Which rod for slip float fishing?

[David Jackson]

First time poster, long time reader. Love bluegill fishing and it is mostly all I do. I currently use a 7 foot light action bass pro micro light for most of my fishing. I do not use slip floats usually but would like to use them more. Problem is, it seems the guides on this rod are not right for the bobber stops to go through them on the cast. Can someone recommend a rod for this purpose? I am in the market now as I just recently had a long time St. Croix 5 footer break in the door of my truck. I loved that rod and had it for many years. Tiny but a great till and crappies rod that held a lot a of great memories. I do have a 5 foot ugly stick but am not realy happy with it and had earmarked that for my eight year old as I figure even he cannot break it, haha. I have looked at the St. Cross series but not sure if I want to spend that much. So looking for a 5-7 foot, UL for slip float fishing. Any thought?
Thanks,

Dave

[dick tabbert]

David let me throw my 2 cents worth in the wringer here. When I use a slip float which isn't very often but when I do I use the bobber stopper above my float. I use a 6.5 or 7 foot UL rod and reel.  The extra length when float fishing lets me cast better with more control and when setting the hook I can get a little better sweeping motion. I haven't had any problems with the line for the bobber stoppers going through my guides. You have to pull them tight a little moisture may be needed to complete that task. Sometime even a pair of pliers will cinch the deal. Hope this helps.

[Slip Sinker]

My personal favorite rod for slip floating is a 7ft Okuma lt action with a 2000 series reel 8 or 6 lb spiderwire braid. amazing rod for the money.

here is my slip knot ... i use 20lb bright chartreuse dacron line and trimmed short to the bobber and leave a long tag as an indicator to the rod... leave a small tag at the bobber end for tightening with a hemostat.

[Slip Sinker]

http://www.fishusa.com/Product/Okuma-Celilo-Spinning-Rods

[jim cosgrove]

like the spoon on the end ken.might try this set up for perch off the walls this winter

[Slip Sinker]

Jim it was my favorite jig thru the summer. Sitka

[John Sheehan]

nice slip float tandem !

[jim cosgrove]

we make em with a little softer flo orange thread and tie them on a straw 10 or so at a time.easy to deploy with cold hands from the straw

[John Sheehan]

Zebco , Slab Seeker , very light Tip http://bigbluegill.com/photo/crappie-mid-november-from-shore-2?cont...   pretty cool inexpensive rod with a ruler on it http://bigbluegill.com/photo/crappie-mid-november-from-shore-2/next...  Ben trying out a 7,1/2 ' Berkeley 'Dough Series' rod this year  with some slip float success too.

[Mike Martin]

My long time favorite is an Eagle Claw Powerlight PL60LW 6' one piece light action rod with a Mitchell 308X reel. The guides are no problem for my bobber stops and I can stick my thumb through the first guide. I had this rig for around 15 years and I don't think this model is made anymore. 

[Slip Sinker]

Mike i just bought a mitchell 308 last summer... i love that reel... it is the newly redesigned model.. awesome

[Tony Livingston]

I still advocate choosing a rod with large guides, especially if you intend to open water fish in below freezing air temps. I guarantee your guides will ice over, and snag the float stop. larger guides will minimize this.

[dick tabbert]

Good point Tony.