Bottom Bouncer, weight and type.

[Tommy Mac]

Would like to know some general guidelines for bottom bouncer weights. I have used these very little but am going to give them a good work out this summer.

How heavy do they need to be to keep a big blade down in 30 feet, 20 feet or 12 feet of water? Will the same weight work with a # 11 floating rapala?

I know that there are several different types. Which type is more resistant to snags when fishing in heavy rocks? I kind of like the sliding type, Northlands slip bouncer, are they as snag resistant as non sliding type? Any help is greatly appreciated. TM.

[ETT]

You mentioned the sliders, good idea. There are also some around with interchangable weight systems. 10 or 12 wires, and a handful of weights and you are set for any and all situations. You can determine the amount of weight you need at any given speed and/or depth by keeping in contact with the bottom when you have a 45 degree line angle to the bouncer. hope this helps

[Jay]

A good rule of thumb for bottom bouncer weight is 1 oz. for every ten feet of depth. You should be able to keep your line at a 45 degree angle to the water with this. Of course there are variables such as wind, speed or even blade size, but this rule is a good starting point and will hold true in most situations.

I also like the slip bouncers from Northland, not because they slip but because they are easier to change weights and remove the weight for storage in the rod box. I've found no difference in snag resistance between these and fixed bouncers. Hope this helps get you started.

[Tommy Mac]

Thanks ETT, Jay, just the answer I was looking for. TM

[stingerND]

I bought some slip bouncers this winter I think they will work great. I've found that using a 3-way on #11 or #13 rapalas works very well. If you use 5' of leader for your crank it will drop 1' so you can easily adjust the height of your crank by how far your weighted dropline is. 3' weighted line crank is 2' off bottom. 5' weighted line 4' off bottom.
As for weights to fish the 45 degree angle for 10' or less 3/4 oz
15' 1 oz 20' 1.5 oz 25' 2 oz 30' 2.5 oz. 30'+ 3 oz keep in mind this is all effected by speed. Good luck!!!!

[Tommy Mac]

Stinger,
Thats great info. Thank you very much. Haven't used a Three way in years. Used to all the time, about 25 years ago. Fished rivers more then. What I liked about them is that by using the smaller drop line, all you lost in a snag was a sinker. Have to get back into that bag again. Catch A Big One! TM