Bottom Fishing: The Angler's Guide

As soon as you say bottom fishing, most will associate it with trolling the sea and river bottom in search of unusual trophy-sized fish species. And you wouldn't be far from the truth! Bottom fishing has a rich history and cultural significance in many fishing communities, with each region having unique techniques and practices.

It is a fun, versatile, and complex action-packed technique. Although it may look simple, it is an art with its intricacies. If you are intrigued by this technique and need help knowing where to start, we have recognized your doubts, and in the guide in front of you, we will do our best to explain the essence and form of the bottom fishing technique.

We'll also explore different variations of bottom fishing, such as drift fishing and jigging, to give you a better insight into the technique; what makes it so addictive, and is it just adrenaline and tension? It won't be boring, we promise! So, let's start.

Understanding Bottom Fishing 

The mechanics of bottom fishing are straightforward, but in this case, simplicity does not mean banality and means boredom! It involves lowering the bait hook to the bottom or various underwater structures leading to the very bottom of the body of water. These can be multiple rocks, coral reefs, sunken wrecks, trees, and vegetation.

The critical advantage of bottom fishing is its versatility. It can be applied in fresh and saltwater, and each area requires a different synchronization of the overall approach. This adaptability means you must adjust your fishing strategy, including bait choice, for the species you know are in the area.

Also, you need to know when and where to apply specific techniques, including how to combine rods, reels, weights, and hooks, to the particular conditions of the fishing spot. 

No matter how long you've been fishing, you can always enhance your bottom fishing skills. This constant learning and improvement keep the thrill alive in bottom fishing.

Why Use Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is not just about catching fish; it's about unleashing your creativity and exploring endless possibilities. Once you've mastered the basics, there's no limit to how you can build up, understand, and improvise.

Fishing from the bottom combines mobility and strategic thinking and generally applies throughout the year. It can be easily adapted to various seasons and is available to beginners and experienced anglers. Gear can vary in price, and you can find it expensive but also very affordable and will not disappoint you.

In addition, the excitement is in constant activity and anticipation because whether freshwater or seabed, it hides many options to surprise you! At the same time, it is a technique you can combine on a trip with friends or family or if you go alone, and it is available from various habitats: shore, from the dock, or the boat.

When to Use Bottom Fishing

Many fish species move into deeper water during the colder months at certain times of the year and can be targeted using bottom fishing. Spring and summer are the best times for bottom fishing because freshwater and saltwater are calmer, there are fewer storms, and the weather is more stable.

This technique is often used in areas with strong currents or tides, as the weight and weights used in this technique help to keep the bait in place, making it easier to fish in difficult weather conditions, especially in the open sea where the water depth makes the surface or middle water fishing impractical.

Also, it is generally believed that many species living near the bottom are more active at night, and bottom fishing at night can produce good results as the fish come out to feed under the darkness.

Why Fish Gather on a Bottom Fishing

For certain bottom-dwelling fish to bite your bait, it must be convincing enough to disarm the fish of any instinctive caution. Fish that congregate and live on the bottom are there because of the abundant food sources, mainly worms, crustaceans, and mollusks, and decaying matter, which is a solid food web for them.

They are also there to protect themselves from predators, often hiding in rocks, reefs, and vegetation. In addition, bottom zones tend to be stable environments with moderate temperatures, less disturbance, and reduced light levels, further increasing safety.

So, to approach a certain species strategically from the bottom, you must consider all of this. Every part of your approach must be presented so the targeted fish is not frightened but inspired to come out of hiding and bite the bait.

Fish Species Commonly Caught by Bottom Fishing

A little insider tip from us is that the list available for bottom fishing seems endless. Nevertheless, depending on the environment, we will make a rough selection of the species you can catch with this technique.

• Flounder: This unusual, flat-bodied fish is known for its amazing camouflage abilities. It is usually found in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries and is mainly caught on live bait.

• Grouper: These large and powerful fish are appreciated and hunted for their intense fights and excellent meat.

• Snapper: There are many types of these colorful fish, but the red and yellow tails are the most common. Snappers are also known for their delicious meat.

• Bass: These fish live on the bottom around wrecks and reefs and are caught on cut bait, squid, and jigs. They have mild, delicate flesh.

• Halibut: This is a large flatfish found in cold, deep waters and on the bottom. It is tasty and firm, with white flesh, and often requires a problematic approach.

• Black Drum: It circles the structures of underwater buildings, has interesting dark streaks, and makes a sound like drumming.

• Porgy: Often hiding around reefs and rocky bottoms, it is known for its small size and tasty meat, and you will primarily catch it using small hooks and pieces of squid or shell.

