Bottom bouncing/casting rod

Hey fellas need some help. I am looking for a new rod for this up coming open water season. I primarily jig/rig and have plenty of those rods, but was looking at getting a more specific bottom bouncing/casting rod. I would like a rod that I could be trolling bottom bouncers for eyes then switch to casting for pike shortly there after. Any input would be appreciated!! (also not trying to break the bank with a $400 combo either)

I would not want to use my bottom bouncing rod as a casting rod because it is a medium action and soft tip. The rod I use for bottom bouncing I only have $80 in (not including reel). You would be better off buying two rods and switching the reel when you change from trolling to casting until you can come up with the money for another reel.

If your budget allows, you can look into Custom. At Tuned Up Custom Rods we do quite a few application specific open water rods. For base setups, they run right around $200. Last year I built at 7′ Medium-Heavy Fast bait caster that I use for bass fishing. It’s the real deal! This year I’m building a Crank Bait specific bait casting rod. If you have any questions let me know.
Dan

Typically on a bouncer rod you’ll want a moderate action where the first 1/3 of will load-up easily. What this does is allow the walleye to inhale the bait easily as the rod slowly loads up. If using a faster action rod, chances are better that the bait will be pulled away from the walleye because the rod is not flexing when the walleye inhales the bait.

What size bouncers do you use?

Some people don’t use less than 2oz even in 10 fow. Others rarely exceed 1-1/2 oz.

No one size fits all… Unless you tell us what size weight bottom bouncers and what size pike lures.

Message sent

Thanks for the feedback guys! Most bottom bouncing would be less then 2oz more like 1-1.5oz. As for casting it would be on the smaller size and even some trolling cranks for eyeballs. I know in a perfect world I would have a rod for each specific application, but I also would like to keep my wife lol

That should be easy enough combo to get.

I’m a big feel guy for rods, pick it up, hold it, touch it, sniff it, etc. Luckily those high end rods are typically pretty stiff. Light yes, but it’s a harder carbon thats used which also makes em more brittle. The rods in the mid price around that $75-150 are softer through the blank which will work good for a bouncer and pike rod. Find a rod that suits you and something soft enough in that Medium heavy range that will allow baits to be chucked while giving some bounce to the BB aspect.

People catch fish, not rods, rods only help the odds a lil bit.

I like this as an all around bouncing and casting rod. It might be a bit light for bouncing but I like the feel of it. I run 1 oz on the St Croix with it and haven’t had any issues. It’s the 6’6″ model.

Now, if you are getting into large pike regularly it might not work.

http://limitcreek.com/SpinningRods.html

My wife and I really like this rod —- no reel seat to mess with your finger!!!

Yes it is a bait-caster,
but that is what we use for bouncing 1/2 to 3 oz…
Great feel to it.

Fenwick Elite Tech™ Walleye Casting

read the reviews if you got some time —- ***** 5 stars for us !!!

May want to also look at the Fenwick Eagle EA710M-MC-T. It’s a 7’10” telescoping trolling rod. Light weight, perfect action for bottom bouncing. Probably wouldn’t use it for casting heavy lures. I have two, they are fantastic. $70

Eyeman54 wrote:

I know in a perfect world I would have a rod for each specific application, but I also would like to keep my wife lol

Do you have kids? If so, its simple. Little Johnny or Sally needs a technique specific rod.

Good point Captain! We have a 5 month old so it is never too early to start =]

I use a 7′ medium action (Cabelas XML 703) rod paired with a Quantum Energy casting reel with a flippin’ switch. This outfit seems to work fine for bouncers up to 2 oz. for trolling spinner rigs. I find the flippin’ switch to be a big help when needing to adjust the BB down a bit to maintain bottom contact at a 45 degree angle.

I give another vote for a Quantum Reel with a Flippin Switch. It’s great for quick depth adjustments when running bottom bouncers. I bought mine as combos and the rods they came with are good for heavier BB or 3-ways (2-3oz), but are a little much for lighter setups. For lighter bottom bouncers, I like the Mojo Bass 7′ 1″ MF casting rod.

X3 on the flipping switch. IMO, it’s the most important/nicest feature you want in a bouncer reel. Especially when using two rods.

Ed, does that Fenwick Eagle handle 2-3 oz bouncers alright? I see it’s only rated up to 1oz, but plenty of guys say it pulls leadcore and planer boards just fine, so I’m guessing it’s a little under-rated? Thanks.

Have the bounce and troll eyecon st croix great rod. it would not make a good casting rod. casting and bouncing are too different. Better to use two different rods. as for real flipping switch is really nice.

I got an Eyecon Bounce and Troll casting rod, rigged up with a Scheel’s brand baitcaster. If you are interested, shoot me a PM. Comes loaded with 14 pound Fireline. Here’s the rod specs…

ECC70MHM / Bounce-N-Troll
Our most popular design for bottom bouncing capable of easily handling 3 oz. Its moderate action is also ideal for casting medium-to-large crankbaits.