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Andrew Martinsen's Walleye Fishing Update


Bottom Bouncer Bonanza

Bottom Bouncer Techniques for Walleye

The bottom bouncer has become an invaluable weapon in the walleye angler?s kit. Today, the benefit of this peculiar-looking piece of equipment is recognized throughout the fishing community. So, if you are keen to catch walleye in lakes, rivers or reservoirs, a bottom bouncer is a must-have ingredient to success.

Typically, a bottom bouncer has a wire leg that is approximately 10 inches long. This leg has a molded weight, which is usually positioned at the middle of the wire leg.

However, you may find that some bouncer have a weight that is positioned higher or lower than the mid-point. A weight that is positioned higher will not be as inclined to snag at the lakebed. On the other hand, a lower weight allows for a more thorough scour of the bottom.

Regardless of the position of the molded weight, the leg will always project beyond the weight. This has a functional purpose, in that it prevents the bouncer from being caught in rocks, logs or other submerged obstacles.

Your snell, spinner or live bait rig is attached to the top of the leg, which is bent at a 90-degree angle. This allows for great ease of changing a snell, as you merely need to slip the looped end onto the bouncer.

One of the main benefits of a bottom bouncer is that it provides a great deal of variety to your fishing technique, particularly when used in conjunction with a spinner rig. In addition, the natural sway, caused by the design of the bottom bouncer, is very attractive to the walleye.

It is advisable when casting a bottom bouncer presentation to gently lower your rig into the lake or river and allow it to sink with a slight tension of the line. This will ensure that your trailing snell does not become entangled with the main line.

Ideally, you will require a snell of 4ft or less, because a longer trailing snell is likely to drop and could snag the lakebed. Sometimes, you may find that your line is hampered by many obstructions, in this instance, it is a good idea to lift your bouncer so that it hovers just above the lakebed and intermittently allowing it to drop down. However, if you are in an area where there are few problems with snagging, you may find that simply trolling the rig is an extremely successful technique.

If you do use a spinner rig while trolling, line length is not as important. In fact, many anglers feel that excessive length is beneficial, as it offers more coverage of the troughs and contours of the bottom.

However, if you would like to employ a faster presentation, many anglers would advocate a simple combination of a bouncer and a one-hook snell. This is very much akin to live bait rig without a blade. In conditions where the walleye are more active or aggressive this presentation can be extremely effective, as it offers great ease of motion.

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