Bobber

A bobber, also called a float, is a buoyant device attached to a fishing line to indicate that a fish has taken the bait. It keeps the hook at a prescribed depth and can help anglers detect subtle bites. Bobbers come in various shapes and materials, including cork, foam, plastic, and balsa wood. They are used with two main types of rigs: fixed and slip. Fixed bobbers are attached to the line at a chosen position using a knot or stopper; slip bobbers slide freely on the line and are secured with a stopper and a weight below to set the fishing depth. When a fish pulls the line, the bobber moves or submerges to signal a bite.

In popular culture, bobber also refers to the bobber-style motorcycle, or bobber, a minimalist custom bike developed in the United States after World War II. Typical features include shortened or removed fenders, a minimal instrument cluster, a low-profile seat, and reduced chrome; the style emphasizes a clean, lean appearance and lighter weight. The term is used primarily among enthusiasts and builders rather than manufacturers.

The name derives from the bobbing motion on the water as the line is pulled by a fish.