Bottom Bouncing Reels

I’m looking for specific model baitcasting reels for bottom bouncing. I would prefer something with a flipping switch. I also want something cheap. Yes, I know you get what you pay for – but the bottom bouncing rigs will hardly be used as a primary tactic. No, I won’t ever use the rod or reel for anything else. I don’t bass fish and have plenty of long lining rods. I primarily long line, run leadcore, pull 3 ways, and cast jigs and cranks all more than I’ll likely ever bottom bounce while fishing the river. I do want to have a couple niche bouncing setups just in case though.

What are some specific cheap models out there that will get the job done? In cheap, I mean well under $100. Closer to $50 would be great if such a thing exists.

Thanks.

If you want a cheap bottom bouncing reel skip the flippin switch. I have a couple old backup Abu Garcia silver max reels that I used for my bouncer rods. These are the cheap reels with flippin switches and the flippin switch function is very poor and more annoying to use than just the normal setting. Any baitcasting reel will work for bouncing. If you really want a flippin switch then spring for the quantum accurists, they are much much better than the silver maxxs….curious what rod you use for pulling 3 ways? My bottom bouncer rods double as my 3 way rods

I don’t know about the flipping switch, what is it’s actual purpose?

Smellson wrote:

If you want a cheap bottom bouncing reel skip the flippin switch. I have a couple old backup Abu Garcia silver max reels that I used for my bouncer rods. These are the cheap reels with flippin switches and the flippin switch function is very poor and more annoying to use than just the normal setting. Any baitcasting reel will work for bouncing. If you really want a flippin switch then spring for the quantum accurists, they are much much better than the silver maxxs….curious what rod you use for pulling 3 ways? My bottom bouncer rods double as my 3 way rods

I’m going with 7’0 medium ugly stick elites. I can’t even tell you what my oldest ones are without looking. They’ve served their purpose but are due for replacement. I’ve used higher end rods for these applications with friends and they are nice, but a waste. I simply won’t spend big time bucks on combos for either. I’ve always agreed that jigging, and rigging rods are worth every cent for the high end rods. I haven’t seen a bouncing rod or 3 way rod that leads to more fish than a ~$50 durable ugly stick. The reel is a bit more critical depending on the amount of use (which for me won’t be much). I see myself bottom bouncing only in summer on some pool 4 areas where cranks can’t get fish to go and guests are just looking for steady action from anything else that will hit. This will be 6-8 times a year at most. I’m openly admitting rods dedicated to bouncing will see a lot of garage or rod storage time, but want to try it a bit more to expand my skillset.

x2 on the Abu Garcia Silver max. The Abu Garcia Black Max is a good one too. Both are less than $50 each and I have alot of miles on mine with no complaints at all.

I picked up a couple Quantum Accurist S3’s on Ebay for $80 each. Nice reels with a decent drag and flippin’switch. I do a lot of bottom bouncing so it wasn’t hard to justify the cost.

Denny O wrote:

I don’t know about the flipping switch, what is it’s actual purpose?

It’s a spring loaded thumb bar.

As you change depth you can easily pay out line with one hand. Just press and release the bar, no need to spin the handle to re-engage the spool.

The Accurist is hands down the winner.

I agree with Smellson above. Don’t get the Silver Max, I have one and it’s terrible. Very hard to deploy compared to my Accurists.

I’d buy a used Accurist over a new Abu ten out of ten times. I also prefer a graphite rod if I’m holding the rod in my hand. Lighter and more sensitive.

Also worth noting, if you like to hold your rod in your right hand, get a left hand baitcaster for bottom bouncing.

For 50 or less, the black and silver max reels are fine.

And solid choice on rods. Ugly sticks are fine.

shockers wrote:

For 50 or less, the black and silver max reels are fine.

Agreed. They aren’t as good as others, but they work just fine. I’ve also got some lower end Quantum reels with a flipping switch and they work excellent. Have pulled many, many fish over 10lbs (only 1 Walleye) on Bouncers/3-ways with these reels and have never skipped a beat.

Another vote for the Abu Garcia black or silver max reels. Had flippin switch on other BB set ups. Just never used the function.

-J.

Pick up used Shimano Calcutta 200-250 reels… built like a tank, they’ll last forever.

I used the abu for years. but alway had to put one rod down to reel up second. ( fishing South Dakota) then I discovered these. up or down with one hand. The best!!
https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-MF100THS-Megaforce-Baitcasting-Twitchin/dp/B005BSPECA

buckybadger wrote:

I’m going with 7’0 medium ugly stick elites.

Them are good rods. I have a few for pulling chubs. I do prefer another for pulling harnesses but they aren’t much different.

A few years ago Cabelas had 6’6″ Medium Silver Max combos for $40. I have 2 of them and use them for bottom bouncers and some trolling and think they are fine. I haven’t look much but the current version of the combo seems to be $80 which isn’t quite as exciting but might be worth checking out if you are getting that reel anyways and want to keep it cheap.

I’ve liked the looks of the Okuma magda linecounter reels. Anyone have any experience with one?

SuperDave1959 wrote:

I’ve liked the looks of the Okuma magda linecounter reels. Anyone have any experience with one?

They a good lower end trolling reel for sure.

The counters can get sticky and I’ve had one where the levelwind sticks, but overall a good experience.

Definitely wouldn’t be my first choice for bottom bouncing walleyes “by hand,” but they’d work perfect in a rod holder.

Get a cheap reel with a thumb bar and you’re good to go. You’ll definitely want a thumb bar if you’re bottom bouncing all day.

SuperDave1959 wrote:

I’ve liked the looks of the Okuma magda linecounter reels. Anyone have any experience with one?

I run two of these on lead core. The other two are diawa 47’s… While they both get the job done the diawa are worth twice the money that they are.

SuperDave1959 wrote:

I’ve liked the looks of the Okuma magda linecounter reels. Anyone have any experience with one?

Magdas are entry level line counters. I used 2 size 30’s for leadcore last year. Decent reel for the money, especially when you find them for $35-$40. I’m swapping out my magdas for Okuma Coldwaters on my leadcore rods after using 2 coldwater low profiles for shallow trolling & bottom bouncer use all last summer.
the coldwater low profile is a really nice reel.

I’m not sure if the Abu Garcia reels still have a flippin switch. If so, the silver is a good value. I switched everything over to Quantum Accurists a few years ago and have been happy. A flippin switch isn’t necessary but it makes bottom bouncing easier.