bobber
A small, buoyant object attached to a fishing line that floats on the water's surface and moves up and down (bobs) to indicate when a fish has bitten the bait.
A 'bobber' (often called a 'float' in British English) serves two purposes: it keeps the bait suspended at a specific depth, and it acts as a visual indicator of activity below.
Word relationships
- float: 'Float' is the standard term in British English and competitive angling, whereas 'bobber' is more common in North American casual fishing.
- buoy: A 'buoy' is a much larger floating marker used for navigation or marking deep-sea traps, not for individual fishing lines.
- sinker: A sinker is designed to pull the line down, while a bobber is designed to keep it afloat.
Commonly confused with
- sinker: A sinker is a weight that pulls the bait down, while a bobber is a float that keeps it suspended.
Word family
- bob (verb): To move quickly up and down.
Collocations
- plastic bobber
- bobber dips
- slip bobber
- cork bobber
Example sentences
- "The red-and-white plastic bobber danced on the ripples, then suddenly plunged beneath the surface." Watching the water intently for any sign of a fish.
- "We clipped a light bobber to the line so the kids could easily see when a bluegill was nibbling." Setting up the gear for a child's first fishing experience.
Memory hook
A BOBBER is a little floating BOB that BOBS up and down when a fish is on the line. The bobber bobs when a fish robs the bait.
When not to use
Do not use 'bobber' in highly formal or technical marine biology papers; the term 'float' or 'buoyancy indicator' is sometimes preferred, though 'bobber' is universally understood in recreational fishing.
Fun facts
- Before plastic was invented, bobbers were made from natural materials like cork, hollow reeds, porcupine quills, or even lightweight wood like balsa.
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.