This is the rig on a rental rod at every campground in Canada, and for good reason. It takes thirty seconds to tie, a worm on a hook under a round bobber catches everything that swims near shore, and a kid can watch the float and know exactly when to reel. Shorten the distance from float to hook for shallow docks; lengthen it (up to about 4 feet) for deeper edges.
What you need
- Fixed floatRound clip-on or pencil-style spring float
- Split shot1–2 small (BB / #7) split shot 6–10" above the hook
- Hook#6–#10 baitholder or Aberdeen; #8 for sunfish, #4–#6 for bigger perch
- BaitWorm piece, waxworm, small minnow or corn
- Line4–6 lb mono
How to tie the fixed bobber rig
- Tie the hook to the line with an improved clinch knot.
- Pinch one or two split shot on the line 6–10 inches above the hook.
- Clip the float onto the line 1–4 feet above the hook — deeper edges get a longer drop.
- Thread a piece of worm onto the hook so it covers the point.
How to fish it
Lob it out, let the float settle and watch it. Perch and sunfish will bob it; wait for it to go under or move off, then lift the rod. Reel steadily.
Tips
- Smaller hooks and smaller bait catch more panfish; a whole worm gets nibbled off.
- Pencil floats show light bites better than round ones.
- A #6 long-shank Aberdeen hook is easier to remove from small mouths.
Common mistakes
- A float so big the fish feel it. Match the float to the bait.
- Setting the float deeper than the water — the bait sits on bottom and the float lies flat.
FAQ
How far should the bobber be from the hook?
1–3 feet for most docks and shorelines. The bait should hang above the bottom, not on it.