Best Bobbers For Trout Fishing 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Trout fishermen use bobbers for a variety of reasons, but the main one is to help them detect bites from trout. In this blog post, we will cover some of the best bobbers for trout fishing so that you can get the most out of your next trip. Whether you are using live bait or artificial lures, these bobbers will get the job done. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market!

Best Bobbers For Trout Fishing Review

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best bobbers for trout fishing. We’ll also provide some tips on how to use them effectively. So, whether you’re just getting started or are looking for an upgrade, read on for helpful information!

1# Trout Magnet EZ Trout Floats

Trout Magnet EZ Trout Floats

View on Bassproshops

Specification

Size: 1″, 7/8″ x 5/8″
Quantity: 36, 4

Looking to fish with a jig or lure but don’t want to hinder the natural action? Look no further than Trout Magnet® EZ Trout Floats. These strike indicators are designed not to cut into your line, so you can easily install or remove them without having to re-tie. Plus, they allow for easy depth adjustment in seconds, so you can dial in on the perfect spot for trout. Time to change up your fishing game – get yourself some Trout Magnet® EZ Trout Floats today!

Pros
  • Strike indicators designed not to cut into your line

  • Easy depth adjustment in seconds

  • Allows for easy installation and removal

Cons
  • Can be difficult to see in low-light conditions

  • It is not as durable as some of the other options on this list

2# Bass Pro Shops Weighted Slip Float

Bass Pro Shops Weighted Slip Float

View on Bassproshops

Specification

Size: 5″ x 1/2″
Quantity: 1

The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Slip Float is made of premium balsa wood for a precise and responsive presentation. Its weighted design enables longer casts and allows you to set it lower in the water for less resistance to a biting fish. Easily adjustable to any depth, this float is also extremely durable and won’t crack like plastic floats often do.

Pros
  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Slip Float is perfect for trout fishing, as it is weighted so that it will sink quickly and stay in place.

  • This bobber is also very easy to use, as it slips onto the line easily and stays in place without slipping.

  • It is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable and efficient bobber for trout fishing.

Cons
  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Slip Float is not adjustable, so you may have to purchase several to get the right depth

3# Bass Pro Shops Weighted Oval Slip Float

Bass Pro Shops Slip Float BPSW790

View on Bassproshops

Specification

Size: 5″ x 1″
Quantity: 1

Our Bass Pro Shops® Weighted Oval Slip Float is perfect for precise and responsive presentations. The weighted design enables longer casts and allows you to set it lower in the water for less resistance to a biting fish. This float is extremely durable and will not crack, as plastic floats often do.

Pros
  • Durable

  • Precise and responsive presentations

  • Weighted design for longer casts

  • Can be set lower in the water for less resistance

Cons
  • Only comes in one colour

  • Some people find it difficult to cast properly

4# Beau Mac Weighted EVA Casting Float

Beau Mac EVA Casting Float

View on Bassproshops

Specification

Size: 1/2 oz., 1 oz.
Quantity: 1

Check out the Beau Mac Weighted EVA Casting Float. This stable foam float is perfect for slow currents and provides an easy way to transfer the action to your bait or lure below. A brass grommet on the bottom protects against braided line wear, while a fluorescent top makes it easy to see on the water. The Beau Mac Weighted EVA Casting Float can be rigged with a bobber stop or pegged in place. So ditch those flimsy floats and upgrade to one that can take on whatever you throw it’s way.

Pros
  • Brass grommet prevents braided line wear

  • The fluorescent top makes it easily visible on the water

  • Rigged with bobber stop or pegged in place

Cons
  • Not found

5# Bass Pro Shops Weighted Oval Spring Float

Bass Pro Shops Spring Float BPSW

View on Bassproshops

Specification

Size: 5-1/2″ x 3/4″, 5-1/2″ x 7/8″, 5-1/2″ x 1″
Quantity: 1

The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Oval Spring Float gives you the ability to make precise presentations with responsive balsa wood. The weighted design allows for longer casts and a lower set, providing less resistance to a biting fish. This float is extremely durable and crack-resistant, perfect for serious anglers.

