I am looking for recommendations for a blank for a rod to be used for back-trolling bottom bouncers for walleyes in Canadian shield lakes. I will be using a baitcasting reel; 1oz to 2oz bottom bouncers; 10-12lb braid. This rod will not be used for casting, but for trolling only, in 6 to 25 feet of water. I will never be putting this rod in a rod-holder, I will be holding it in my hand. My research says to prefer a 7' moderate action, medium heavy power blank.

I have searched here and read all of the posts containing "bottom bouncer" but most if not all of those posts give confusing advice because they intermix advice related to trolling with rods in a rod-holder as opposed to holding the rod in the hand.

Once I have the blank picked out, I will post again for guide layout and reel suggestions.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[www.schneidersrods.com] 4th category down the page , RX-8 Walleye blanks

Lynn, Thanks. I saw those, they are moderate fast- not sure that makes a big difference, but still looking for other options to see what's out there.

Try CRB freshwater blanks from Mudhole. 7ft medium. I use 30 lb braid on a Quantum baitcast reel with a flipping switch. The braid gives you sensitivity and the moderate action helps with hookups. Plus you don't have to spend a fortune. It works for me on Wisconsin waters.

As you are not casting, I think I would personally look at fiberglass blanks for thier toughness. You can now get glass blanks that are medium fast, where they all used to be noodles. They are a touch heavier than graphite blanks, but aren't as likely to snap if the bottom bouncer happens to snag on a rock, or other underwater objects. But then again, if the line weight doesn't exceed the rod power, you will be ok with carbon as well, as the line will snap before the rod does.

Great options for glass are CTS (high end), Echo (low end), CRB Gator blanks, Lamiglass, and others. RodGeeks (Batson) has fiberglass trolling blanks for up to 20# lines that are a great value as well. So, you have options.

CTS is regarded as top of the line for fiberglass. Herb Ladenheim can give you better info on both the fiberglass, and carbon blanks that would suit your needs Offred by CTS. As for whether you want a casting reel, or spinning reel, I don't really think it matters. And I'd still go with a good casting guide setup so that you can get a fir amount of line off of the reel, and into the water. And if you chold need to, then the rod could be multi-purpose, but primarily used for trolling.

Tight Lines and frisky fish

RJF

Well, I have found these blanks:

Rainshadow XCW70MHM (apparently these are MF)
Rainshadow RDR70MM
Rodgeeks SG70MHM
Rodgeeks SGTR70MM
Rodgeeks XComp730 (this is MF blank but could be cut down to 7' - 6'9" to make it more moderate?)
North Fork Composites Hybrid CB705 Zentron Delta

Robert, I wasn't sure which CTS blanks you were referring to. Anyone have any experience with any of these blanks?

CTS blank that might suit your needs. It is certainty strong enough - [ctsfishing.com]

Tight lines and frisky fish

RJF

Thanks Robert, that Game Master looks too heavy duty, but the SlipStream Quartz seems more sized for what I am looking for. However, I was using a St. Croix SCV blank that I built for this purpose and broke the tip on the first day...Hence my search for the composite blend that will not only better match the preferred action, but also maybe a little more durable in the boat. But that history also makes me hesitant to pay for a CTS blank for this purpose...

Bob,

Based on the specs and types of rods you are looking at, I would consider the 1/4-3/4oz popping blanks for a graphite option and for a glass option, the Seeker S-glass BS706 or Lamiglas MB 84 1E. The popping blanks tend to have moderate fast actions, but aren't as powerful in the butt making them pretty popular for crank baits.

I don't troll often, but when I do, it's with either the Seeker mentioned above or the predecessor to the Lamiglas blank mentioned above, and with the rod in hand as opposed to a holder. They'll do just fine dropping the weights you are looking at, as well as casting and flat line trolling with crank baits up to an ounce or so in weight.

As a guy that fishes in a 14' boat without a rod locker, my rods tend to have to perform multiple jobs well, and those glass cranking baits are versatile enough to replace two graphite cranking blanks. They have limber enough tips for casting smaller cranks, and progressively load and have enough power in the butt for the larger bass cranks as well.

Bob,

I’m a walleye guy and bottom bouncing is my go to technique for them. Like you, I always have the rod in my hand. I have built a few on the Rainshadow immortal popping blank. IMMP76M. I prefer myself a 7-6” rod. This is a mod fast but I find the action to be perfect for this. They also have the in 7 foot too as well as med heavy. My personal rod is bait casting with a spiral wrap. I will tell you the sensitivity on this rod is insane!

Matt, what range of weights does that blank handle for bottom bouncing? I have been eyeing those blanks for that exact purpose but can't decide between the M or MH...

Thanks.

Jordan,
The answer is straight forward:

You need both the Medium and the Medium Heavy rod in your boat.

The Medium for lighter bouncers, and the Medium Heavy for heavier bouncers.

I am not being flip, it is just a necessity. Match the rod to the load and you will be good to go.

Take care

Thanks Roger.

I'll forward your message to my wife next time she asks why we need so many rods! Maybe your words will hold more water than mine...

By the way, I finished that immortal jigging rod and have managed to catch a few fish with it too. It was exactly what I was looking for: light in the hand, perfect power for 1/2 oz jigs, and extremely sensitive. It is a fun rod to fish. I appreciate your and everyone else's advice.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/23/2020 03:06PM by Jordan Smith.

Jordan,

I mainly use 1 to 1.5 ounce bouncers on it. Sometimes I go to and it handles it pretty good. I would think anything over 2 oz I would go MH

Perfect. Thanks for the reply.