Why?! This doesnt make sense??

[colvin]

I use the slip bobber when I fish deep for crappie. Every time one hits it coming from underneath the floater lays over. Just have to watch it.

[hairball]

When I first began FnF fishing about 6 years ago, Bill Smith at Backwaters in Somerset explained the system to my partner and me. I definitely understand wanting to use a slip bobber, but I see one strong reason to stick with the "Bob's Bobber". When there is a little chop on the water, this doesn't come into play because the action required of the fly is automatically induced by the bobber.
On the other hand, when you're fishing slick water, you have to apply some action yourself. I think any action you apply while using a slip bobber would be subdued to a degree because the light weight of the slip bobber would allow it to move across the surface relatively easy, thereby reducing the amount of action to the fly. The weighted bobber, however, would tend to stay in place because of the weight. The bottom of the bobber would act as a pivot point and any tension on the main line would pull the fly up. Slight twitching of the rod causes the fly to rise and fall, mimicking the action it has with a little chop on the water. I use a 10 1/2 foot steelhead rod which allows me to make longer casts and most of the time any twitching of the rod tip is accomplished by simply squeezing and releasing my grip on the rod.
Having said all that, I'm not sure I would use a slip bobber anyway because the real fun doesn't start until you've reeled all the way up to the bobber and you've got a big p***ed off smallie that you can't get anywhere close to the boat until she's given you everything she's got. That can be absolutely hilarious!