Pros
  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Oval Spring Float is designed to provide a more natural presentation for your bait

  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Oval Spring Float is easy to use and can be rigged in seconds

  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Oval Spring Float is made of durable materials that will last for years

Cons
  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Oval Spring Float is more expensive than some other models

  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Oval Spring Float doesn’t have as many features as some other models

6# Bass Pro Shops Oval Spring Float

Bass Pro Shops Spring Float BPS

View on Bassproshops

Specification

Size: 2-3/4″ x 3/4″, 5-1/2″ x 7/8″, 5-1/2″ x 1″, 5-1/2″ x 3/4″
Quantity: 1

The Bass Pro Shops Oval Spring Float is made of premium balsa wood, ensuring your gentle presentations and smooth drifts will be driftin’ in style. Balsa floats are incredibly durable and won’t crack like plastic bobbers often do.

Pros
  • Durable

  • Affordable

  • Good grip

  • Comes in many colours

Cons
  • Bass Pro Shops Oval Spring Float can be tricky to use for beginner anglers.

7# Bass Pro Shops Pencil Spring Float

Bass Pro Shops Pencil Spring Float

View on Bassproshops

Specification

Size: 5-1/2″ x 3/8″, 5-1/2″ x 1/2″
Quantity: 1

Looking for a high-quality float that can help you make smooth, gentle presentations? Look no further than our Bass Pro Shops Pencil Spring Float. This float is made of premium balsa wood, which is durable and crack-resistant. Plus, it’s easy to use – just attach it to your line and you’re good to go!

Pros
  • Affordable

  • Easy to use

  • Good for beginners

  • Made of durable materials

Cons
  • It can be difficult to cast with this float

  • It may not be suitable for all types of water

8# Bass Pro Shops Weighted Pencil Spring Float

Bass Pro Shops Pencil Spring Float BPSW320

View on Bassproshops

Specification

Size: 5-1/2″ x 1/2″
Quantity: 1

Check out our Bass Pro Shops Weighted Pencil Spring Float! Made of premium balsa wood, it’s precise and responsive, giving you the perfect presentation every time. The weighted design enables longer casts and allows you to set it lower in the water for less resistance to a biting fish. Plus, it’s extremely durable – it won’t crack as some plastic floats do. So don’t wait – get our Weighted Pencil Spring Float today and see the difference it makes!

Pros
  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Pencil Spring Float is incredibly easy to use.

  • This bobber stays in place and doesn’t drift, even in strong currents.

  • It’s great for both still and moving water.

Cons
  • The Bass Pro Shops Weighted Pencil Spring Float is a bit more expensive than some of the other options on the market.

  • It’s not as flashy or colourful as some of the other bobbers available.

9# Leland’s Lures Trout Magnet E-Z Trout Float

Leland's Lures Trout Magnet E-Z

View on Amazon

Specification

Size: 4-Pack

Leland’s Lures Trout Magnet E-Z Trout Float is the perfect solution for anglers who want an easy on and off float without having to remove their lure or cut their line. The small size is perfect for drift fishing with small lures or bait, and the easily adjustable depth settings make it a versatile option for all species of fish. The float’s unique design also makes it highly sensitive to small hits, meaning you won’t miss a strike!

Pros
  • Easy on and off

  • Adjustable depth settings

  • Highly sensitive to small hits

Cons
  • It may be too small for some anglers

10# Gourami Trout Float Fly Fishing Bobber Strike Indicators

Gourami Trout Float Fishing Bobber Strike Indicators

View on Amazon

Specification

Quantity: 15/30PCS

Are you looking for an easy and convenient way to fish? Look no further than the Gourami Trout Float Fly Fishing Bobber Strike Indicators! These floats are designed for easy on and easy off, so you don’t have to remove your lure or cut your line. They’re also great for adjusting the depth, so you can fish in all types of conditions and terrain. Plus, the small size is perfect for drifting small lures or bait. So whether you’re fishing for trout or any other type of fish, the Gourami Trout Float is a perfect choice!

