Yup. Don't worry about the depth on the sounder, it's just a reference point in the winter spring game. Straight to the bottom, pick up the slack on the rod. Wait 2 mins, exactly as FA said, then touch bottom again. I check to make sure I'm on the bottom every 5 mins, or if I've noticed the depth change. Every time I touch bottom, I come up two or 3 feet on the rigger. My release clip is attached halfway up my snubber. So, 8 -12 inches up on the ball.
I only winter fish like this in places I know well. The places I fish, are free of debris and traps and stuff on the bottom. So I don't lose any cannonballs.