What is Bottom Fishing?
The term “bottom fishing” means pretty much what it sounds like. You attach a sinker to your fishing line and let it take your baited hook to the bottom. While the process sounds simple enough, what to fish for on any given day, what bait to use, the type of rig to use for specific fish, and so on, creates endless possibilities.
Do I Need a Boat to Bottom Fish?
No. Recreational fishermen reel in thousands of fish every day from the beach, a pier, or alongside a stream.
But…
Fishing from shore means you will need to bring your own equipment and bait. Surf fishing also requires some know-how, and most importantly, the right spot. If you are new to the sport or already love fishing and want to increase your odds at pulling in more and bigger fish, consider going out on a charter boat.
The Destin area boasts some of the world’s best deep sea bottom fishing. Record sized catches in many species have been caught off boats bottom fishing in Destin, Florida. Plus, your charter will supply everything needed – equipment, bait, and location – for a productive day on the water. The mates will even show you how to bait the hook, offer pointers on technique, and clean your fish.
What Type of Rig Do I Need to Bottom Fish?
Bottom fishing rigging consists of the hook, line, and sinker. The rig you use will play a significant role in what types of, and how many fish you catch on any trip. Here’s a rundown on each component of the bottom rig and some of the more popular configurations:
The Hook – Circle Hooks work best for bottom fishing, especially if you’re after the big game. The circle hook can withstand a fight because it lodges itself more firmly in a fish’s mouth than the traditional “J” hook. Also, Circle Hooks set themselves in the mouths of their prey, a big plus for beginners.
The Line – Modern fishing line comes in three types – mono, braided, and fluorocarbon. Each has its own pluses and minuses, and each one works better in certain situations than the other two. Mono cost the least, but mono’s buoyancy makes it a poor choice for bottom fishing, especially in deep waters.
The strongest line – braided – also provides superior feedback and works excellent for deep sea fishing. Braided line costs more than mono or fluorocarbon, however. Fluorocarbon gives good feedback, offers exceptional durability for fishing around reefs, and is less visible in clear water than the others. On the downside, tying knots with a Fluorocarbon line can be difficult.
The Sinker – The sinker gets your bait to the bottom. Sinkers come in a range of shapes and sizes, but most anglers use either an Egg, a Bank, or a Pyramid sinker when bottom fishing. The round-shaped Egg sinker has a hole in the middle where the line passes through. This setup lets a fish take your bait and swim away without feeling any resistance from the weight.
The Bank sinker looks like a bowling pin. Their smooth, rounded shape makes them perfect for fishing over rocky bottoms. Because their sharp tip holds the sand, surf casters prefer Pyramid sinkers. Water depth, currents, and even the diameter of your line all play a part in choosing the sinker’s weight. Overall, it’s best to use the lightest sinker that will keep your bait at the bottom.
What Kinds of Fish Will I Catch?
Gulf waters are teeming with a variety of bottom feeder fish. Some of the more abundant species include Red Snapper, Grouper, and Mackerel. But don’t be surprised to reel in an Amberjack, Cobia (Ling), or Tarpon, as well. Tuna, Blue Marlin, and several species of sharks also attract big-game fishermen from all over the world. The Recreational Fishing Season Calendar for this area lists over 30 species that populate the local waters.
Does Bottom Fishing Require Skill?
Some people just always seem to catch more fish than others. It may be your nine-year-old daughter, or your first-time-on-the-water best friend, who out catches you two to one. All things being equal, though – the bait, the equipment, the rig – a little know-how does go a long way towards increasing the size of your take.
Bottom fishing techniques that apply to most situations:
Be sure to feel the bottom. A sinker dragging along the bottom delivers consistent resistance.
If a fish hits, don’t yank the rod. Some fish hit three or four times before they take the hook. So, be patient and wait for a constant tug on the line.
If you get hit but don’t hook the fish, give it a minute or two. If nothing else happens, reel up and check your bait. You may be dragging a rig without bait along the bottom.
Working the line seems to work well for some anglers. Let the tip of the rod almost touch the water, then smoothly lift it five or six feet, then return the rod to your natural fishing position. Do this every twenty to thirty seconds. The bait creates small ripples and attracts fish when you gently work the line in this manner. But, have no fear if you are new to deep sea bottom fishing, or in particular, bottom fishing in Destin, Florida. The crew will be more than happy to share their years of experience as well as any specific tips or tricks for catching more fish.
Is Deep Sea Bottom Fishing Hard-Work, Fun, Exciting?
Yes, to all of the above. Imagine the warm Florida sun beating down, the smell of salt-air, and gentle waves lapping on the boat. Then, suddenly, a tremendous pull on your line. You immediately think, “how big and what type of fish could this be?” The task of getting your monster fish to the boat now begins.
Bottom fishing in Destin, Florida, often requires the best kind of hard work – reeling in a trophy fish. Few activities deliver as much fun, excitement, and lifelong memories as deep sea bottom fishing. Check out the “Catch of the Day” for a better idea of what bottom fishing in Destin, Florida is all about.