• Catfish: Famous dominant freshwater fish known for their whisker-like barbels and strong character; they are often caught on cut or live bait.

• Walleye: You will find it on the bottom of lakes and rivers with clear, cold water, known for its excellent food and nocturnal feeding habits.

• Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth): This is the most revered freshwater fish. It is found in lakes, rivers, and ponds and is known for its aggressive strikes and intense fights.

Approaching these areas is different and requires good preparation, proper equipment, and bait selection.

Essential Gear for Bottom Fishing

Unlocking the secrets of successful bottom fishing begins with assembling gear that matches the chosen species and habitat. From solid rods to specialized tackle, being equipped with essential tools and accessories can make all the difference between a poor catch and a big one. 

Bottom fishing relies on three indispensable components: rod, hook, and line. Coupled with a few additional optional elements, they form what is known as bottom fishing equipment. If it is well made and complemented by top-quality bait and your fishing skills, it creates an irresistible combination that no fish from the bottom and the area can resist. Read more about the essential pieces of equipment below.

Rods 

The ideal rod for this technique should offer both the sensitivity and power to detect subtle bites while also having the power to handle heavier fish species. 

You'll want a medium to heavy-action rod with a stiff spine and a sensitive tip. Combine it with a reel with an extensive line capacity to cope with your target fish's potential depth and power. Here is a breakdown of the best rods for bottom fishing, which should provide a perfect blend of flexibility and strength.

• Spinning Rods: These rods are extreme performance rods that offer little of everything. They are available in the 6-9 foot range. They are versatile and easy to use, which makes them very popular with anglers of all ages. Suitable for shore, dock, and boat fishing, the medium to heavy action allows anglers to handle larger fish with enough sensitivity to detect subtle bites.

• Baitcasting Rods: They are pretty heavy and 6-8 feet long and are generally the preferred choice of anglers targeting bigger, more substantial fish. Precisely, with reasonable control, they offer more power and better handling of heavy lines and baits, making them ideal for deep-water fishing.

• Boat Rods: Relatively short, Short, 5-7 feet, but strong enough especially for boat fishing, thus offering more power to handle big fish. The shorter length makes it easier for them to maneuver in the limited space of the boat, and the power will handle pulling out fish from the depths.

• Travel Rods: They are primarily distinguished by their compactness; they can be disassembled for easy transport without sacrificing performance, making them ideal for anglers who travel a lot. Available in different actions and lengths, they can suit different bottom fishing scenarios, providing flexibility and convenience.

Remember that to be as successful as bottom fishing; you must make all the elements functional and round them into a stable system.

Reels

The sea or river bottom is quite challenging terrain, and to overcome all obstacles with the ultimate goal of landing a fish in the basket, you need to have robust and reliable fishing reels designed to cope with the unique challenges of this technique. Here are the key types of fishing reels that should be your choice when bottom fishing:

• Conventional Reels: This type has high line capacity, robust drag systems, and durable construction. However, its weight can also be a disadvantage because it requires more effort to use for extended periods. This is why deep sea fishing and targeting larger species such as Grouper and Snapper are primarily used.

• Spinning Reels: They are relatively easy to use, versatile, and more comfortable. Their disadvantage is that they have smaller line capacity and drag strength than conventional reels, but they will work for shallower water and smaller to medium-sized fish.

• Electric Reels: Electric reels are an excellent choice for faster reeling in deep-water fish. They reduce physical effort and often come with features such as depth gauges. Compared to other types, they are much more expensive, require a power source, and add complexity to the fishing setup. They are used for deep water, whereas manual reeling could be more practical due to the depth and size of the fish.

Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose may depend mostly on your knowledge and experience in dealing with the challenges of bottom fishing.

Lines

The timeless debate about the best line for bottom fishing is discussed daily on the world's great fishing grounds. Some prefer braided lines, others swear by monofilament, and others by fluorocarbon. We will not take sides but introduce you to these lines.

• Monofilament Line: Monofilament lines are famous for their affordability, stretchability, and versatility. They provide excellent knot strength and are less noticeable underwater. At the same time, they are pretty stretchy compared to other lines, which can reduce susceptibility to bites.

• Braided Line: Braided ropes are known for their exceptional strength, sensitivity, and minimal stretch. This primarily means that it will withstand larger fish specimens, but it also allows anglers to detect even the most subtle bites and achieve greater control over the fish drawn in. Also, they have a smaller diameter than monofilament lines of the same strength, which enables longer casting and better sensitivity.

