Bottom Bouncer Tips:Some good info from Mike Frisch (Fishing the Midwest):
“Some of my best walleye catching presentations involve using a bottom bouncer, whether it be a spinner or just a plain snell, slow-death style.
“To me, there’s one big key to having success with bottom bouncers: Use one that are heavy enough to maintain bottom contact with no more than a 45-degree angle of line out. If you let more line out than that, you’re going to hangup on the bottom. The other thing that happens when you let out too much line is you’re killing the stop-and-go stuttering action of the bottom bouncer. If you can keep the bottom bouncer fairly vertical, it will stutter along bottom and you’ll catch a lot more fish.
“Another key is choosing a quality bottom bouncer. I prefer ones that have a good, stiff wire. I absolutely love the Rock-Runner Bottom Bouncer from Northland. It has a stiff heavy gauge wire, it does a great job of maintaining the stuttering action, and it helps me determine the contents of the bottom. It’s really a sensitive device.”
Bottom Bouncer Tips: Why It’s Important to Keep the Right Line Angle
When it comes to walleye fishing, one of my most successful presentations involves using a bottom bouncer. Whether I’m using a spinner or fishing with a plain Snell slow death style, the key to success lies in using a bouncer that is heavy enough to maintain bottom contact with no more than a 45-degree angle of line out. In this article, I will explain why keeping the right line angle is crucial and how it can help you catch more walleye.
Maintaining Bottom Contact
One of the main reasons why it’s important to keep the right line angle when using a bottom bouncer is to maintain bottom contact. If you let out more line than necessary, you run the risk of hanging up and losing your bait. By keeping the line angle at no more than 45 degrees, you can ensure that the bouncer stays in contact with the bottom, allowing you to effectively present your bait to the walleye.
Stop-and-Go Stuttering Action
Another benefit of keeping the line angle at no more than 45 degrees is that it helps maintain the stop-and-go stuttering action of the bottom bouncer. When the bouncer is fairly vertical, it will stutter along the bottom, creating a more enticing presentation for the walleye. This action mimics the movement of injured baitfish, which can trigger a feeding response from the walleye. By keeping the bouncer in this position, you increase your chances of catching more fish.
Choosing the Right Bottom Bouncer
Not all bottom bouncers are created equal. To maximize your success, it’s important to choose a bouncer with the right qualities. One key feature to look for is a stiff wire. A bouncer with a stiff wire, such as the Rock Runner bouncer, does a great job of maintaining the stuttering action and helps you determine the bottom content. This sensitivity is crucial when fishing for walleye, as it allows you to feel subtle changes in the bottom structure and adjust your presentation accordingly.
Conclusion
When it comes to walleye fishing, using a bottom bouncer can be a highly effective technique. By keeping the right line angle, you can maintain bottom contact and create a stop-and-go stuttering action that entices walleye to bite. Additionally, choosing a bottom bouncer with a stiff wire can enhance your fishing experience by providing sensitivity and helping you determine the bottom content. So, next time you’re out on the water, make sure to use the right bottom bouncer and increase your chances of catching more walleye.