Pros
  • Strike indicators are easy to use

  • Bobbers are brightly coloured and highly visible

  • They are made of high-quality materials that will last a long time

Cons
  • The Gourami Trout Float Fly Fishing Bobber Strike Indicators are not adjustable

  • They may be too small for some fishermen

11# Dr.Fish Steelhead Floats for Trout Crappie Panfish Walleyes

Dr.Fish Steelhead Trout Floats

View on Amazon

Specification

Size: 3.8*0.8″-5 Pack

These floats are made of high-quality balsa wood which makes them incredibly buoyant and stable. Plus, their surface is brightly painted in eye-catching colours so you can easily spot when a fish takes your bait. To top it all off, they come with a weighted clip that improves your casting performance. And if that wasn’t enough, they also come with a latex sleeve that allows for quick and easy adjustments. So don’t wait any longer, get yourself a set of Dr Fish 5 Pack Steelhead Floats today!

Pros
  • Dr Fish 5 Pack Steelhead Floats are incredibly durable and long-lasting

  • The bright colours make them easy to see in any condition

  • They are extremely sensitive, making it easy to feel the bite of a trout

  • The bobber is able to move up and down the line easily, allowing for more accurate casting

Cons
  • The paint job chips easily, revealing the wood beneath

12# Fairhope Rattle Popping Cork Float for Speckled Trout

Fairhope Speckled Trout Float

View on Amazon

Specification

Weight: 3/8 oz

For the serious fisherman, we offer our Fairhope Rattles Popping Cork Floats. These handmade popping corks are constructed with only the finest materials, ensuring top quality and durability. Whether you’re targeting redfish or other game fish, these corks are sure to bring in the catch of the day.

Pros
  • Handmade with only the finest materials

  • Durable and long-lasting

  • Targets a variety of gamefish

  • Sensitive to even the slightest bite

Cons
  • They are not adjustable

13# JSHANMEI Slip Bobbers Fishing Floats for Trout

JSHANMEI Bobbers Fishing Trout

View on Amazon

Specification

Made of premium wood material
Size: 2.44inch X 0.59inch X 5inch
Package: 5pcs / 10pcs
Color: Red & Yellow & White

The JSHANMEI Slip Bobbers Fishing Floats Bobbers are made of high-quality fir wood with a tough, durable, crack and chip-resistant finish. These slip bobbers are light and sensitive, making them very responsive when the fish takes the bait. The high visibility fluorescent paint makes it easier to see when the fish take the bait. The slip bobbers slide freely up and down your fishing line, making them great for fishing in a variety of situations and depths.

Pros
  • Made of high-quality fir wood

  • Tough, durable, crack and chip-resistant finish

  • Light and sensitive

  • High visibility fluorescent paint

  • Slides freely up and down the fishing line

Cons
  • The slip bobbers can be a bit too lightweight and sensitive for some anglers’ liking, making it difficult to feel when a fish takes the bait

FAQ

When should I use a bobber?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the use of a bobber will depend on the individual situation. However, in general, a bobber should be used when you want to suspend your bait or lure in the water and see it more easily. This can be especially helpful when fishing in murky water or around structures.
Should you use a bobber for trout?
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, using a bobber for trout can be an extremely effective way to catch these slippery fish. Bobbers allow you to suspend your bait in the water column and keep it in the strike zone for longer, increasing your chances of landing a trout.
How do you know what size bobber to get?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the size of bobber you need will vary depending on the conditions and the type of trout fishing you’re doing. In general, though, a smaller bobber is better for trout fishing in clear water, while a larger bobber may be better in murky water or for larger fish. As a rule of thumb, always test out different sizes and shapes until you find one that works best for your individual situation.
How far should the bobber be from the weight?
The bobber should be about 1-2 inches from the weight for the best results.
How do you set up a bobber for trout?
Setting up a bobber for trout fishing is a fairly simple process. First, select a bobber that is the appropriate size for the conditions. Next, tie the bobber to your line using a slip knot. Finally, attach the weight to the other end of the line.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have covered some of the best bobbers for trout fishing. These bobbers are perfect for suspending your bait in the water column and keeping it in the strike zone for longer. They are also easy to use, so even beginners can benefit from using them. So, if you’re looking to up your trout fishing game, be sure to check out these top-rated bobbers!

