What are the best Ice Floats (Bobbers) out there?

[defiant1]

Looking to see if there are better options out there other than the standard yellow foam floats that I have been using. 

Any practical advice and experience is appreciated.

d1

[Gills-only]

I used to use a cork float real small, with a size 12 teardrop it would just float it, no sinker

[ice dawg]

Venom floats are like the ones you have been using, but are adjustable. You can set them so they are very easy for fish to pull under. Sometimes I set it to sink very slowly which seems to trigger fish when nothing else will. You can watch the video on Venom's website to see how they work.

[defiant1]

I used to use a cork float real small, with a size 12 teardrop it would just float it, no sinker

Thanks for the input.

[defiant1]

Venom floats are like the ones you have been using, but are adjustable. You can set them so they are very easy for fish to pull under. Sometimes I set it to sink very slowly which seems to trigger fish when nothing else will. You can watch the video on Venom's website to see how they work.

Sounds promising.  I will check them out.  Thanks.

d1

[tbern]

Those venom floats do look interesting, thanks for that link.

[ice dawg]

Runnings usually carries them here. Some models glow which is a nice option for night fishing.

[UFCreel]

Thill floats

[Figure ate]

I just use the long thill brand floats for my deadstick rod. I use a regular minnow and jig so the stick shaped floats allow for detection of lift bites (the float tips sideways in the water when the weight of the jig/bait is removed.)

[HWeber]

Another vote for venom

[E Z turn]

Thill floats x2

[TheCrappieFisherman]

I'll throw in another vote for venom bobbers.

[ice dawg]

I use Thill floats inside my wheel house because I like to see the top of the float above the floor. If something hits it going up I can see it rise and tip over. Many years ago I would watch a float lift up and wonder why. I found out when I would set the hook when it rose up. lol

[Old Goat]

Thill best selection for all types of fishing

[chilly-willy]

Thill floats x5

[G fish]

I like bobber fishing but have had issues with them freezing or the stop moving on me. have used store bough string stops and rubber stops but looking for better any help?

[chilly-willy]

I like bobber fishing but have had issues with them freezing or the stop moving on me. have used store bough string stops and rubber stops but looking for better any help?

I use a nail knot in dacron tip up line or dacron fishing line in like 10 or 12 lb test  or less and a 3-4 mm plastic bead.  Like those florecent bobber stops they sell you slide line in plastic tube then slide plastic tube out tighten knot really fast so it assembles tight then slide were you want it then add bead .. but I make my own and it easy and at least you learn knots taking time to make your own..

[G fish]

thanks, CW.
 
will give it a try.

[defiant1]

I use Thill floats inside my wheel house because I like to see the top of the float above the floor. If something hits it going up I can see it rise and tip over.

You bring up a good point.  I would not necessarily get that visibility with the Venom ice floats, unless I was directly over the hole.

d1

[ice dawg]

I like Venom floats when using my portables. I remember the days of round plastic floats when we would put a second float on top of a pop can so it would get pulled off when the other float got pulled under. It actually worked well for deadsticking.

[Monticatgeek]

Venom floats is all I will use now. back in the day before the Venom's I liked the Thrill floats then went to the ice buster bobbers then the year Venom started making theirs I picked up like 10 to 20 to have on hand since the owner of the company gave me such a good deal on them. Have talked to him at many of the different ice fishing shows and he always has some kind of show special on them. Great bobber in my opinion even thou they retail at around $4.99 each now. seems like a lot up front but if you think about how many of the ice buster bobbers you need to give you the same options that one Venom gives you, you actually are saving money with the Venom because of it's adjustability. Don't get me wrong the ice busters are good too if you don't need the adjustability.

[HWeber]

I dont think I'll ever buy another ice buster, Have you had a venom float wear out? I bought a couple and haven't got to use them much but seems like you cold buy four and be set for life

[Monticatgeek]

I dont think I'll ever buy another ice buster, Have you had a venom float wear out? I bought a couple and haven't got to use them much but seems like you cold buy four and be set for life

I haven't had one wear out yet. they do sell the replacement foam for them I believe if they would wear out. it is the only thing that would wear out unless you crack the plastic housing that holds the foam.

[Chute82]

Have been using venom floats for a few years and they are great. Nice being able to adjust the float with ease.  I have yet to wear one out.

[slipperybob]

I use a floating rapala or zara spook.  It's for fun.

[tornadochaser60]

Venom Floats are pretty sweet.

[cwavs1982]

Yep - Venom floats are now my favorite.  Being able to adjust the height depending on what weight I am using is the key.  Also, they now have floats that glow.  Bought some of the glow at the St Paul Ice Show.  Took some time to talk with them.

[SirCranksalot]

Can Venom floaats be clipped on the line?

I use those yellow sponge ones but I modify them by adding a weight at the bottom to make them sit vertical. I have a whole bunch of variations on this idea. I will try to post pix if others are interested.

[Deal Ninja]

Can Venom floats be clipped on the line?

No.  They're designed to be slip bobbers, but you could add a bobber stop on either side of the float if you desired for the same effect.  I really like them btw.

DN

[SirCranksalot]

What I was driving at was that the little sponge ones can be clipped on and still slide along the line i.e. no need to thread them on the line beforehand. To me that's a big advantage