Bottom Fishing: Everything You Need to Know

What is Bottom Fishing?

Bottom fishing, as the name suggests, is a simple yet effective fishing method that targets fish dwelling at the bottom of the water column. This technique is all about lowering your bait right down to the seabed, where a whole host of interesting sea creatures call home. Now, one might think bottom fishing sounds straightforward, but trust me, there’s more than meets the eye. Stick around as we dive deeper into the various techniques and strategies that make bottom fishing an exciting venture for anglers worldwide.

Drop Shot Rig

The Drop Shot Rig, a fan favorite amongst bottom fishermen, boasts a design that allows your bait to hover just above the seabed, rather than settling directly on it. The rig’s weight is at the very end of the line, with the hook and bait attached a few inches or feet above, depending on your preference. This setup ensures that your bait stays in the strike zone, tantalizingly close to the bottom-dwelling fish, while reducing the risk of snagging on rocks or debris.

Carolina Rig

The Carolina Rig is a potent tool in the angler’s arsenal, renowned for its effectiveness in catching bottom-dwelling fish. A standout feature of this rig is the ability to use a lighter line for the leader connected to the hook, enhancing its sensitivity and responsiveness to bites. If you find yourself snagged, don’t fret! Simply apply a bit more force to pull out the hook. The beauty of this setup is that only the hook will be lost, and you can effortlessly attach a new one to the leader, getting you back into the fishing game in no time.

3 Way Rig

The 3 Way Rig is an ingenious setup that offers unparalleled flexibility when bottom fishing, especially when using live bait. This rig consists of three components: your main line, a dropper line with a weight, and a leader line with your baited hook. The key piece here is the aptly named 3-way swivel, which connects these three parts. This unique setup allows each component to move independently of each other, providing the freedom of movement necessary for live bait to swim around naturally. The weight on the dropper line keeps your rig near the seabed, while the live bait on the leader line can swim freely within a defined radius, attracting the attention of nearby fish. This independent movement gives the 3 Way Rig a lifelike appeal that’s hard to resist for bottom-dwelling fish, making it a go-to choice for many seasoned anglers.

Best Bottom Fishing Locations

Bridge Pilings

Bridge pilings provide a haven for a plethora of aquatic life, offering shelter from predators and strong currents. The structure’s submerged portions create an artificial reef-like environment, attracting bottom-dwelling fish and providing ample opportunities for successful bottom fishing.

Piers

Piers represent an excellent cover for marine life, with their submerged structures providing shelter and a place to congregate. The pilings and undersides of these piers form an aquatic sanctuary, attracting a multitude of bottom-dwelling fish, thereby creating a hotspot for fruitful bottom fishing.

Reefs

Reefs are akin to bustling underwater cities teeming with an abundant variety of fish species. Their complex structures provide plenty of nooks and crannies, which serve as perfect hiding spots for fish and other marine life, making these vibrant ecosystems an angler’s paradise for bottom fishing.