How to Use a Thill Slip Float

A slip bobber or thill slip float is a fishing device that alerts you to when a fish takes the bait.   The thill slip float slides freely along the angler’s fishing line.  Slip floats are not attached directly to the line, but their movements are restricted by what is called the line stop or stop knot. The stop knot is tensioned tightly enough to resist movement under pressure from the bobber, but can still be moved along the line by the angler for depth settings.

Things you will need

  • Thill slip float
  • Fishing rod
  • Terminal tackle

Instructions

  1. Set up the stop knot – Thread the fishing line through the plastic tube that holds the stop knot allowing a few feet of free line.
  2. Slip the stop knot off the tube and onto your line. Ensure it slides off the end of the tube toward the rod tip. Slide the tube off your line and discard it.
  3. Steadily pull both tag ends of the stop knot to tighten it down. You should be able to slide it under medium (not light) pressure.
  4. Clip the tag ends off to 1/16 inch.
  5. Thread the line through the slip float and tie on the terminal tackle.
  6. Attach a small split shot one foot above your bait to keep the float from sliding off.
  7. Slide the top knot to set the fishing depth.

Do’s

  • Pay attention to your line. Any movement of the float indicates that there is fish. If you keep getting strikes while the bait is sinking, the fish are suspended above your depth setting and you should shallow up.