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Main line to the bendWeightedwire armSnapSpinner blade, beads3-6ft harness, 2 hooksBottom
Technical layout
Main line to the bendWeightedwire armSnapSpinner blade, beads3-6ft harness, 2 hooksBottom
Bottom rigs · Rig diagram & setup

Bottom Bouncer Rig Diagram & Gear List

An L-shaped wire bouncer with lead molded onto its long arm walks along the bottom while a spinner harness trails behind it, just above the rocks. It lets you drift or slow-troll a live bait across walleye flats and breaklines at 0.8-1.5mph without constant snags.

Where to use it
boat, lake, river
Difficulty
intermediate
Common in
US, Canada

Gear List

  • main Line8-12 lb monofilament or 10-15 lb braid
  • leader10-12 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon spinner harness
  • leader Length3-6ft harness from the bouncer's snap to the hooks
  • hook RangeTwo #4 - #2 octopus hooks in tandem on the harness, or one hook plus a stinger
  • weight TypeWire bottom bouncer with a lead weight molded onto the lower arm, 1-3oz
  • sinker Drop LengthThe weighted wire arm is 10-12in long and ticks the bottom below the harness snap
  • swivelSnap swivel on the bouncer's short arm
  • extrasColorado or Indiana spinner blade and beads on the harness, Nightcrawler, leech, or minnow
Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

1 to 3 oz bottom bouncers Choose weight for depth and boat speed.Search on Amazon#4 to #2 octopus hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Bottom Bouncer Rig

  1. Tie the main line to the bend in the wire bouncer, where the two arms meet.
  2. Clip a 3-6ft spinner harness to the snap swivel on the short arm.
  3. Thread a nightcrawler onto the tandem hooks so it lies straight behind the blade.
  4. Let out line until the bouncer touches bottom, then hold it at about a 45 degree angle while drifting or slow-trolling.

When and where it works best

Rocky or uneven flats and breaklines 10-40ft deep, from a slowly moving boat.

How it differs from similar rigs

A Lindy (Carolina-style) rig drags a sliding weight on the bottom; the bouncer's wire arm keeps the harness riding clear of snags at higher boat speeds.

Is the Bottom Bouncer Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Bottom Bouncer Rig good for?

Walleye

Related Rigs

Carolina RigThree-Way RigDownrigger Trolling RigHigh-Low Rig
Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Bottom Bouncer Rig?

A 8-12 lb monofilament or 10-15 lb braid main line, a 10-12 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon spinner harness leader (3-6ft harness from the bouncer's snap to the hooks), a Two #4 - #2 octopus hooks in tandem on the harness, or one hook plus a stinger hook, and a Wire bottom bouncer with a lead weight molded onto the lower arm, 1-3oz. Full gear list is above.

What is a Bottom Bouncer Rig best for?

The Bottom Bouncer Rig works best for boat, lake, river fishing, and is a recommended setup for Walleye. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Bottom Bouncer Rig hard to tie?

It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.