Hands On With WST's New Bumper Stops

The truth of the matter is, 999 times out of a 1,000, you don’t need a bead to protect your knot. The real question is just how important is that one fish out of a 1,000? Is it the biggest fish you’ve ever hooked? Is it the largest catfish ever to swim on this planet? Is it the fish you needed to put you in first place at the tournament you were fishing? You’ll never know for sure. Big fish have an uncanny ability to find the weak link, especially after you inspect your rig and audibly say, “that should be fine.”

Using a bead to prevent your knot from getting squashed by your sinker isn’t a new concept. However, using a softer, more effective rubber stopper is. Honestly, when the first rubber stopper hit the catfish scene, I’m surprised it didn’t gain more momentum. Using a rubber stopper makes a lot of sense, and Whisker Seeker’s Bumper Stops definitely fit the bill.

Everything a bead can do, the Bumper Stop can do better. It cushions the impact of the sinker more effectively. It is less abrasive to your line. The edges are softer and more pliable. The only argument I can think of in favor of the bead is maybe making noise. If you break it down though, a bead pinned firmly between a heavy chunk of lead and a piece of metal is going to be pretty quiet. If you’re looking for something that makes a rattling sound, your best bet is going to be adding a noise making float or rattle, like the XL-Rattlers and Versa Rattles, to your leader.

The Bumper Stops are a simple, cheap, easy way to help prevent stories about “the one that got away”. Good luck on the water!