How to Use a Bottom Bouncer

Bottom bouncing, a modified form of drift fishing or trolling, is an effective way to attract fish and cause them to strike or start feeding. Learning how to use a bottom bouncer also provides anglers with an excellent method for locating fish if not familiar with the waters.

If you are new to bottom bouncing, you’ll find that buck tail jigs or natural baits are most often used as bottom bouncers, which are dragged along the bottom from a moving boat (drifting or using a trolling motor). You can also use a bottom bouncer from shore. Either way, as you drag, the bait or lure will bounce, raising puffs of sand or mud. It is also helpful to know how to make a bottom bouncer rig to keep your bait in the right position.

Steps To Use A Bottom Bouncer

When learning how to use a bottom bouncer, there are simple steps to follow for how to fish effectively:

1. Use a buck tail jig or natural bait and drag it along the bottom.
2. Drag the lure so that it bounces, stirring up small clouds of sand or mud.
3. After a few strikes with bottom bouncing, you can drop anchor and apply other methods such as still fishing, jigging, or casting to hook the particular kind of species you’ve attracted.
4. Remember to check the bait frequently for weeds and other debris that may be picked up as it moves along the bottom.

Once you’ve mastered how to use a bottom bouncer, you can learn more about surface poppers and fishing with spoons in our next sections.