Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more. How to Use a Bottom Bouncer Bottom bouncing is most commonly done from a drifting or trolling boat, and is a great way to attract or locate fish during most seasons and times of day.
Drag the lure so that it bounces, stirring up small clouds of sand or mud. Remember to check the bait frequently for weeds and other debris that may be picked up as it moves along the bottom.
Sign Up. First Name Required. Last Name. Email Required. Interest Fishing Boating Both. Fishing Experience Beginner Intermediate Expert. Before the bottom bouncer can be set, the boat's forward speed must be established and maintained. Speeding up and slowing down makes it impossible to set a bottom bouncer rig and keep it fishing properly. A good trolling speed for bottom bouncer fishing ranges from 1. Speeds this slow are going to require a small gasoline kicker motor or an electric trolling motor.
Once the boat speed is consistent, lower the bottom bouncer and spinner rig a few inches into the water and check to be sure the blade is rotating properly and that the harness isn't tangled on the bouncer. Once it's confirmed everything is functioning properly, the rig is lowered to the bottom by a free spooling line off the reel.
The second the bottom bouncer contacts the bottom, the reel spool will momentarily stop spinning. Put your finger on the spool to prevent the additional line from playing off and allow the boat to move forward for a few seconds.
The forward motion of the boat will pull the line tight. As the boat moves forward friction on the fishing line and the bottom bouncer rig causes the sinker to rise up off the bottom a couple of feet. At this point, free spool the bottom bouncer a second time until it hits the bottom again. Put the reel in gear and place the rod in a conveniently located rod holder. Set in this manner, the bottom bouncer will travel near the bottom, making contact with the bottom occasionally and presenting the trailing spinner just off the bottom.
Bottom Bouncer Spinner Rig — This is basically the most popular walleye rig for walleye fishing, historically. It consists of a blade that creates a flash in front of your bait. You can buy from a HUGE assortment of spinner rigs available online , or you can make your own. The main thing to think about is what size is the spinner blade?
The slower you plan to fish, usually the smaller the blade you want to use. Small Colorado blades, for example, are popular because they can turn at slow speeds.
A prime example is when fishing in one of my home waters, the infamous Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. Fishing slow death is quite simple. It usually involves a leader and a slow death hook I prefer the Death Roll by Matzuo. Also, you should have 2 swivels at each end of your line to avoid line twists so annoying. This is another reason why I like the Matzuo brand hooks because they already have them on.
If you want to learn more about fishing slow death, check out the video below. These blades are VERY lightweight and will turn at very slow speeds.
Bottom Bouncer with Crankbaits — Another method for fishing bottom bouncers is to use a long leader and a crankbait behind it. I LOVE to use this presentation when fishing breaks or ledges, where my depth changes a lot. You can use the bottom bouncer to go up and down the contours with the bait floating just off the ground. Natural plastic worms will continue to put walleyes in the boat consistently and will stay on the hooks much longer than a crawler.
Anglers fishing big water often will use treble hooks on the harness to increase hookups on big, aggressive walleyes. The best tip of all is when walleyes are nipping the tail off the crawler, simply apply a stinger hook to the back hook on the harness.
Use the snubber-style stinger, which has the rubber on the loop, and place it on the rear hook of the harness and snub it tight. It will make a difference on light biters. Give a Gift Subscriber Services. See All Other Magazines. See All Special Interest Magazines.
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