Slip Bobber Rigs

[steven tolly]

Hey Everyone

I thought about drawing a picture for this, but I struggled so figured anyone who runs the rig will know what I mean.  

For those of you running slip bobber rigs, either on fly rods or spinning rods what lb test do you use for the main line? I figured 4 was fine, but thought maybe I should go 6 to make sure if I break off, I break off below the swivel that stops the indicator from getting to the flies. That way I save my indicator and swivel.  

What about the last 6 feet that the flies are on, use tippet or is 4lb fine in this water? 

I tie the flys on dropper lines about 6-8 inches.  IS 4x or 4lb ok for that too in this water?

We will be fishing next week so I imagine the water will still be running.  The slip bobber rig always works for us and keeps it easy, just wanted to fine tune my line choices for each section.

[Tom C]

Here is the rig I use drifting from a boat.  I use 6# Trilene Extra Tough for the first 15 -20 feet.  I use 4# Berkley Vanish for the bottom 5 feet that ties onto the lower tippet ring. I rarely ever a break of upper leader. Taneycomo Drift Rig.pdf

 

[steven tolly]

Thanks Tom

That is pretty much what I do, I just wasn't sure about the main line.  I would much rather use 6 and save the main line breaks.

[Ryan Miloshewski]

I do 6 or 8-lb for the main line. They don't see it and it's a lot easier to work with. Then 2-lb for the flies. But with the gates open, you'll be fine with 4-lb. User bigger scuds, too. Size 12 or 14. 

[steven tolly]

Yeah I have been tying up a bunch of size 14 scuds in tan and grey.  Figured I might tie some 12s tonight incase the gates are still open. 

[Seth]

6-8# if using fly rod and 10# if tying to 10# braid on spinning gear for main line leader. Reason for bumping up to 10# on spinning is the leader knot for main line to braid is large enough to stop the bead. Fly will work with smaller line due to being so much thicker thant he braid. Use a tiny spro swivel between main line and leader. The leader is always 4#.

[snagged in outlet 3]

What knot does everyone use for the droppers to main line?  

[Seth]

4 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

What knot does everyone use for the droppers to main line?  

Cut 8-10" and attach tag line to main line with triple surgeons. Some people just do a loop knot in the main line and cut it to create a tag but that setup has cost me way too many fish.

[steven tolly]

I attach all of my droppers using a Orvis Tippet Knot.  It is one of the most versatile knots I know.