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How about snapping it on from the bottom side of the rod:ROD X------------------------- 0
There is one draw back to using a very light spring bobber, it does dull the jigging motion, like if you are trying pound a jig.
Straighten the bend in the flat spring out. Pull it out of the rubber. Run the flat spring through the rod stand offs, not the eyelets. Put the rubber back on & rebend. I use a wrap or two of electrical tape around the rubber after I snap it on the rod.