Smart Stop Bobber Stops

[lawman]

OK, I may not be the most nimble guy in the outdoor world but for the life of me i can't apply those little yellow plastic bobber stops I bought at the Sports Show this past weekend. I ruined a dozen of them just practicing. Anybody else have the same problem? I know you have to be gently and not crush the little buggers. What am I doing wrong?

[IceHawk]

I broke a bunch also at first  my bear paws just squeeze a little to hard! You definitely need to be carefull when putting them on to much pressure and another one bites the dust. Great bobber and concept can be used for a slip or fixed bobber just a little fragile. 

[Wanderer]

I kinda like em.  But I try to always use a small pair of pliers to clip them on the line.

Once you get used to installing them correctly they work real nice.

Look closely at their shape and how they fasten and you’ll see how you can’t just clamp down on them in any old direction.  They have a hinged side so your pressure has to be somewhat at a 90 degree angle to get them to snap correctly.  More pressure isn’t the answer.

Theoretically the holder has them all aligned for easy line holding and a quick clip with the pliers.  When it work right, it works great!

[leech~~]

The Tube can be your friend!

 

[paceman]

interesting I might have to try one....

[fishingstar]

how well do they stay in place when reeling in a bigger fish.

I have used rubber stops shaped like that but would not stay put 

[Wanderer]

I’ve used the rubber stops before and agree they are a waste of time.  Aside from the one size fits none line hole sizing, I think the extra friction of the rubber coming in contact with the rod eyes is an issue.

The Smart Stop at least clamps to your line diameter and has less friction on your eyes.  I mainly use these for ice fishing and summer fishing where I’m usually using 8 lb mono.  I won’t say they won’t move at all but haven’t been a problem with constant moving.  I do check depth after larger fish an am usually ok.

Standard string type stops may still stay in place better if you pull them real tight but I’ve run into line abrasion problems doing that, and I hate that worse than a little movement.  I’ve gone to leaving the tag ends of the strings longer so I can retighten easier but it always seems sloppy to me.  Not that it really matters that much.

I haven’t noticed any line abrasions when using the Smart Stop.  I think they’re quicker and easier to install too since you can just put them on about where you want and not have thread your line through the small tube and slide either the tube or the knot to your desired depth.  I see in the video he’s not using the clear plastic holder they’re sold in.  The way he clamps them down is easier than when the ring of stops is still in the holder.

[Ron Vroom]

When I purchased them at a sports show, the guy doing the demo recommended the small duckbill pliers he was using sold by Menard’s. I tried using a small needle nose as well as a leather man, and ruined quite a few. I got the duck bills at Menard’s and that was the ticket, just like the guy said! I think the pressure is spread more evenly over the stop.

[lawman]

I stopped at Menards and they have been out of those pliers for some time. Checked other stores, nothing. Ha! A run on duckbill pliers..must be a lot of fisherman buying those yellow stops

[IceHawk]

Lol! After reading this post I went to menards in St cloud looking for one. Same issue all gone looked around couple other spots found the same thing couldn't find one.  

[Ron Vroom]

I experienced the same thing when I looked for them after that sport show. They did not get restocked until the following spring. I’ve got a pair that I will sell for $50.00! 

[MikeG3Boat]

I contacted the maker of the bobber stops and they will be sourcing a pliers on-line at Cleary outdoors.  They just messaged me yesterday.

[whateverisbiting]

The world needs a better bobber stop hope this works well.  Tie stops work well when you get the tension just right, but its hard to maintain that.  Too tight weakens the line when adjusting depth or if you leave it loose enough so it does not do that it does not stay put.  I tried the rubber stops and it gets caught in my spinning reel both summer and winter.   These seem like the rubber ones...do they cast out of the reel better than the rubber stops?

[lawman]

I have used these stops on and off for two seasons. When I am actually able to get one to stay on the line I find they hold really good...until they don't. At times they come loose when they hit the rod guides just right. With all the stuff I haul around for fishing it appears now I need a special pliers to deploy them. Maybe I should stick with the old school knots.