• Fluorocarbon Line: Fluorocarbon lines have the superpower of almost total invisibility underwater, making them an excellent choice for bottom fishing in clear water or targeting finicky fish species. However, they are less stretchy than monofilament lines, providing better sensitivity and hook-setting power. In addition, Fluorocarbon ropes have excellent abrasion resistance, which makes them excellent for use around rocky or abrasive bottom structures.

• Wire Lines: Wire lines are usually used for deep-bottom fishing when targeting large and robust species such as Grouper or Halibut. They are solid and durable, allowing anglers to cope with difficult bottom conditions and withstand the abrasive effects of rocks and reefs. They are mainly used together with heavy rods and reels.

• Lines With a Lead Core: Lines with a lead core are made of a layered lead core surrounded by a braided sheath and are primarily intended for trolling or deep-bottom fishing. The weighted core helps the line sink to the bottom quickly, allowing access to deep-sea fishing grounds and maintaining precise fishing depth. Lead lines are often used in conjunction with diving planers or descents.

Always make sure that the line goes well with the rod and reel; they must support each other; otherwise, it can create a problem at the crucial moment when handling fish.

Hooks 

Everything in fishing must be well integrated and safe, and choosing the right hook is one of the critical ingredients of successful bottom fishing. It ensures a safe catch and minimizes the chances of losing fish. Here are the common types of hooks used in bottom fishing.

• Circle Hooks: This type is prevalent for this technique because of its unique shape, which increases the chances of hooking a fish. The hook is designed to grip the corner of the fish's mouth, making it easy to release the fish at will. They are ideal for sport fishing and catch-and-release and are mainly used for Catfish and Grouper species.

• J-hooks: If you want traditional hooks with a fundamental design, J-hooks are your top choice. Very versatile and suitable for a wide range of fish species, they require a quick and firm response once a fish bites, making them ideal for anglers who prefer a more dynamic approach to fishing.

• Treble Hooks: Those hooks rely on their three hook points, increasing the chances of a successful catch. They are often used in combination with artificial baits and lures. Although effective, treble hooks can cause more damage and destroy the fish's body, which isn't precisely catch-and-release.

• Octopus Hooks: These are specific, with a short shank and a wide gap, making them practical for fishing with live or cut bait. They are versatile and work well for bottom-dwelling species like Bass and Walleye.

Select the hook according to the target species and the underwater environment. If you plan to release the fish, choose hooks that will not endanger its life.

Rigs

Bottom fishing rigs are essential for effectively presenting the bait in an attractive way to the target fish species. Here are some popular rigs used in bottom fishing:

• The Carolina Rig: Famous Carolina rig is versatile and one of the most popular. It is commonly used for freshwater and saltwater fishing and consists of slide sinkers, beads, swivels, leaders, and hooks. The Carolina rig allows the bait to move freely and is just as effective for targeting fish in shallow water as in deep water. It is irreplaceable.

• A Drop Shot Rig: It consists of a weight tied to the end of the line and a hook tied above it. This setup keeps the bait off the bottom, making it ideal for targeting fish hanging just above the bottom. It is particularly effective for species such as Bass and Panfish, but if you know a trick or two, you can adapt it accordingly.

• Fish Finder Rig: This type is also known as sliding submersible equipment; it is excellent for board fishing and deep-water fishing. It consists of a sliding sinker, a bead, a swivel, a leader, and a hook, which makes it possible. Fish catch the bait without feeling the weight of sinking, increasing the chances of success.

• Paternoster Rig: This rig, also known as a dropper loop rig, has multiple hooks attached to the main line, dropper loops, and a weight on the bottom. It is essential if you want to target more fish at different depths.

• The 3-way Rig: This setup consists of a 3-way swivel connecting the main line, hook leader, and drop line to the sink. This setup keeps the bait close to the bottom while minimizing tangling and is great for freshwater and saltwater fishing.

A quality rig can significantly increase the chances of a successful catch. It will contribute by effectively presenting the bait, minimizing snags, and ensuring that the line can withstand the potentially complex conditions of the seabed.

Essential Baits and Lures for a Bottom Fishing

If you are a beginner in bottom fishing, it may be difficult for you to choose the right bait, but the supply of bait is generous, and in time, you will learn the basics and even the tricks of the prominent masters. In front of you is a selection of baits based on saltwater and freshwater areas.

Saltwater Baits

Shallow and deep saltwater areas are quite different regarding fish species, and you'll mostly catch the nasty ones in the open sea. Consequently, bait customization is a must!

Live Baits

So, once you've learned the basics intuitively and based on experience, you can improvise. These are the basics for live baits for bottom fishing.

• Minnows: These small fish attract bottom dwellers like Rockfish and Sea Bass. Their swimming has a natural shape and attracts predatory fish.

