stick-on indicators. They don't work in really fast turbulent water, but in most situations, I like them best. They don't scare fish and they don't make casting anymore difficult. Thingamabobbers are okay in trout parks and bigger rivers, but I'm convinced they will just about kill your chances on smaller streams.