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!

About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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Liatris Branchwine
Liatris Branchwine
1 month ago

I love how you included both pros and cons for each type of bobber. This made it easy to choose the best one for my specific needs. Thank you FishReleer!

Trenton Summerfyre
Trenton Summerfyre
1 month ago

These floats are ideal for fishing with small baits. I love using them, they pair well with lightweight rods.

Product Name
Bass Pro Shops Weighted Slip Float
Yliver Riversmoke
Yliver Riversmoke
1 month ago

Great article! I never knew there were so many different types of bobbers to choose from. Thanks for the informative read!

Trimmor Twigthorn
Trimmor Twigthorn
1 month ago

I am attempting to enhance my casting range when fishing with a bobber by using a big balsa wood bobber for salmon with added weight, to enhance its sensitivity for smaller trout fishing.

Is there any disadvantage to this setup? Provided that I balance the sensitivity of the bobber correctly so that trout can tug it, the size of the bobber shouldn’t have an impact, correct?

Brialen Blackfyre
Brialen Blackfyre
1 month ago

The size of the float shouldn’t affect fishing much. The bigger float may result in more current drag and less wind drag, which is fine. The increased visibility may or may not be a problem for the fish, so try it out and see the results.

Tychard Elmwood
Tychard Elmwood
1 month ago

I’ve been using the same old-fashioned red and white bobbers for years, but after reading this article I think it’s time to switch to a more modern option. The slip bobbers seem like a game-changer for me.

Ayer Threshnut
Ayer Threshnut
1 month ago

I’ve always struggled with getting the right depth while fishing, but the adjustable bobbers you mentioned seem like they’ll solve that problem for me. Can’t wait to give them a try!

Negar Barberry
Negar Barberry
1 month ago

I love that this article is comprehensive and includes bobbers for all types of fishing, from still water to fast-moving streams. Thanks for the great tips and information!

Redrick Bloodbuck
Redrick Bloodbuck
1 month ago

Trivial thoughts for you. The bobber is a useful addition to your fishing gear. It serves to alert you of a fish bite, making it a practical choice. Hook and bobber is a popular method due to its simplicity and efficiency. For a greater challenge, try fishing without a bobber.

Clarens Cloudfallow
Clarens Cloudfallow
1 month ago

Carolina rig may not be the best choice for trout fishing. The location, whether it be in a lake or river, greatly affects the fishing technique. Deep, cold lakes require a different approach compared to fishing for trout in streams/rivers or rainbow/brown trout in lakes/ponds.

For stocked trout, using a worm, bobber and small split shot is effective. Choose a small bobber as trout are sensitive to weight. A size 6 or smaller hook is ideal, as trout have small mouths. 

The natural food for trout is flies and nymphs. Freshly stocked trout may bite power bait, mouse tails, or trout nuggets that mimic hatchery food, but don’t waste your time on native or holdover trout with these. Small spinners also work for acclimated or native trout.

The best way to catch trout is through fly fishing.

Revelig Rock
Revelig Rock
1 month ago

I am an avid user of fly fishing-style adjustable strike indicators, also known as bobbers. My favorites are the Airlocks and lately, I have been trying the Oros. They are incredibly convenient to install, adjust, and remove as they can screw directly onto the line/leader. 

I often use this setup with TM lures when fishing for panfish. Additionally, I use it with barbless flies while still on my spinning rod, making the catch and release easier. Depending on casting distance, desired depth/sink rate, and jig size, you may need to add some small split shot for weight.

Spector GrassFish
Spector GrassFish
1 month ago

Question regarding when to set the hook when using a bobber for trout fishing. I have been fishing for trout using mealworms and a 4-pound line with a size 12 bait holder hook, along with a small bobber.

I frequently get bites but have a low hook-up rate. The trout pulls the bobber completely underwater, but when I reel in, they aren’t on the hook. I have also tried setting the hook, but with no luck. Am I making a mistake or should I wait for the trout to gut-hook themselves?