• Crabs: Blue and fiddler crabs are especially effective for saltwater marine species such as Redfish, Black Drum, and Grouper. Crabs' natural smell and movement are irresistible to most fish.

• Shrimp: Live or fresh shrimp are plentiful and do a great job bottom fishing for species such as Snapper, Flounder, and Sea Bass. Their smell and natural movement in the water inspire and attract many game fish.

• Squid: Cut squid are durable and practical. Their pungent odor is easily carried by water and attracts fish such as Snapper, Cod, and Grouper. It's hard enough for them to stay on the hook longer, so always keep them in reserve.

The advantage of live bait in saltwater areas is that it is almost perfectly integrated into the complex nature of the seabed. Natural smells and appearance much more easily remove the fish's doubt and nervousness.

Artificial Baits

Artificial lures are indispensable tools for bottom fishing. They offer versatility and effectiveness in attracting a wide range of fish species. They mimic natural prey and can adapt to different fishing conditions, making them a practical and popular choice.

• Soft Plastics: This group comprises soft plastic worms, grubs, and crab imitations that will easily fool Redfish and Flounder.

• Jigs: Cheerful and colorful jigs, often lined with feathers, hair, or soft plastic, and great for a truly superb presentation, to which saltwater bottom species such as Flounder, Bass, and Grouper will not be immune, as their realistic movement mimics injured prey.

• Spoons: Metal spoons mimic fish's flash and non-rhythmic movement, making them ideal for deeper saltwater fishing. They are effective for Cod, Grouper, and Striped Bass.

• Bucktail Jigs: This type of jig is lined with hair or synthetic fibers and provides a realistic swimming action that attracts species such as Striped Bass, Redfish, and Walleye.

Artificial lures are easy to use; you can easily buy them and even use one more than once. You must guess which lure would most easily fool the target fish species.

Freshwater Baits

For bottom fishing in freshwater, you will also need a suitable bait that will hit the spot of the target species and cause it to bite. Below are some of the most compelling live baits and lures for freshwater fishing experiences.

Live Baits

Live baits are always nature-friendly and go with the vitality of life that is common in the nearest surroundings of rivers or lakes. These are the most common choices of bottom fishing anglers.

• Minnows: With these versatile little fish, you can target actual river and lake beasts such as Bass, Walleye, and Catfish. Their natural movement is very tempting to predatory fish.

• Worms: Nightcrawlers and earthworms are the most typical and classic choices for freshwater bottom fishing and for a good reason: They are attractive to roach, Perch, and Trout, and their squirming action is irresistible.

• Leeches have proven highly effective for species such as Walleye and Bass, especially in calmer waters. Their undulating movement in the water mimics natural prey.

• Crayfish: Live freshwater crayfish will attract species such as bass and predatory fish.

Fishing with live baits in freshwater is more accessible than at sea, especially if you are an easy-going angler who does not hesitate to collect worms and earthworms in the immediate surroundings.

Artificial Baits

The choice of artificial baits for freshwater areas is extensive, allowing much freedom.

• Soft Plastics: These are soft plastic worms, grubs, and imitation crabs that can be rigged in various ways for bottom fishing. They are effective for species such as Bass, Shad, and Panfish.

• Jigs: Jigs are weighted lures with a hook lined with feathers, hair, or soft plastic. They have proven very effective for species such as Bass, Walleye, and Perch. The jig imitates injured prey with frantic movements, attracting predatory fish.

• Baits: These hard-bodied, sealed baits mimic the appearance and movement of small fish or crustaceans and are primarily used for fishing for Bass and Walleye, especially in deeper water.

• Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits have a rotating blade that creates a flash and vibration and seduces fish species such as Bass and Pike. They work well in different water conditions, especially on the bottom.

Although not very nature-friendly, this type of bait is efficient and comes in incredible sizes, variations, and colors, so you can be very creative in creating a show for the fish.

Where to Go Bottom Fishing

The beauty of bottom fishing is that every subsequent experience with this technique is different. Significantly, if you change places, you will apply a different approach. You will adjust the strategy depending on where you fish, on the pier or from the boat. Let's see the differences in this technique depending on where you apply it.

Pier Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing from the jetty is prevalent because it is convenient and allows one to reach deeper water without a boat. For the best fishing success with this technique, choose places with structures such as piles or rocks, as fish gather for food and shelter. 

Pay attention to the tides, as high tides often bring more fish. For pier fishing, choose a medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rod around 6-7 feet, paired with a braided solid line and a fluorocarbon leader. 

Use Carolina rigs and fish finders, which keep the bait close to the bottom, in combination with shrimp, minnows, and small crabs or cut baits such as chunks of mullets or squid. They will work well to attract bottom dwellers such as Redfish, Flounder, and Sea Bass. If targeting larger species, use a landing net for larger fish and follow local fishing regulations.

