Hey it's Andrew Martinsen.
Suspended walleye just aren’t as easy to tempt as walleyes that are actively hunting. When the walleye are just hanging around at the bottom, a bottom bouncer can put the bait right at their fishy lips.
Bottom bouncers are a very versatile rig. They can be paired with a multitude of baits. They also lend themselves to a multitude of presentations. This really opens up the opportunities when the walleye are being picky.
The construction of a bottom bouncer is fairly simple. It has three components: wire, weight and bait. The wire is formed into a seven shape with a weight attached to the longest leg. The line is connected to the angle and the bait is attached to the short leg.
Once an angler has found suspended walleye, they need to lower the rig into the water. Keep lowering the line until the weight touches bottom. The line should slacken and tighten back up. The angler can then let out a little more line.
Once the bottom is established, the angler can give the bottom bouncer a little action. If the bottom bouncer is being used in a vertical or casting presentation, the angler needs to create a taping motion. This can be achieved by raising and lowering the rod tip. The angler should be able to feel the sinker make contact each time.
Bottom bouncers will also work with trolling. Again, it is important to establish where the bottom is. A sonar unit can be utilized to identify any dips or holes in the floor. This will make it easier for the angler to adjust the line as needed.
The bottom bouncer needs to make contact with the bottom when being trolled. If it isn’t, it may be too high and missing the fish entirely. The bottom bouncer shouldn’t be dragged either. Dragging a bottom bouncer achieves nothing but disappointment.
Bottom bouncers work best when used with slow speeds. Whether the angler is trolling, casting or vertical jigging, it is necessary to keep the movement slow. A bottom bouncer is supposed to simulate the natural movements of baitfish. The walleye won’t take the bait if it whizzes by them.
Bottom bouncers are normally paired with spinners or live bait harnesses. These combinations work the best. Bottom bouncers can also be paired with crankbaits. When trolled properly, crankbaits can be quite appealing for suspended walleye. Crankbaits don’t always work with bottom bouncers since the lower speed interferes with the crankbait performance. They can be a deadly combo if the perfect speed balance is found.
When walleye suspend near or at the bottom, they become a much harder fish to catch. Their lethargic state makes them much more finicky about what they will go after. A bottom bouncer paired with the ideal speed and tempting bait is often enough to peak a walleye’s interest. Sometimes an angler needs to sink the bait to the walleye’s level in order to get a strike.
Great fishing to you always!
Andrew Martinsen
