Rod and Reel for Bottom bouncers

[jimmy]

I'm wondering if you guys could give me some opinions on a good rod and reel for using live bait rigs and bottom bouncers. Spin cast or baitcaster? I've been using spincast and the quick change and pencil type bouncers but I'm tired of all the line wrap I get with these with my leaders. So I appreciate any imput , I'll be driving by cabellas tomorrow and hope to pick up a good combination Thanks, jimmy

[Mr.Seaguar]

Now I`m no expert. My favorite is the StCroix PC66MLF. Thats Premier Casting 6'6" Medium-Lite Fast action rod. Very sensitive. You know how many fisherman drop there rod back after the first 'tap' because they think the fish has let go? And then wait for more taps? With this rod, I could feel that the fish was actually holding on to the bait and I was setting the hook at the first tap, helping me to have a hooking percentage much higher than my buddies. Which, we all know, is what fishing is all about. You dont need to cacth a lot of fish as long as you catch the most fish. Rod is about $85. As for a reel, I like the Cabelas Classic. Its nothing fancy but at $50 its a good buy. To be sure, there are much better reels out there, but not for $50. But if you are going to Cabvelas, head for the Bargain cave and buy something expensive. I personally have a Diawa Strikeforce 150 on the rod I spoke of Its OK but I wish I had gotten something different. Another rod you might find in the Cabelas Bargain cave is the Shimano Compre 7' Medium power. Its a nice rod also but I would choose the StCroix first. Dont buy a Cabelas Tourny Trail casting rod. Unless you like taking broken rods back to Cabelas. Have fun choosing.

[retire55]

I'd recommend any level wind reel with a free spool lever and a drag system that you like/prefer. I happen to use an old Penn Peerless 9 that continues to work great for me. Before you buy another rod specific to this use, try some of your other rods to evaluate how they would work (unless you already have them assigned to other uses).

[chamookman]

Jimmy - For My needs, a Flipping Rod and a low profile Baitcaster (w/flipping switch) fits the bill nicely! Bob WC#253.

[BB rod and Reel]

I do alot of bottom bouncing. I have been through a bunch of rods including various St Croix Avids, which I still have. My favorite rod is a Bass Pro Walleye Series 7 ft Bottome bouncing rod. It is an IM8 graphite and is perfect. Reel is dealers choice as long as it has a flipping switch.

[Otter]

The flipping models are definitely the way to go. To engage the reel you just let up on the thumb bar rather than having to turn the handle. I'd recommend at least a 6'6" rod, since you have to pull the bottom bouncer to set the hook.

[Lund_Dude]

I agree that flipping switch is a must have, also is nice to have the low profile style with a thumbar release. Fits your hand very well.

That said, What is a goood model? I have an old Shimano that is about dead and I need a replacement. Unfortunately the flipping switch seems to be going away.

[chamookman]

Lund_Dude - The Cabela's Prodigy Bait Caster works well for Me(has a flipping switch). Bob WC#253.

[Vitreum]

i have a quantum accurist with flipping switch and a bass pro shop medium 6.5' bionic blade. i really like the setup. i use a wrist wrap to help with the long days on my old wrist. good luck.