A bottom bouncer consists of a v-shaped wire form that is similar to that used for spinner baits, only larger. One end of this wire holds a swivel for attaching spinners, soft plastics, stick baits, rigged live minnows or other baits. The other end holds a relatively heavy lead weight with a trailing wire that is used to bounce the rig along the bottom while trolling, hence the name bottom bouncer. According to Bass Pro Shops, bottom bouncers are particularly popular with walleye fishermen, especially during colder weather when these game fish hunker down in deep regions of lakes and reservoirs.
Step 1
Select a medium trolling or baitcasting rod and reel loaded with 10 to 20 lb. test fishing line for bottom bouncing.
Step 2
Select the appropriate weight of bottom bouncer for the depth you want to fish. For example, a 1 oz. weight works well for up depths up to 15 feet, while a 3 oz. weight can range from 25 to 35 feet.
Step 3
Fasten your spinner, stick bait or other artificial lure or rigged natural bait to leader, then attach the leader to the snap swivel at the top of the bottom bouncer. Tie a snap swivel onto the end of your main fishing line and fasten that swivel to the bottom bouncer at the tip of the "V."
Step 4
Play your line out behind the boat running at around 1 mile per hour. Keep your rod up so the line is at an angle between 35 and 45 degrees in the water. Run the fishing line out until the trailing wire behind the weight of the bottom bouncer just starts to tick along the bottom. Maintain this depth.
Step 5
Track the movement of the bottom bouncer with an electronic fish finder, if your boat is outfitted with one. Watch for any obstructions, such as sunken trees or boulders in the path of the bottom bouncer rig and adjust your line length to control the depth of the rig.
Step 6
Watch carefully for strikes, which may be very slight. Apply steady tension when a strike occurs to prevent ripping the bottom bouncer rig from the mouth of the fish.
Things You'll Need
- Medium trolling or baitcasting rod and reel with 10 to 20 lb. weight fishing line
- Bottom bouncer
- Artificial or natural bait trolling rig
- Trolling boat
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