By: Mark Romanack
When power corking at the terminal end either a single hook or a small jig can be used. The author like the Yakima Bait Maxi Jig in 1/32 ounce size for Power Corking walleye with leeches.
Slip bobbers are a classic presentation for targeting walleye, especially during the summer months. The ability to suspend live bait in front of hungry fish is a presentation that rarely fails.
The classic slip bobber set up consists of a single hook at the terminal end, a couple of split shots up the line a foot or so, followed by a slip float and finally a bobber stop. When fishing normal depths and in normal conditions this set up rocks when it comes to catching summer walleye. I recommend baiting with a live leech, but minnows and even whole nightcrawler can also be an excellent choice.
These days I rarely rig up the traditional slip bobber rig, in favor of a modified float set up that is like a slip bobber on steroids! It’s called a Power Cork rig and it involves using more weight to sink the bait quickly when fishing in deep water or when fishing in strong winds.
The Power Cork Rig consists of a single hook or small jig at the terminal end tied on 8-10 pound test fluorocarbon line. About 18-24 inches up the line an in-line sinker ranging in size from 1/4 to 1/2 ounce in size is tied to either a 10 pound test braid main line or a fluorocarbon main line. Next up is the float and the final piece is a bobber stop.
Of course when rigging up the first piece on the line is the bobber stop and bead, then the float, then the in-line weight, the fluorocarbon leader and the jig or single hook at the terminal end. The advantage of running a heavier in-line weight is the bait will sink quickly even in windy weather. This speeds up the process significantly, yet allows live bait to be suspended in the water column anywhere that’s desired.
Bryan Darland of Jay’s Sporting Goods caught this nice walleye Power Corking not long ago while fishing with the author. Submerged rock structure is one of the best places to put Power Corking to work.
The ideal rod for slip bobber fishing is a 7’- 6” medium light action spinning rod. Recently Eagle Claw introduced the Flyover series rods that retail for $89.00. The “live bait” rod is 7’-6” long, has a medium/light action and is built from premium Japanese 30/36 ton carbon. These rods feature micro guides, cork grips and are ideal for Power Corking.
When running a single hook, the Trokar TK2 in a No. 2 size is perfect for fishing leeches, minnows or crawlers. If I’m running a jig at the terminal end, I’ll go with a Yakima Bait 1/32 ounce Maxi Jig. While these jigs were made with steelhead fishing in mind, they fish beautifully below a cork and can be readily tipped with a leech or minnow.
As a main line either braid or fluorocarbon line can be used. Braid is a little more difficult to get slip bobber stops to grab onto. I recommend leaving the tag ends of the slip float knot and pulling on those tag ends using two pairs of pliers to get the knot tight enough to stay put on super braid lines If fluorocarbon line is used as the main line, slip float stops will hold nicely in place.
Power Corking works especially well when targeting walleye that are holding near submerged rock structure. I set my bobber stop to suspend bait about 1-2 feet above the level where fish are marking. Present the boat upwind using the anchor mode on the electric motor and cast downwind to the structure. This set up provides plenty of room at the back of the boat for two anglers to fish comfortably.
The first time I tried Power Corking, I was hooked. This set up takes a classic walleye presentation to a whole new level.