Bottom Bouncer Techniques

[DADAKOTA]

When bottom bouncing I fish 1 rod and try to keep it so when I drop the rod tip the bouncer contacts bottom.  I usually am moving .9 to 1.3 mph.  Others have told me they keep the bouncer 2-3 feet off bottom and use multiple rods in rod holders pulling around 1.5 mph.  What is your go to method for bouncing?

[dan hufferd]

I go as slow as possible, I usually use one rod because I am trying to stay as close to the bottom as possible, I guess you could put one higher in the water and run one close to the bottom at the same time. I like to stay 1 mph or less. 

I never drag the bouncer I just use it to check the distance to the bottom. 

Really it is whatever works for you and your setup.

 

[nomolites]

I stay at 1 mph or less as well, one rod is all I cam really manage although occasionally I will drop a second in a rod holder but have had more success working just one bouncer and making adjustments.

Have had the lions share of my success dragging them over deep brush with a slow death rig on a short leader.  Just what works for me.

 

Mike

[LoweSTX175]

I try to run slowly (under 1 MPH).  What happens when you get going too fast you'll lose contact with the bottom.  I have issues sometimes with my fishing partners that won't use BB and run a crank while I'm trying to BB.  As far as I'm concerned everyone needs to be using the same technique.  I'm also big on using the counter reel for BB....and trolling in general.

[dan hufferd]

I agree with all these guys, these comments represent several boat loads of fish that have been caught using this technique.  

I am sure this way of fishing was developed to be able to follow the contour of the bottom.

This technique usually requires constant adjustments, this is why most of us fish one rod per person.  If you fish flats you might be able to get away with two rods, because the depth doesn't vary that much.  

Good luck  

[rps]

Usually one rod only and usually in my hands. Slow death rigs work best for me at .8 to 1 mph. Regular spin harnesses seem to do best at 1 to 1.2 mph.

But don't listen to me. I did not catch a keeper today in 5 hours.

[dan hufferd]

46 minutes ago, rps said:

Usually one rod only and usually in my hands. Slow death rigs work best for me at .8 to 1 mph. Regular spin harnesses seem to do best at 1 to 1.2 mph.

But don't listen to me. I did not catch a keeper today in 5 hours.

Listen to him, he knows everything ! He just needs to throw a Bink's spoon when the bounce doesn't work  

[rps]

21 minutes ago, dan hufferd said:

Listen to him, he knows everything ! He just needs to throw a Bink's spoon when the bounce doesn't work  

Actually, I jigged a spoon for quite a while today. Obviously in the wrong places.

[Walleyedmike]

A few years ago when I began to develop interest in chasing Stockton Walleye, I was fortunate to meet up with a group of guys with a ton of experience guiding, fishing professionally, and fishing local tournaments who took me under their wings and taught me a ton about walleye fishing. I can't thank them enough for all I have learned from them. I usually bounce around 1 mph, but I noticed in a similar thread last year that lmt out goes a little faster. So now I experiment more with speed along with depth trying to find the sweet spot. The rule of thumb I have learned is 1oz of weight per 10 feet of water at 1mph. I only have 1.5 and 2 ounce bouncers as i rarely fish any deeper than 25'. I run my rod(s) in a holder and check them often to ensure the bouncer is near the bottom. I use line counters and bait casters with a flippin switch loaded with metered line.

WM

[Boobie]

When i use anything over 1 oz i seem to get snagged up quite a bit and speeding up doesnt fix the problem. I just go lighter on the bb. I use to do well with bb but this year im really stinking the place up!!!!! Thank goodness for roadrunners.