Does anyone use bottom-bouncers with a spinner rig on the Croix? Seems like that might be a useful way to get a rig down to the right depth when the winds are blowing (like last weekend and last night), making it hard to slow down enough for a lindy rig…
You should be using bottom bouncers and spinner rigs for two reasons:
1) to find active fish and it also teaches you bottom transition locations. If you are experimenting on new waters, bottom bouncers/spinner rigs are VERY EFFECTIVE tools. It can help you find the “spot on the spot”.
2) when the fish want the spinner rig for presentation. There are times when a fish wants a jig, a lindy rig, a spinner rig, or a crank. Give the fish what they ask for! 
Forsaking your presentation because of boat control is a large reason why some people don’t catch fish and a HUGE reason why some guys ALWAYS catch fish (those who maintain good boat control over any scenario).
King— I used them quite a bit last couple seasons out there. As stated earlier helps with bottom transitions and also varies things up. It also caught multiple species for me.
I have several in my tackle box but never really gave them a good try… when rehashing our poor outing last night, I figured I should have given them a go of it then! Oh well, there’s always the next time out on the water!
Bottom bouncers don’t seem to be popular around here. People would rather use a 3 way rig—go out to the Dakotas and everyone uses them. I keep thinking I am going to give them a serious try but other presentations keep working and getting in the way. If they work for you keep us posted. Pool 3 bite is starting to go pretty good if that interests you.
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Pool 3 bite is starting to go pretty good if that interests you.
Shhhhhhhhh! 
what speed do you normaly run this set up?
Oh come on Chappy, you and I both know it takes a little different mindset to fish Pool 3 vs. the St. Croix. I use to fish the St. Croix alot till the old big muddy got in my blood and now I can’t force myself to go north when I launch at Prescot. I even tried to hit my old milk run on the St. Croix last Summer and it wasn’t the same. I have to admit that the St. Croix has given up some darn good walleye to me over the years and it is probably my loss for fishing Pool 3 but it just feels right. I guess I would rather be semi-good at a few things rather than so-so at everything.
Hey Redneck, Thanks for the update on P3… I’d love to get down there but I don’t think that’s in the cards in the near future… family commitments are going to keep me off the water this weekend and the weather looks pretty iffy next week 
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I have a few ‘spare’ rods that I’m going to set up with bottom bouncers and three-way type rigs… I don’t want to be out on the water again and not have these ready-to-go if the conditions are right…
Haven’t done it yet this year but in past usually between 1.3 – 1.6 sometimes slower.
Hey King,
I killed’em on the Croix last year using bouncers/crawlers. Mornings were the best most days but on windy days between Hudson and Afton, in the open, I’d keep catching them right through the middle of the day. This was actually my go to system during the “dog days” of mid summer. Caught some monster crappies out here this way as well!! Shhhhh…
Tuna 
I use three ways because I think they are more versatile, one knot and you can change bell sinkers, fish from 12 feet deep to 28 in a second, you can also have your dropper and weight attached by a crankbait crosslock, and it’s then even faster to change weights. I have used bottom bouncers and they work too, I think it’s just a personal choice.
Keep Catchin’
Turk
Would you post pics of the two rigs. I think I know what you are talking about but am not sure.
Bottom bouncer and spinner rig and the three way rig.
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Would you post pics of the two rigs. I think I know what you are talking about but am not sure.
Bottom bouncer and spinner rig and the three way rig.
Here ya’ be.
And the 3 way rig.
a variant of the 3-way is to tie up a ‘slip’ 3-way… rather than use a 3-way swivel, use two regular swivels. Thread your main line through one eye of swivel A. Then, tie the end of the main line onto one eye of swivel B. Tie your leader onto the other end of Swivel B. This way, Swivel A can slide up and down the main line. Now, tie your dropper onto the other end of Swivel A and attached the sinker to the end of the dropper.
With this setup, you would be able to free-spool line as you do with a lindy rig…
A variant on this variant is to use only Swivel A. Rather than tying on Swivel B, slide a bead and a bobber-stop knot on the main line and then tie your rig directly onto the main line. This way, you can adjust the length of your leader without having to re-tie. The downside is that without a swivel between your main line and the rig, you can get some line twists.
Another variant that allows you to adjust the length of your dropper: instead of tying your dropper directly onto the end of Swivel A, simply use a split-shot crimped onto one end of the dropper line and tie your sinker onto the other. You can then change the location the split-shot to adjust the length of the dropper. Another plus with this split-shot technique is that if your sinker gets hung up, a good tug will release the split shot from the line and all you’ll lose is the sinker and dropper line.
Thanks guys that was perfect. 
King by all means use them both. I typically use 2 to 3 oz. BB with spinners and minners <2 MPH. Just my preference to help me keep sheepskins off. Seems like they REALLY like crawlers. If I want to go slower and finesse I use a Lindy Rig.
I typically use 3 oz. 3 ways for pulling stick Raps a little faster 2+ MPH. I’ve done pretty well on your favorite stretch of the Croix over the years. I use wimpy rods in holders with mono for both and just start reeling when you have a “Fish On”! I tend to loose more fish if I use Fireline with either and jump the gun.
On both rigs I ALWAYS use a 3′-4′ lead since it doesn’t hang up as much as a 6’er.
PM me if you want more info.
Good Luck,
Ferny.
Hey Ferny, thanks for the info… last time out, I didn’t throw a BB or 3-way over the side… stuck with trolling and did a bit of jigging. Next time out, I’m going to run BB’s – I think I’ll motor down river to try a few ‘new’ spots so I’ll be in search mode. I have a bunch of leaders tied up but I may need to shorten them a little (they’re all about 6’ers right now).
Glenn
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