How to Attach Hooks, Bobbers and Swivels to Fishing Rods

Assemble a bobber, swivel and hook for a basic fishing rig.

There are many different rigs used to fish for various fresh and saltwater game fish species. However, there are a few rigs, such as the simple bobber, or float rig, that can be used for a variety of fishing applications. Using a cigar slip bobber, swivel and hook, an angler can rig a line that is highly effective and capable of catching a wide variety of fish. The bobber rig is easy to assemble and is a must have for most any angler's arsenal.

Things You'll Need

• Rod and matched reel
• Monofilament fishing line
• Cigar bobber (float)
• Bobber stop
• Barrel swivel
• Split shot
• Hook
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut a 3 foot length of line from the end of the monofilament line that is attached to the reel mounted on a rod. This will serve as a leader length later on.

2. Attach a bobber stop to the line. Select a location where the bobber should stop and allow the line to be suspended in the water beneath it. Bobber stops can be either tied or crimped onto the line.

3. Attach a barrel swivel to the end of the fishing line with a Trilene knot. Form the knot by feeding the end of the line through the eye of the swivel for several inches. Wrap the end of the line around the eye and feed the end through the eye once again. Do not pull the line tight.

4. Wrap the free end of the line around the main line for three turns. Begin the wraps near the double loops around the eye of the swivel and work your way up the line.

5. Turn the end of the line down and feed the end through the double loops at the eye. Moisten the knot, pull tight and trim excess from the knot with scissors.

6. Attach a 3 foot length of line to the opposite end of the barrel swivel as a leader. Attach a split shot to the leader a few inches below the barrel swivel.

7. Tie a hook to the free end of the leader using a Palomar knot. Feed the line through the eye of the hook for several inches. Double the line and feed the end back through the eye forming a loop. Pull the free end of the line up along the main line. Adjust the line so that the loop is about 3 inches long and there are 3 to 4 inches of the free end alongside the main line.

8. Form an overhand knot with the loop and doubled free end and main line. Pull the loop down over the hook. Moisten the knot and slowly pull the knot tight making sure to keep the line in the knot even as you go. Trim excess from the free end of the line.

References

• My Fishing Frenzy: Float Rig