Heavy Bouncer Rod

[Bluefin]

Guys,

I am an avid bottom bouncer fisherman, but I have recently been diagnosed with carpal tunnel in my rod wrist, due entirely to bouncing with 3-4 ounce bouncers. What I need is to find a heavier action rod (to take stress off my wrist), that still has a soft tip for detecting light hits.

I started using a Fenwick HMG 7' heavy casting, but the tip just isn't "soft" enough. I checked the Bass Pro Walleye series bouncer rod, and it's too soft for that much weight. Also, the St.Croix Legend Tournament Heavy Bouncer Rod is listed up to 3 ounces, but it's far too soft for that much weight. I'm starting to consider bass flippin' sticks, as they are really heavy in the butt, and some seem to be somewhat softer in the very tip.

Any suggestions??? (Thanks in advance!)

Bluefin

[Pooch]

I quit using a seven foot (hand held) baitcaster several years ago because of the torque on my wrist and arms. Went back to a six footer and am really happy with it. Actually my favorite BB rig is a soft Loomis 5'6"(?) or so with a 3/4 to 1 ounce BB in less than 20' of water. Seriously outfishes the longer rod and heavy BB in almost every situation.

A bunch of years ago we used to always pull three ounce BB, but now seldom use more than a two ounce. Maybe a three ounce when pulling cranks deep. (20 to 40') Then again we are not moving very fast and deep at the same time.

The seven foot rod didn't spread our lines enough more or help catch more fish. All of our walleye fishing is back trolling spinners or jigging.

Pooch

[T Mac]

For BB I have some Shimano "Compre" 7 foot casting rods that I really like for the application. They are a "fast" action model.
(CPC-70MB).
They seem nice and light to me... but I don't have your rods to compare to?

[REW]

Bluefin,
I would suggest that you either do one of the following.
1. Kee the rod that you like for the bouncers - but don't hold them in your hand. Rather use a rod holder.

2. Go to a 4 1/2 foot rod. Going to a much shorter rod - will make it much easier to hold the rod.

3. Go to less weight on the bottom bouncer. Are you sure that you really need that much weight for the type fishing that you are doing?

--
I have a couple of medium heavy rods that carry that weight nicely, but still have a soft enough tip to read the rods.

Take care
REW

[went522]

I also use a compre for bouncing. It's the only rod I'll use for that application. After running that compared to my other bouncing rods, I won't pick up the the others, they go to guests! Hehe!

BIRDDOG

[jdino]

Take a look at this site. Not sure if it would help.
http://www.wristsaverrods.com/

[Burr]

I have a favorite bouncing rod, but it won't perform that well at 3 oz weights.

IMO, I think you should contact a custom rod builder, if you want to hold a bouncing rod that has 3 oz off the end of it.

Find a balancing point for the rod with your bouncer tied on. You should have a place to hold your rod just behind the point where the rod balances. Do this to eliminate the torque on your wrist.

Note - when pulling heavey bouncers, or very heavey jigs, I often use a heavy reel, and hold the rod in front of the reel to get less wrist torque. Can you try something like that to see if that is what you need? Mount a line counter reel to help balance the setup.

[JerryA]

BassPro has a GS Graphite series of rods that make good bouncer rods - they often put them on sale for $20. They are IM6 - so they're soft enough - and come in different lengths and weights. We have some medium heavy, 7 ftrs that handle 3-5 oz BB's w/boards fine. I agree with other posts that a shorter rod will put less stress on your wrist - so 6 or 6.5 would work. One problem is that those lengths of rods often have shorter handles that don't fit in holders as well as the 7+ rods. Also, keep those rods in the holders as much as possible to save the wear and tear on you. Does this qualify you for workers comp? Ha, ha.

[RDJ]

I agree with the shorter is better theory....I run 3-4 oz bouncers regularly on one of the reservoirs I fish a lot and on a hunch tried using a Cabela's XML 6' or 6'2" MH rod I bought for running heavy jig dropper rigs on wing dams and it is my go to rod now for any heavy bouncer applications. I have even gone back to some 7' and 7.5' rods to give them another try and the leverage is way better with the short rod. Not quite as good for fighting bigger fish with but if your going to handle the rod all day with a heavy bouncer, this is the way to go..