I have never done the f-n-f, but I know many guys on here swear by it and can't wait for those freezing temps (crazy!). However, every early spring, when I am hitting my private crappie lakes, I'll hook into some big greenbacks with my crappie jig under a slip float. When the water is that cold, they really can't pass up that little crappie jig tangling in front of their face.
After reading hundreds of f-n-f rig threads on here, I can see the pros and cons to using the fixed bobber technique. Personally, with 6-8lb fluro and a 1/16 or larger jig head, I don't see how the line wouldn't go through a slip bobber. Using a slip bobber with the lead band on it would ensure the bobber to stand tall once the jig is through. I know this goes against the f-n-f bible, but it sure would make it an easier method. Regular length rods, easy casting, easy fish landing, and increased distance would all be pluses. I understand that occasionally a fish will hit the jig and continue swimming upward, but I know with crappie fishing, that rarely happens. The fish tend to feed looking upwards and will grab and either swim level or dive down. All these motions should be detectable by a slip bobber. It seems every f-n-f fishing report I read on here talks about their bobber going under (usually ending with a 20+in brownie). Haven't heard too many guys say the bite began with their bobber laying sideways. I'm sure somebody will make a post saying that every fish they catch on the f-n-f causes their bobber to go sideways! lol!
-Rich
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