Bottom Fishing from a Boat

Bottom fishing from a boat also allows the synchronization of fun, practicality, and functionality. It begins with strategic site selection, using navigational aids to locate underwater structures such as reefs, wrecks, and areas with changes in depth. 

Since you'll likely change spots, equip yourself with stout medium to heavy rods, high-capacity reels, and braided line with fluorocarbon leaders, ensuring you're ready to handle bigger fish and potential snags.

Also, using gear such as a fish finder allows your bait to reach the bottom while remaining mobile. Bring live baits such as shrimp, sardines, or fish, and cut baits such as mullet or squid. 

You can be creative here, so combine or focus on anchoring, drifting, or jigging. These help present your bait effectively and imitate the movement of natural prey. Following the depth and line of underwater structures with a finder is essential, which can significantly affect your fishing tactics and increase your chances of success.

Bottom Fishing from a Shore 

Although you might not initially connect bottom fishing with the shore, this approach is also possible. It's a very convenient and affordable way to target different species without needing a boat. Of course, you must first choose a suitable place: areas with underwater structures such as rocks, reefs, and jetties, where fish congregate in search of food and shelter.

It also means paying attention to the influence of the tide and equipping yourself with medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting rods, braided lines, and suitable devices such as Carolina rigs or fish finder rigs. For baits, make sure you have everything from live baits such as shrimp sand fleas and bait fish to cut baits such as mullet or squid.

If you are on the ocean, you can try your hand at so-called surf fishing with this equipment.

If you know the technique core, there are many options, and to begin with, it is important to find a suitable spot on the shore from which you can explore the bottom!

Bottom Fishing Techniques 

There are many ways to approach bottom or near-bottom fish. It is essential to adapt the technique and gear to the water environment. If it is a rocky area, the line must be solid and able to bear the fish's weight and the possible aggressive attacks. Here are the techniques that will help you to catch bottom fish.

Jigging

In the simplest terms, jigging is the precise manipulation of the bait up and down in the water column, simulating the prey movement of the target fish. It is excellent for different levels of marine or freshwater depths and for luring species hiding in rocks or similar structures.

You will need a medium to heavy rod paired with a spinning or casting reel to create a visual lineup with various jigs, such as metal, soft plastic lures, and bucktail jigs. Jigging can attract active and fighting fish, making it a popular choice among anglers who like dynamic fishing.

Trolling

Trolling is a famous technique for hunting dangerous and robust fish with the help of a boat. It allows presentation while dragging lures along the bottom, covering large areas, and targeting different species at different depths.

You will need a more robust and heavier rod paired with a conventional reel or lead lines to maintain the proper depth of the lure. In order not to spook the fish, it is essential to maintain a constant trolling speed while subtly adjusting the depth based on the behavior and preferences of the target.

Trolling is a favorite because it allows you to systematically cover and locate the more prominent species lurking on the bottom.

Drifting

It is similar to trolling, except the boat can be carried by water or wind currents, allowing for an even more natural bait presentation. You need a medium to heavy rod paired with a reel that spins or casts with bait.

It is best to use live or artificial lures such as jigs. It is essential to adjust the rig's weight to ensure that the bait stays close to the bottom while keeping the line slightly slack, which increases sensitivity and allows you to feel even the lightest bites. Drift fishing will save fuel and allow, almost like trolling, the covering of a significant surface of water and different underwater structures.

Bottom Bouncing

The technique has a playful name and makes sense, involving gear bouncing on the bottom. In this way, the desired fish species is intrigued and inspired to bite. You'll need a medium to heavy rod paired with a spinning or casting reel and a bottom bouncing rig equipped with a sliding sinker to maintain contact with the bottom.

Use enough weight to make your rig bounce on the bottom, but keep the presentation as natural as possible. Varying the movement of the rod tip can further improve the presentation, making it more attractive to fish – an excellent technique for rough and complicated underwater terrain.

Final Thoughts 

Bottom fishing is everything from the thrill of the chase to the satisfaction of a successful catch, and as you become more familiar with the technique, it brings more joy and excitement to any angler's journey.

Remember to embrace the nuances of each environment and adjust your approach accordingly. Whether picking the right spot, choosing the perfect rig and bait, or mastering the techniques that suit your environment, be easy on yourself and enjoy the process.

By the way, we hope you enjoyed studying and reading this guide! Whatever your feedback is, and we believe it's positive, feel free to share your praise, criticism, and suggestions in the comments below. We always look forward to a good-natured and helpful fishing discussion!