Fixed vs Sliding bouncers??

[RJ]

I'm just curious what is YOUR preference. I have generally used the fixed "L" shaped bouncers but am going to start fishing some with sliding bouncer system with quick change clevis. I'm curious to see if one performes better for me than the other.
What do you all use and why? If you do use both, what criteria do you use to determine which you will use in different situations? What are some of the pro's and con's for each from your perspective? Thanks for all replies, RJ

[Juls_WI]

I like to use the Exchange Bottom Bouncers from Lindy Little Joe, because it allows me to change the weight of the bouncer without having to put a different one on. All I have to do is add a weight and hold it on with a little rubber grommet. I can add or take weight off this way without re-tying. I couldn't tell you if one works better than the other, because they both seem to work just fine for me. I think it comes down to preferences.

Simply put, the Exchange bouncers are a great time saver! That works for me...;-)

Juls

[Ron Anlauf]

Fixed arm bouncers give you a little more lift than sliders. As you let out more line the sliders collapse, while the arm on the fixed rises, and may help to keep your bait off the bottom and out of the junk. Fixed arm bouncers transmit more action back to the bait, as the sliders absorb the action of a bouncer banging accross an uneven bottom. Sliders give you the advantage of letting a fish run on a bite, but you run the risk of hanging the bouncer up by doing so.

Ron Anlauf

[GORD]

Both styles have their time and place. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Keep them both on board. Break away bouncers might save you a big fish if you get snagged in rough terrain.

[tinboat]

In my opinion fixed bouncers are more sensitive, but only if the wire is stiff enough and the line is attached directly to the bouncer. Sliders are more snag resistant, and get through nasty rock better if you happen to let it drag a little, once a fixed bouncer lays down its pretty much looking for something to snag on. So i use both, fixed when im fishing soft bottom thats hard to feel, and sliders when im in the rocks. Overall I'd give the fixed bouncer the nod for sensitivity, and the slider for ease of change weights and being less prone to snag. I just wish i could find wire stiff enough for my liking, nobody makes a bouncer with stiff enough wire, especially heavier wieghts (over 2 ounces).

Just my opinion..

[T-Mac]

I prefer the regular "L shaped" bouncer. I even bend the arm up some, to give a bit more lift. If you picture the bottom bouncer traveling along tapping bottom (when you allow it to) you would see that the bottom bouncer is at approx. a 45 degree angle to the bottom....with the "arm" therefore giving the additional lift you would not get from a straight bouncer. Now..by bending the arm up even a bit more..more height is achieved.
This helps the action of the spinner assembly..and it also gives the fish a better opportunity to inhale the hooks.
Kinda like having a "spring-bobber" on your ice fishing rod-tip.
Then...I like to pump my rod while pulling this assembly.(Instead of just dragging it)
I have had more fish and less snags doing things that way than I had using a straight bouncer.
I figure I am actually doing something different with an "L- shaped". Otherwise, why not just pull a No-Snagg sinker and a spinner?
At least... that is my thinking.

[TimD.]

You don't have to use sliding bouncers to change weights .
Just buy some of the old style rubber core sinkers and add them
to the permanent weight on the bouncer . Buy the sinkers in various sizes and you add or subtract for just the right combination . They can be used on either straight or L-bouncers.

Good Luck , TimD.