Bottom Bouncer Struggles

[Bottom Bouncers]

This may sound like a stupid question, but in the last 2 years, I have really increased the technique of bottom bouncing with my presentations. I have noticed that a few of the manufacturers make their bottom bouncers with a "u" shaped assembly. When using these particular brands, when fishing in rocky areas, I have noticed that my snap swivel frequently slides over the "u" and up to the spinner leader. This is frustrating and I found myself twisting the wire "u" around itself making a closed loop for the connection. Why do they manufacture them like this? I won't name any companies but I will no longer buy these bottom bouncers because of this...

[FROGMAN]

You should eliminate the snap swivel, and tie your line directly to the bottom bouncer. Try this, and it should eliminate your problem. Tight Lines

FROGMAN

[GP-NJ]

I agree with frogman. I've tied directly to bouncer using a palomar knot. No problems with line twist.

[Stormsearch]

There is a reason for the "U" shape in the bottom bouncer. When fighting fish, especially larger ones, that can notably shake their heads, the weight of the bottom bouncer will start to really flop around. With the "U" shape, the snap swivel will slide down directly on top of the weight, in essense, pegging the weight to the line preventing the fish from leveraging the weight against you in a fight.

There is another reason, that I have been told but have forgotten - sorry. Good luck.

[Bottom Bouncer]

I like this answer the best. I use snap swivels because it provides a better attachment to the bouncer. I am a proponent to tying direct for most applications but am a little stubborn for using snaps on things like bottom bouncers. It does make sense that the "U" works similiar to what the planer board does when a strike occurs causing less drag on the fish. A head shake could conceivably cause the bottom bouncer to sway popping loose a good hook set.

Thanks Stormsearch!

[bouncer boy]

talk to any pro on the pwt and they will all tell you to tie directly to the bouncer-no swivel.

[GORD]

there tie directly to the u. you could always tie a small swivel a foot or so above the bouncer if you are concerned about line twist. resist the temptation to rebend the bouncer arm to a better angle. it seems like a good idea, but you can end up with a tangled mess if the wind gets hold of it and it starts spinning in the air. try experimenting with the type of mono. you are using to tie your snells with. i've found that 6# or 8# xt work good. it's stiffer and stays straighter and doesn't twist like some limp lines do. tie a small swivel on the end of your snell and clip that to the bouncer arm. use a straight aberdeen hook. it won't act like a propellor and spin your snell. get everything running straight beside the boat, then slowly lower it to the bottom as the boat is moving. if you crash it to the bottom, you'll end up with a tangled mess. have you tried putting the hook in the wrong end of a leech? try it and see what it looks like as it is being pulled beside the boat. using a left handed bait casting reel will make your life a lot easier if you have a tiller boat and hold your rod in your right hand instead of using a rod holder. think about it. why do the tiller guys put the handle on the left side of their spinning reels? reason: less hand switching. the rod stays in the right hand. the left hand bounces back and forth between the tiller handle and the reel handle as required. i did this all bassakwards for years before i finally smartened up.