attaching thingamabbobers

native steelie · 02-28-2010, 11:42 PM

i did a search on here and wasn't able to find much information on attaching a thingamobber to the line. i've heard threading ur line through it and shoving a toothpick in it works. seems to me that would fall our easily? how do YOU attach your thingamabobber?

NCL · 03-01-2010, 04:48 AM

I just make a loop in the leader where I want to attach the thingamabobber, push the lop through the hole pull the loop up over and tighten. Another method is to use a short butt section of line off of your fly line and tie the thingamabobber to the end of the section with a clinch knot then tie your leader/tippet to the line, this will allow the fly/flies to hang vertical.

goose · 03-01-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by native steelie

i did a search on here and wasn't able to find much information on attaching a thingamobber to the line. i've heard threading ur line through it and shoving a toothpick in it works. seems to me that would fall our easily? how do YOU attach your thingamabobber?

I use the loop.. that way you can readily adjust the distance between fly/flies when needed..

EugeneFisher · 03-01-2010, 10:26 AM

While I go the simple route and use a loop (like goose and NCL), do a Google search for "How to set up a thingamabobber right angle nymphing system." It's a little different setup, one that I find a tad too cumbersome when changing depths, but supposedly quite effective.

goose · 03-01-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EugeneFisher

While I go the simple route and use a loop (like goose and NCL), do a Google search for "How to set up a thingamabobber right angle nymphing system." It's a little different setup, one that I find a tad too cumbersome when changing depths, but supposedly quite effective.

Thanks, EugeneFisher. that seemed a little complicated for a 'KISS'
method guy, but that is one of those things that is good to put in the back of your mind as an ace in the hole.. thanks for the input.. that google thing is something else, isn't it?

justin riede · 03-01-2010, 12:21 PM

I was using the loop method last thursday on the Deschutes and was having problems with the line not cinching down on the thingamabbober. I would suddenly realize it had slipped down to a couple of ft. of the fly and wonder how many casts I had been fishing to shallow. I am running 3x maxima monofilament as close to the fly line as possible to allow the fly to sink quick. I'm wondering if this line is too slippery, maybe I should switch to fluorocarbon. Or could it be the thingamabbober has gotten old and the plastic hardened. One solution I may try is to use the loop method and also instert a small wood or plastic plug to cinch the line down. Fishing was good regardless I caught 5 red sides between 13-17'' nymphing a huuuge prince nymph with a red copper john and one 16'' on a BWO.

westma1 · 03-01-2010, 04:51 PM

The biggest problem I have noticed is that it seems like the eye for the thingamabobber damages the line if you slide it at all. If I adjust the depth of the bobber, I take it all the way off (using the loop method mentioned above) rather than sliding, even though it is suggested that you can easily slide it for adjustment. Has anybody else noticed line damage from the thingamabobber?

goose · 03-01-2010, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westma1

The biggest problem I have noticed is that it seems like the eye for the thingamabobber damages the line if you slide it at all. If I adjust the depth of the bobber, I take it all the way off (using the loop method mentioned above) rather than sliding, even though it is suggested that you can easily slide it for adjustment. Has anybody else noticed line damage from the thingamabobber?

I don't slide it either... I undo the loop and physically move it and then reattach.
It is easy, however, and quick.. except when it is 5 degrees....LOL.. then, nothing is easy..

native steelie · 03-01-2010, 09:56 PM

thanks guys, this was just the type of information i was seeking

Slow and Low · 03-02-2010, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justin riede

I was using the loop method last thursday on the Deschutes and was having problems with the line not cinching down on the thingamabbober. I would suddenly realize it had slipped down to a couple of ft. of the fly and wonder how many casts I had been fishing to shallow.

This happens a lot. Loop the bobber throught 2x. You lose the adjustability but it won't slip.

EugeneFisher · 03-02-2010, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justin riede

I was using the loop method last thursday on the Deschutes and was having problems with the line not cinching down on the thingamabbober. I would suddenly realize it had slipped down to a couple of ft. of the fly and wonder how many casts I had been fishing to shallow.

I've noticed this tendency as well; however, it only happens to me when the bobber is attached to 0x or finer line.

If I keep the bobber higher up on a tapered leader, it doesn't slip. I now use a shorter tapered leader, stick the bobber fairly high on it, then adjust my tippet length so that I reach the depth I want.

358norma · 03-02-2010, 07:51 AM

Tie your butt section with 40lb maxima UG and it will not slip. That stiff, heavy butt will turn those things over nice as well.

Duane Doran · 03-02-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 358norma

Tie your butt section with 40lb maxima UG and it will not slip. That stiff, heavy butt will turn those things over nice as well.

I've tied about every method available and settled on the indicators (sounds so much better than bobber!) made by Frog Hair. They're a bit tricky the first time you use them as the concept is quite unique but they:

Stay in place.
Are easy to move which is critical to proper use of an indicator.
DO NOT put bends and kinks in your line like most other indictors.
Are easier to cast than yarn indicators.
Come in many size to suit the situation.

They are available at most fly shops and I highly recomend them.

Surfnsully · 03-02-2010, 06:32 PM

I use party balloons (10-15") and superglue them to my leader. When I need to adjust the depth. I just take out my handgun and shoot the balloon, sit down and have another beer.

