Baitcasts or spinning for bottom bouncing????

[IaCraig]

I always use spinning equipment for jigging and bottom-bouncing. My definition of bottom bouncing is a very slow troll or controlled drift using 3/4 to 1 1/4 oz wire bouncer and a 3 - 5 ' leader with leach or other bait. 10' - 40' of water.

I've seen Walleye Central posts using baitcast for bottom bouncing and the only "bottom bouncing" actions I see are on baitcast rods.

I'd like to know what others use and am I missing out on something significant by using spinning equipment?

Thanks,

IaCraig

[Starfish]

I like a casting rod/reel better than a spinning rig for bottom bouncing. I can much more smoothly lower the rig-- especially with a reel that has a flipping switch, so you can do it all with one hand. The drag is smoother, and I can keep the drag fairly loose while still being able to thumb the reel to get a good hookset. Finally, I occasionally want to cast the bouncer rig-- and the casting setup lets you cast it without the spinner wrapping around your bouncer.

[Joe]

I also like a baitcaster with a flipping switch. I run a tiller and it is nice to just hit the button and let out line and let off and it engages. Geting harder to find good baitcaster for trolling with flipping switch. There are some, but seem to be geared more for casting and don't hold enough line.

[n/m]

Have you tried a Shimano Castaic?

[Dutchman]

Craig, I use baitcasters for trolling bottom bouncers, biggest reason I guess would be they eliminate most of the line twist. I used spinning reels for years and the line twist was the biggest draw back. I would also add that you don't need a high end baitcaster, just one with a good drag..Abu Garcia...Diawa...Mitchell are a few with not so spendy models.

[Gunga Din]

I've started using my trolling rods with 27LC reels. I frequently fish with my young kids, and with the linecounter reel I call out the depth they ought to be at. My rods are pretty sensitive, and I've found that the long rods get the bait away from the boat which the fish seem to like.

[rawburt]

I'm a beginner at botton bouncing and would like to know what you consider is a good baitcaster with a flipping switch. I beleive this option would also be useful for deep water jigging. I just want to know what you guys think before I buy. Thanks for your answers. rawburt

[long train runnin]

i know alot of people dont like cabelas reels but i have used for three years the cabelas black label baitcasters and a 7ft ims7 rod and i like it and have never had any trouble with the reels . i have three of them know

[tinboat]

I like a baitcaster with a flipping switch myself, and I use left handed reels even though I am right handed, I have 5 diawa PS25B, which arent made anymore...bummer, I also have some Brownings that are made by Quantam that are decent reels for not a lot of money, Im on the search for a quality LH, flipping switch reel myself, but havent had much luck finding any yet. The advantage to the flipping switch is that you dont have to turn the reel handle to re-engage, and i like LH because that way im not switching hands all the time. Just my personal preference, might not be for everyone

[REW]

In your situation, I agree with your questions. I had the same question a couple of years ago, and the same problems.
I built up a bait caster rod on a 7' medium light blank - and it works simply great for running lighter bouncers, as you speak of.

I use a Standard 7' medium, and or 7' medium heavy rod for running heavier bouncers.

With this lighter action - very sensitive tipped rod - the bait caster really shines.

Easy to drop line, follow contours, etc. Best of all - no line twists.

If I use the rod for lindy rigging - (it works extremely well for weights as light as 1/4 oz. ) the flipping switch allows easy free spooling when a bite is felt.

Loomis makes a great 7'10" model - that is advertised as a "midwest trolling rod. This is on the Gl3 blank, I believe. This rod has very similar action, as the rod I spoke about. Very sensitive tip, yet enough backbone to set the hook. Also, enough length to get the bait away from the hook.

Take care

REW

[steve(IL)]

You can still find Diawa PS52B's, Shimano Bantum's,(both w/ back reel feature :-)) in left hand crank. E-mail me at goodogs@ameritech.net and I'll give you some phone numbers.
I also own and like a number of Quantums & Brownings in left hand crank w/ flipping switch. They can sometimes be found on sale for around $40. I don't care for the round style baitcast reels - the low profile types are a lot easier to hold on to.

[Steve(CO)]

Agree with N/M - I use a Shimano Castaic. Works great. Another interesting option is the new ABU no-backlash reels. I can simply put it in free spool and not worry about backlash, then pop it in gear when it hits bottom. Same for adjusting as you go. I troll two rods, one with each reel.

[GORD]

iacraig; my definition of bottom bouncing isn't much differant than yours, but we must be somewhat flexable as conditions change. a spinning reel will work fine if the bottom is flat, just lock and drag. However,if the bottom is up and down like brides nightgown, like some places i fish, it's a differant deal. you'll be doing a lot of back reeling to maintain contact with the bottom. Constantly back reeling while operating a tiller can be a pain and highly inefficient. With a baitcaster, you just have to take your thumb off the spool gently.... and down it goes. it's overly simple, you'll kick yourself in the butt (just like i did)and ask yourself "why didn't i think of that sooner". If you are a tiller guy.... USE A LEFT HANDED REEL(even if you are right handed). do yourself a favour and read everything that Mike Mclelland and Bob Probst have written on the subject of bottom bouncing. i tried a lot of differant ways of dragging bouncers....only to find out that those guys were 100%, right on the money with their advice. In a nut shell.... short, stiff, light baitcasting rod with comfortable pistol grip handle. light, low profile, left handed , baitcasting reel. The last time i used a spinning reel for bottom bouncing was a few years back, the day i fished a tournament, bottom bouncing, beside Bob Probst. He's the old master... That turned out to be ANOTHER humbling experience. Do yourself a favour and fish a few pro/am tournaments. You'll have a great time, meet new friends, and pick up a lot of walleye tricks and techniques.

[IaCraig]

Thanks Gord (and others). I was raised using baitcasts (some with drags others where your thumb on the spool was the drag), but for some reason whenever I wanted the sensitivity I've always had the impression that spinning equipment ruled???

This year I will get a walleye action baitcast rod and try it with some super line. I do get tired of the juggling act of opening & closing bails, and the occasional leader twisted around my bouncer.

And Gord you are right, I'd be wise to enter a Pro Am tourny. I go to Minaki each summer anyway so I should stay an extra few days to enter the Gary Roach Pro Am.

Thanks to all,

IaCraig (learning as I go)

[walleye slayer]

I figure what type of bait I'm using to dictate what rod and reel to use. If your fishing leeches over rocks i have to use a spinning reel with a lindy no-snagg. Crawler harness fished in rocks or rubble I go to the baitcaster. I don't let the line run after a strike on a baitcaster. I pause then set the hook. I can honestly say that I've had no trouble hooking fish. I only let the fish run if I'm using a large minnow or leech, and to do this I need a spinning reel. Good fishing!WS