I like spring bobbers way much. I think they are the difference often. But if they are too long you have to move the rod 4 inches before you start to set the hook.
We used to use hardware store corks split half way through with a razor blade. They will pop off if reeled against the rod tip. but often we were shallow enough to just lift them clear of the hole. We painted them black to absorb the sunlight and keep the hole open.
Cheap and could be trimmed to match the weight of the jig.