But seriously, I just use corkies with a little piece of toothpick to hold them in place

sherretb · 03-02-2010, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westma1

The biggest problem I have noticed is that it seems like the eye for the thingamabobber damages the line if you slide it at all. If I adjust the depth of the bobber, I take it all the way off (using the loop method mentioned above) rather than sliding, even though it is suggested that you can easily slide it for adjustment. Has anybody else noticed line damage from the thingamabobber?

I use 25 lb mono in the top section of my leader and have actually had the oposite happen: sliding the thingamabobber on the line will eventually cut off the little eyelet on the thingamabobber.

I saw some guys on the deschutes last year use the snap off a snap swivel to solve this problem as an intermetidate connector between the looped line (same method as mentioned above on one end of the snap) and the plastic eyelet (on the other end of the clip) of the thingamabobber.

I tried it and it works!

wameppspro · 03-02-2010, 09:06 PM

Up in Alaska all we used were larger corkies and a toothpick. Simple to adjust and easy to see and very easy for the fish to take down. You could also use a bobber stop and a couple of beads with a corkie with the thingamabobbers.

avengerfish · 03-03-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wameppspro

Up in Alaska all we used were larger corkies and a toothpick. Simple to adjust and easy to see and very easy for the fish to take down. You could also use a bobber stop and a couple of beads with a corkie with the thingamabobbers.

MarlinMark · 03-03-2010, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow and Low

This happens a lot. Loop the bobber throught 2x. You lose the adjustability but it won't slip.

I would just twist the loop once and then run it over the "bobber." YMMV

MarlinMark · 03-03-2010, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfnsully

I use party balloons (10-15") and superglue them to my leader. When I need to adjust the depth. I just take out my handgun and shoot the balloon, sit down and have another beer.

But seriously, I just use corkies with a little piece of toothpick to hold them in place

I like your style...is a Glock 10mm too much gun?

justin riede · 03-03-2010, 08:46 PM

Twist the loop over, duh. Man your smart. Can't wait to try that. Thanks

sms · 03-04-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westma1

The biggest problem I have noticed is that it seems like the eye for the thingamabobber damages the line if you slide it at all. If I adjust the depth of the bobber, I take it all the way off (using the loop method mentioned above) rather than sliding, even though it is suggested that you can easily slide it for adjustment. Has anybody else noticed line damage from the thingamabobber?

Yup, same here.

goose · 03-04-2010, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarlinMark

I would just twist the loop once and then run it over the "bobber." YMMV

MarlinMark · 03-05-2010, 08:42 AM

I am here for you my brothers....

Lets Keep It Simple.

Surfnsully · 03-05-2010, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarlinMark

I like your style...is a Glock 10mm too much gun?

NEVER to much gun, unless you are hunting humingbirds, then you need to limit yourself to a 12 g shotgun

Newbs · 03-06-2010, 06:17 AM

Jokes are important and appreciated... but let's not have this thread evolve into a discussion of the "creative" application of various firearms (interesting as that might be).

Remember we are on the fly-fishing forum.

surfnfish · 03-12-2010, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by native steelie

i did a search on here and wasn't able to find much information on attaching a thingamobber to the line. i've heard threading ur line through it and shoving a toothpick in it works. seems to me that would fall our easily? how do YOU attach your thingamabobber?

Lot of guides out there won't use tapered leaders for nymphing, as they believe the taper creates a difference in line speed along the length of the submerged portions due to resistance differential along the taper = which creates a slight bend in the leader = poor presentation and unnoticed takes.

Instead, they utilize a straight 4' leader off the fly line (15# trout, 20# salmon), loop knot it, then tie on a straight tippet (say 8# to 10# for steelhead) to the loop with an improved clinch or similar and snug it at a 90 degree angle. The thingamabobber or whatever else you use as an indicator is connected right up against the knot of the leader loop.

So the tippet drops straight down off the leader loop, (whatever length required by water conditions and depth) the bobber is essentially locked into place, and the presentation is very direct with more takes recognized.

Give it a try - made an upside difference in my hookup percentage, and a lot less expensive..

skywalker62 · 03-13-2010, 08:21 AM

sounds like the Thingamabbober is difficult to use? what makes it better than a simple indicator? they slide on the line easy, work as a bobber? I have seen the thingamabbobers at the store, not sure what makes them better...???

surfnfish · 03-13-2010, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skywalker62

sounds like the Thingamabbober is difficult to use? what makes it better than a simple indicator? they slide on the line easy, work as a bobber? I have seen the thingamabbobers at the store, not sure what makes them better...???

super easy to use, and never wear out..just loops onto the line..developed from the nymphmaniacs who for many years used and still use extra small kids balloons blowns up an inch or two in diameter for indicators, which telegraph the most subtle take.

packer · 03-15-2010, 05:37 PM

The main reason i use them is i can fish slots and rocky runs that would eat flies faster than you can tie them on . The trick is learning to mend your line so your line moves without putting drag on the indicator

LunkerFish · 03-15-2010, 10:46 PM

I feel dirty when I use them

(jk) but for indicator fishing it's hard to beat them. They are light, super bouyant and you can use a smaller size than what you need for a foam or other type, so wind is less of a hassle. From an ethical standpoint I see little difference between them and yarn and they work better.

Slow and Low · 03-17-2010, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunkerFish

I feel dirty when I use them

(jk) but for indicator fishing it's hard to beat them. They are light, super bouyant and you can use a smaller size than what you need for a foam or other type, so wind is less of a hassle. From an ethical standpoint I see little difference between them and yarn and they work better.

x2