Bobber Stop Knot: Fish ANY Depth

The Bobber Stop knot (also known as a float stopper knot or slip bobber knot) is a simple yet indispensable fishing knot for any angler using a slip bobber (slip float) system. What is the point of a stopper knot? What is its primary purpose? Its main function is to create an adjustable, yet secure, stopping point on your main fishing line. This allows you to precisely control the depth at which your bait or lure is presented, which is critical when targeting species like panfish (e.g., crappie, bream/shellcracker), walleye, perch, or when ice fishing.

A key advantage of a well-tied Bobber Stop knot is its ability to slide along your line for depth adjustments while being small enough to cast smoothly through the eyes of the fishing rod (rod guides). When you cast, your slip bobber slides down to your terminal tackle (hook, sinker). As your bait sinks, the slip bobber floats up the line until it encounters the Bobber Stop knot, halting your bait at the desired depth. This system allows for effective fishing at greater depths than would be practical with a fixed float. Do people still fish with bobbers? Absolutely, especially with slip float systems for their versatility.

How does a bobber stopper work? It works by creating friction against the mainline. The knot is tight enough to stop the relatively lightweight bobber but can be manually slid up or down the line by the angler to change fishing depth.

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Tying the Bobber Stop Knot: Step-by-Step

What can you use as a bobber stop? You can buy pre-made ones, but learning how to tie a bobber stop knot yourself is cost-effective and allows for customization. You’ll need your main fishing line and a separate piece of “stopper line” – typically monofilament (6-20lb test), Dacron, or even heavy braided line (30-50lb test). The diameter of the stopper line should be similar to or slightly thicker than your main line for good grip without being overly bulky.

What does a bobber stopper look like? A small, neat barrel-shaped knot on your main line.

Step 1: Form a Loop
Take about 6-8 inches of your stopper line. Lay it parallel to your main fishing line at the point where you want your bobber stop initially positioned. Double back the stopper line to create an open loop alongside both lines.
Step 2: Secure the Loop
Pinch the point where the stopper line crosses over itself and your main fishing line. Hold this intersection and the loop firmly against the main line with your thumb and forefinger.
Step 3: Wrap Through the Loop
Take the tag end of your stopper line and wrap it around both your main line and the standing part of the stopper line’s loop. Make 4 to 6 snug turns (fewer turns may slip; more can become bulky). After completing the wraps, pass the tag end back through the initial loop you formed in Step 1.
Step 4: Tighten the Knot
Moisten the knot with saliva or water to lubricate it. Carefully and steadily pull both tag ends of the stopper line in opposite directions. The knot will coil and tighten down onto the main line. Snug it firmly. It should be tight enough to grip the line but still allow you to slide it with firm pressure.
Step 5: Trim Tag Ends
Trim the tag ends of the stopper line, leaving about 1/4 inch on each side. This helps prevent slippage and makes it easier to grip if you need to re-tighten or adjust the knot. Do not cut too close initially.

Tips for a Perfect & Secure Bobber Stop Knot

How to keep bobber stop from moving? How to keep bobber from sliding (unintentionally)? How do you secure a bobber (stop)?

Sufficient Wraps: Use at least 4-6 wraps. Too few wraps is a common reason for slippage.
Proper Tension: Tighten the knot firmly but smoothly.
Material Choice: Dacron or braided line often provides better grip than slick monofilament for the stopper knot itself, especially on a braided mainline. Test different materials.
Double Up: For extra security, especially on slick braided mainlines, you can tie two Bobber Stop knots close together (about 1/4 inch apart). A small bead is then placed between the top knot and your slip float.
Avoid Over-Tightening: While it needs to be snug, excessively tightening can damage or weaken your main line.

Best Line Material for Stopper: Monofilament (10-20 lb test), Dacron backing line, or even heavier braided line (30-50 lb test) works well. Some anglers prefer the slight “stickiness” of unwaxed dental floss for a very secure, low-profile knot.

Pre-Tie for Convenience: How to make a homemade bobber stopper? Tie several Bobber Stop knots onto a small plastic tube (like a coffee stirrer or the barrel of an old pen) or a piece of heavy, smooth wire. You can then slide them off the tube and onto your main fishing line as needed during your fishing trip.

Why does my bobber float sideways? This is usually not caused by the bobber stop itself. It typically means your bait is on the bottom and there’s too much slack line between your bobber and your hook, or your bobber is improperly weighted for the bait and terminal tackle you’re using. The bobber should sit upright when your bait is suspended at the desired depth.

Can you cast with a bobber stop? Yes, absolutely. That’s one of its main advantages. A well-tied, trimmed Bobber Stop knot is small enough to pass smoothly through most rod guides, allowing for long casts even when fishing deep.

Uses of the Bobber Stop Knot

Adjustable Depth for Slip Bobbers: The primary use. Essential for slip bobber rigging.
Pegging Sinkers (Carolina Rig): Can be used above and below a sliding egg sinker in a Carolina rig to limit its movement or fix its position.
Protecting Knots: A Bobber Stop knot (or a soft bead stopped by one) can be placed above a swivel or lure to prevent a sliding sinker from repeatedly hitting and weakening the terminal knot.
Marking Line Depth: Can be used as a visual depth marker when jigging or bottom fishing if you don’t want to use a float.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: Precise depth control, allows casting of deep-set baits, simple to learn, customizable, cost-effective (if you tie your own).
Disadvantages: Can occasionally slip if not tied correctly or with the right material, may need re-tightening, can wear out over time and require replacement.

Alternatives to a Tied Bobber Stop Knot

Commercial Rubber/Silicone Stops: Convenient, slide on easily, but can slip on thinner lines or break.
String/Thread Bobber Stops with Beads: Pre-tied on tubes, often effective.
Dental Floss: Some anglers use a few wraps of dental floss tied with a series of overhand knots.

FAQs

How do you tie a stopper knot (in general)?

“Stopper knot” is a broad term. The Bobber Stop knot is one specific type. Other stopper knots include the Figure Eight knot, Ashley Stopper Knot (very secure, larger), or even a simple Overhand knot (less secure for this application). The method varies by knot.

How to tie a bead stopper knot?

This usually refers to a Bobber Stop knot used in conjunction with a small plastic or glass bead. The bead sits below the Bobber Stop knot and provides a larger, smoother surface for your slip float to rest against. You tie the Bobber Stop knot on the line first, then thread on the bead, then your slip float.

How to properly attach a bobber? How to attach a floater to a fishing line?

1. Thread your Bobber Stop knot onto the main line and slide it to your approximate desired fishing depth.
2. Thread on a small bead (optional but recommended, especially for bobbers with a large hole).
3. Thread on your slip bobber.
4. Tie on your hook and add any necessary weight (split shot, jig head) below the bobber.

Where to tie bobber on fishing line?

The Bobber Stop knot is tied above where you want your slip float to stop. The distance between the Bobber Stop knot and your hook determines your fishing depth.

Conclusion: Master the Bobber Stop for Versatile Angling

The Bobber Stop knot is a fundamental skill that unlocks incredible versatility in your float fishing presentations. Its simplicity, adjustability, and effectiveness in controlling bait depth make it a must-know for targeting a wide range of species in various conditions. By understanding how to tie a good stopper knot, selecting appropriate materials, and practicing the technique, you’ll ensure your bait is consistently presented in the strike zone, significantly improving your chances of success on the water. Don’t just know of the Bobber Stop knot; master it, and watch your catch rate improve.