Bottom Bouncer rods

[Lumpy]

I need to replace some rods. I like and prefer St. Croix. My question is do I get 6'6m,6'6mh or 7'm or 7'mh. Also would the premier rods be good for this or should I stick with the Avids. Thanks

[Dutchman]

I would suggest the P&K Walleye angler trolling rods from BPS. IMHO for a trolling rod they are the best bang for your buck. I've used Loomis and St Croix in the past and they are great rods, but spendy. If your on a budget or would like to purchase several the Walleye Angler rods are comperable and less expensive. I prefer a 8'6" rod with Bottombouncers. The longer rods make for good hook set sweeps and allow a little cushion for good hook sets with out ripping the lips off when using no stretch lines. The longer rods also help to spread lines covering a wider trolling area and helps to prevent tangles in sharp turns. Just my 2 cents.


" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[iamwalleye1]

I really like the loomis bottom bouncing rod! But a buddie of mine uses the 6'6" avid it seems to work fine for him!

[SLIPKNOT]

I would go with the 7 ft. Medium action avid series, that is a sweet rod and should work very well for bottom bouncers. Good luck!

[SnellTier]

My wife and I go with the 6'8" avid series medium weight. We have used them for 2 full seasons now and love them.

We usually use 1 ounce weights but these rods have enough backbone to handle 3 ounce weights easily even at higher trolling speeds.

Sensitivity is great ... typical of the avid series.

Gander sells these for $140. FYI.

[REELMAN]

I have to agree with the Dutchman. I have the the 7 foot P&k rod that is great for a hand held bouncer rod. For power trolling spinners the 8'6" works very good. Just the right action.

[Larry Z.]

Lumpy,
If you prefer St. Croix rods, give a look at the St. Croix Pro Glass Series. I prefer the 8' rod but they come in an 8 1/2' series as well.
About 90 bucks at Gander Mountain.

[stevefellegy]

My vote is for a 7', medium action whatamacallit. They run about $25 to $35 dollars at about every place that sells rods. I guess I just ain't that fussy about sensitivity for trolling. Heck, the old ladies I took fishin' 30 years ago never failed to feel and catch 16" walleyes on glass rods with 2-6oz. weights hangin' on'em. I'd rather pay more for the stuff that the fish actually bite on. Just me I guess. My six trollin' rods for this year's RCL events will total about $160 in value.

[rangerpat]

Hey Steve, No wonder you do so good at the RCL tourneys, they only let me use 4 rods. LOL email me your number again I lost it & we can try to get something started on that VIP setup for Winnebago. We'll start working on Sonny right away. See Ya Pat Cavins

[stevefellegy]

Hey Pat,

I need six, just keep up with all you guys using four. lol
Besides, I tangle things up so often I need all the spares I can fit in the boat.
The VIP project at RCL Winnebago, as part of a plan to help the "Justins" of the world will be a great event which I hope all the pro's will partake in and the RCL staff will help us with. Hint...hint...lol So here comes my phone number your way.....

[Youngeye]

Have a couple of premier 7' footers and a couple of Avids as well. I usually end up using the premier rods for bottom bouncer, don't really know why.
I also run superlines on these rods and I would recommend the Premier for pulling bouncer, sensitivity isn't that big of a deal.

[srj]

For the money, the Bass Pro bouncer rods are a good deal. I have a bit of arthritis in my hands and rod/reel weight is really important to me--the 6 1/2 footer is incredibly light and works very well with weights up to 3 oz.

[Cangl]

Trolling rods that are so tight that the fish can not stop with the lure were a disastor to me when I used them for trolling. On occasion the only way to catch tailing fish was to free spool count and try to set. This is impoossible with multiple set lines. In the rod holders those "tight" graphites will cost you fish, sure you will "see" more bites as for nipping fish ( hit's with the intent of striking again) those show up as taps. A rod that bends also does not yank your lures up by absorbing bottom contact with the bend of the rod whereby holding it better. With the new lines all the sensitivity one might need may be in the line itself especially trolling. As for hooked fish.......oughtohh

[milfish]

I've been using 10'6" noodle rods with fire line for bottom bouncing while drifting or trolling. The soft action of the rod seems to allow the fish to hang on to the bait without feeling too much resistance. This gives me plenty of time to set my beer down and get a good sweeping hook-set. Bought my Lexus rods on E-bay for about $30.00 each. Good Luck, seems you might need a number of rods.