James RickardUse a bottom bouncer to beat snags
July 8th 2007 03:00
Although this establishment has appeared in countless photos, this one came from morguefile.com.
Every time I think I’m done talking about snags, I remember something else. (Get the feeling I’ve lost a been hung up a time or two?)
Often weighted at ½ to a hefty 4 ounces, the bottom bouncer is an inverted “L” shaped wire with a lead weight molded onto the bottom protruding shaft. The shaft extends beyond the weight to deflect snags. The other arm, the shorter part of the “L”, usually has a snap swivel at the end for you to attach a leader with your bait at the end. At the junction of where the two arms intersect is a spot for you to attach your main line.
Advantages of the bottom bouncer are two fold. Aside from preventing snags they also aid in triggering strikes. As the “Upside down L” skips along the bottom, it hits an obstruction that would often grab other weights then, the entire affair pivots forward and the upper arm jerks the bait along, often triggering reactionary strikes in following fish.
The use of the bottom bouncer is often associated with trolling or drifting while in a boat. However, all it takes is a fast reel and a constant retrieve and you can definitely get down deep even if you’re fishing from the shore. The trick is to keep the “L” standing up right so it lives up to its name and “bounces” along the bottom rather than falling over.
A rod length of six feet or more works best when employing a bottom bouncer. The line you use is going to be determined by the weight. As the weight gets heavier, you’ll definitely need a sturdier line. For the light ½ ounce models, something around 10 lb. test will work. If you’re going for the “big boys,” a no stretch line in the 20 lb. range or greater is in order.
Naturally, you can fish a bottom bouncer with live bait. However, crankbaits or spinner baits work well also. As a matter of fact, shallow diving crankbaits can be used even if you’re going down to depths of 30 feet! Remember, it is the weight itself that is pulling the lure down.
Whether you’re trolling or bank fishing, using a spinner bait can come in handy because if you see the blade(s) spinning, you know you’re probably pulling the rig fast enough to keep it from falling over. However, if you’re fishing from the shore, don’t assume that the bottom bouncer is going to be upright in the last few inches of water as you’re getting closer to where you are standing. If that’s the case, you’re reeling too darned fast!
In order not to spook the fish, I would suggest a leader of 4-5 feet. Despite the line you may need to fish a bottom bouncer, the leader you attach to the short arm of the “L” only needs to be around 8 lb. test. You can get by fudging on this but, there’s really no need in using stout line for your leaders. If you get hung up, you’re only going to lose a hook or lure if the leader is a lighter than your main line.
Using bottom bouncer will not insure you against snags. However, the whole experience may be a lot easier on your nerves.
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
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