Bottombouncing

[Skeet]

I havn't done any Bottom bouncing before but I am going to force myself to this year. Something I'm not clear on is when you get a bite on a spinner rig and bouncer, to you set the hook or give it your rod tip or what?? Thanks for any help

[EricCO]

just give them the rod tip then whammo set the hook. They usually take the hook in pretty well when aggressive enough to chase the faster moving presentation

[Gunga Din]

Sometimes they want a light presentation with the BB just occasionally ticking bottom, and you'll need to give them the rod length before setting the hook. Other days they want the BB dredging bottom and they'll hook themselves. Some days I barely move--just fast enough to turn the blades. Other days I move quickly.

[Kevin/CO]

When I am bottom bouncing I typically wait for that first tap hold on to the pole for that next one and once I feel that weight I pull not real hard in most cases, if I start missing fish because of short strikes then I'll go with Eric's strategy and really snap the pole. It may be silly but I like to use a rubber "snubber" between the BB and the spinner. It cuts down a bit on the sensitivity but I feel that it keeps me from the hook out of the fishes mouth on hook set and durring the fight.

[Frank]

The earlier posts talked about BB shot for weight. Is this the type of bottom bouncing you were talking about or are you talkinging about using the 1/4 to 2 ounce bottom bouncers (L-shaped wire with lead molded to it)?

[lundluvr]

I was talking about the l-shaped. Also what are the best conditions to opt for a BB vs a jig or rig?

[Kevin/CO]

I was talking about the L shpaed bottom bouncers in my reply I am just lazy so I wrote BB a couple times. Personally I don't like using other types of weight.

[jim/UT]

When fishing with beginners I tell them not to touch the rod until it is bucking like crazy and the fish has hooked himself. Usually they are pulling it out at the first tap.

On the days where the bite is lighter, I grab the rod and at then next tap I drop the rod tip to maintain tension or even let it go slack, then hit them hard as it tightens up again. I can't recall the last time I missed a fish doing this, it is pretty reliable. I suspect it gives them a chance to suck it in rather than have to chase it.

Hope this helps!

Jim

[EricCO]

You said what I was trying to say. thanks. One thing I do as well is that even after dropping the rod tip and/or giving them line and if they aren't taking it after all that, then I go to lindy rigging or split shotting.

[Lundluvr]

Thanks for the info, I'll give it a try.