Thingamabobber vs. Air-Lock

The original Thingamabobber strike indicator has been the go to for the majority of anglers for some time now.  Recently, the Air-Lock indicator has floated onto the scene.  Just about everyone who sees them tries a pack.  Then they often grab another.  Is the Thingamabobber dead?  Not really.  Here are some creative ways you can use the Thingamabobber and the Air-Lock.

Thingamabobber: Available in sizes ½", ¾", 1" and 1 ¼" Original or Jam Stop

Loop on

Pro: Quick and easy

Con: Kinks the leader and it can still slip.

Tie in 

This is my preferred method.  I tie in the Thingamabobber to a heavy nylon butt section with a non-slip mono loop.  I tie in a level piece of fluorocarbon (also with non-slip mono loop) for my leader and then add tippet.  This provides a quick sink and allows for a natural unhindered drift.

Pro: Best natural drift. You don’t need a tapered leader.

Con: Not adjustable without retying

In line adjustable                

If I desire an instantly adjustable Thingamabobber rig, I tie a 4 turn barrel knot with the thin running line section of an old fly line. Clip the tags. Then I slide the Thingamabobber on the leader and add another barrel of fly line.  The fly line knots can be set flush on both sides or left with a gap of any length for a slip bobber effect.

Pro: Adjustable

Con: Requires a couple minutes to set up

An additional pro for the Thingamabobber is that it comes in a ½" size.  You can also try the Jam Stop version for easier adjustability, but I prefer the original.

Air-Lock: Available in ¾", 1", and 1 ¼"    

Pro: Easily adjustable and can be added or removed without leader kinking.

Con: The connection point is larger than the Thingamabobber grommet, but it’s really not a big concern.

Airlock Indicators from Rajeff Sports on Vimeo.

You can also set up your Air-Lock with a right angle bend by removing the nut and threading the line through the center.  When tightened, you will end up with a perfect right angle bend.

Bobber Love

My takeaway is that the Thingamabobber is more versatile and the Air-Lock is easier to add, adjust, and remove.  I will be keeping both in my tackle bag.