Popping Corks VS. Slip Floats (What’s The Difference?)
- By: Richard Thomas
- on November 9, 2022
Popping corks vs slip floats: what’s the difference?
In this video, we’ll go over the function of each rig including how and where you would want to fish either.
Take a look below!!
Popping Corks VS Slip Floats [VIDEO]
Get Four Horsemen Popping Corks
Join the Insider Club and get the Smart Fishing Spots App for FREE
Popping Corks
Most of you have seen what a popping cork is and maybe even fished with one.
They are an excellent tool for inshore anglers and work phenomenally when you need your bait to stand out from the rest.
Popping corks really allow you to call fish in and grab their attention to trigger strikes.
However, the limitation with popping corks is the depth at which you are fishing is fixed.
Popping corks are excellent for fishing flooded structure and flats where you only need about 2-3 feet of leader.
If you are fishing deeper than 4 feet, that’s when I would make the switch to a slip float rig.
Slip Floats
Slip floats are the go-to when fishing for suspended fish or if you’re fishing in deep holes near creek bends or deepwater docks.
There may be situations where your bait needs to get down to 8-10 feet and this is the rig for that.
It doesn’t make as much noise as a popping cork but because you’re fishing in deeper water it does not have a major impact.
The Pros & Cons
You can cast popping corks as far as the eye can see!
Typically you can avoid hang-ups with popping corks as well.
Also, popping corks are something I reach for first on super windy days.
It keeps your bait down in the water column while also battling the waves and creating noise to attract strikes.
On the other hand, slip floats have a tendency to wrap and get tangled.
You can mitigate this with the right casting technique and make sure you have the right type of rod.
Too short or too stiff of a fishing rod can cause the entire system to tangle.
One of the best rod options out there that I always use on popping corks or slip floats is the TFO Pro S Medium or Medium-Heavy depending on the weight of the popping cork or slip float.
Conclusion
If you commonly fish in dirty, murky water, then either popping corks or slip floats should become a part of your arsenal.
They are effective and help you catch more fish in tricky situations.
Is there a specific time in that you would use one of these rigs over the other?
Let me know down in the comments section below!!
Finding The Fish Help
In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.
1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)
These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.
2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. Community Reports (live feed)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Richard,
is there any situation where you use a weedless hook on either set up?
From freshwater crappie fishing, I have tried out slip bobbers when fishing pier pilings from the bank. I lucked up and caught a few sheepshead but I have never tried it with a lure for reds. I have not tried a slip bobber using braid though. I have changed to 15-20# on my spinning setups. Ill give it a try.
Awesome Jamal let me know how it works for you!
What’s a good slip float and popping cork
Leon, we use the 4 horseman popping corks and have them in our shop.
A good slip float is a H and K unweighted cork
Richard,
Echoing comments below on making a video showing how to rig a slip float with the heavy weight such as you had in this video along with casting and retrieving.
I learn so much from you guys!
Thanks
Frank
No problem Frank! Here’s one I did a while
Back. The weights and corks are interchangeable but the concept and knots/hooks will
Be the same.
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/rigging-slip-float/
Please make a casting video for both the slip float and popping cork. Thanks
No problem Eric!
Do a video on using a slip float. Thank you
Here ya go Jim!
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/everything-about-slip-float-rigs/
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/rigging-slip-float/
Hottest thing going in Brunswick and the Golden Isles is Harper Super Strikers. They look like a typical non adjustable popping cork but have a bead and stopper knot mechanism. Created by a local kid named Travis Harper. Best of both worlds!!!
Ken, I’ve heard this from several folks! I may pick up a couple and try them out. Thanks
I have been building my own that work the same way. Like the looks of this one. On order. Thanks for the info.
Thank you Richard. Another informative and professional presentation.
Thanks so much Marc, glad it was of value to you!
Thanks for the info Richard! I use a slip float set up to fish the shallow, rocky waters in the Yankeetown area, so I can adjust the bait height in the water column without retying. I will use a longer leader and try it in some of the deeper channels during wintertime. Great tip Richard!!!
That’s awesome Michael! Sure it works great up there. Good luck on your next trip!
I took my sister and b-in-law fishing last month. We were drifting 3-5 foot grass flats with shrimp. My wife and I had popping corks and my sister and b-in-law had slip bobbers set to the same depth as our popping corks. We had all the action and they didn’t hardly get a bite!
Awesome John! I prefer popping corks until it’s just too deep to fish them and you need to get your bait down lower!