Definition of bobber

The word "bobber" in fishing refers to a device used to keep a fishing lure floating on the water's surface. The origin of the word can be traced back to the early 1900s when fishermen began attaching cork floats to the ends of their fishing lines to help keep the lures afloat. The first bobbers were made by cutting and hollowing out a cork, which was then threaded onto the fishing line. As the bobber bobbed on the water's surface, it helped to attract fish by mimicking the natural movement of insects skimming the water's surface. The term "bobber" was likely coined due to the way the device bobbed up and down in the water. The word comes from the Middle English word "bobben," which means "to vibrate or move up and down." In the 1920s, manufacturers began producing bobbers made from more durable materials such as balsa wood and plastic, which replaced the traditional cork bobbers. Today, there are a wide variety of bobbers available, ranging from simple cork floats to highly intricate and lifelike lures that imitate everything from baitfish to insects that skitter across the water's surface. Despite the advancements in technology, the basic principle behind the bobber remains the same, as fishermen continue to use them to enhance their chances of catching fish and enjoy the sport of fishing.