The bottom may well be the most attractive place in the water for a fish. Near the surface there are seeds or insects for grabbing, and in the middle of the water column there’s space for fast motion that big predators like tuna need. But near the bottom there’s not only food, both animal and plant-based (like weeds or corals), but also shelter. And the thousands of organisms such as mussels or crabs, or smaller fish, that find shelter on the bottom, become food in their turn. 

Many species check out the bottom layers now and then, and some have adapted to spend their whole life cycle down below. To catch them, you’ll have to master bottom fishing. And this is what we’re going to talk about today. 

What Fish Are The Targets of Bottom Fishing?

One of the biggest appeals of bottom fishing is the variety of fish that can be caught. In saltwater, the prime targets for bottom fishing – mostly because you can’t very successfully catch them by any other methods – are the flatfish, such as halibut and flounder. Several species of snappers and groupers are also mostly found near the bottom, and one can’t possibly omit such lovers of the seafloor as the cod and its numerous relatives. And nearshore, most small to medium sized species such as gilt-headed bream or seabass can be caught by bottom fishing methods.

Rivers and lakes aren’t as a rule nearly as deep as oceans and seas, and there are very few species who spend their lives exclusively on the lower end of the water column. Even the barbel and the catfish, perhaps the most bottom-loving freshwater species, rise to the surface now and then. But bottom fishing remains the most reliable way of catching these species. The freshwater giants such as the arapaima are also caught by bottom fishing techniques, and in Europe they are used by many carp fishers. In winter, bottom fishing works well for walleye  – and many other species as well. 

Where To Go Bottom Fishing?

As a matter of fact, bottom fishing techniques can be used pretty much everywhere, if the water is deep enough so that you can’t see the bottom from the surface, as many bottom-feeding species can be found near jetties, rocky areas, or riverbanks. You can cast your bait from the shore, and pier fishing is another excellent option, providing access to deeper water where fish often congregate. 

But in the most cases really deep areas are located far enough from the shore that you can’t reach them no matter how far you can cast. You need somehow to reach those areas from above. Ice fishing presents a perfect opportunity for that. And where and when the water doesn’t freeze over, you’re going to need a boat, the bigger and the more seaworthy the farther offshore you venture.

Inshore bottom fishing around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs can yield fantastic results. Deep-sea bottom fishing takes things even further, requiring specialized gear to reach extreme depths where giant grouper, halibut, and other deep-water species reside. Where exactly to put the bait is a more difficult question. That pretty much depends on the species you pursue – sandy flats for flounder, deep underwater holes for winter walleye or barbel, and so on. Finding those sweet spots requires experience and local knowledge. 

Using a fish finder for bottom fishing can be a game-changer, especially in deep or unfamiliar waters. A good fish finder helps identify underwater structures, drop-offs, reefs, and even fish activity, allowing you to position your bait in the most productive spots. Advanced models don’t just show depths and fish, but can identify specific terrains and species, helping you determine whether you’re targeting a rocky bottom where grouper might be hiding or a sandy area preferred by flounder.

What Gear Do You Need for Bottom Fishing?

For fishing from a boat or ice fishing, your bottom fishing gear could be as simple as line, hook and sinker. You would drop the baited hook into the water, let gravity do the job of bringing it down, feel the fish bite with your hands holding the line, and use the said hands to set the hook with a mighty jerk and pull the catch up to the surface. This technique is known as handlining.

But most people go a bit more sophisticated, and use specialized short rods and reels. The former offer more sensitivity, and the latter prevent the line from tangling, apart from making reeling easier. And if you’re aiming to fish some really deep waters, where a hundred yards or so isn’t enough to reach the bottom, you might need specialized reels with small electric motors to help with all that line. 

For casting from the shore, you might find a regular spinning rod sufficient. However, if you do shore fishing at sea or ocean, or even a big lake such as Lake Michigan, you might want to upgrade to a special baitcasting rod and reel combo, that will help you cast the line far enough. European carp fishing is a world in itself, and we’d need a special post to cover the gear needed for it.

All In A Rig: Line, Hook, and Sinker 

A bottom rig is the setup used to present bait effectively near the seafloor, and there are several variations depending on conditions and target species. One of the most common and effective rigs is the Carolina rig, which consists of a sliding sinker above a swivel, followed by a leader and a hook. This allows the bait to move naturally while keeping it near the bottom. Another popular option is the dropper loop rig, where the hook is tied directly to the mainline above the weight, making it ideal for fishing in rocky areas where snags are common. For deep-sea fishing, a paternoster rig is often used, featuring multiple dropper loops to present multiple baits at different depths. 

Using the right sinker or weight is essential for keeping your bait on the bottom, and the choice depends on depth, current, and the type of rig being used. Bank sinkers and pyramid sinkers are commonly used for bottom fishing because they hold well in sandy or muddy substrates. If you’re fishing in areas with strong currents, a heavier sinker, such as a cannonball or storm sinker, may be necessary to keep your bait in place. In rocky environments, egg sinkers or no-roll sinkers help prevent snags. The weight size should be adjusted to ensure your bait stays on the bottom without impeding its natural movement. Using the right combination of weight, rig, and bait presentation can make all the difference in a successful bottom fishing trip.

When it comes to hooks, the choice depends on the type of fish you’re targeting and the bait you’re using. Circle hooks are widely recommended for bottom fishing because they tend to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing deep hooking and making catch-and-release easier. J-hooks are another option, offering a traditional shape that works well for aggressive biters like snapper or catfish. For larger species or when using bigger bait, an octopus hook can provide extra holding power. The size of the hook should match the bait and the fish you’re targeting—smaller hooks for species like perch and larger hooks for grouper or halibut.

Selecting the right fishing line is crucial for bottom fishing, as it needs to withstand abrasion from rocks, reefs, and other underwater obstacles. Many anglers prefer braided line because of its thinner diameter and zero stretch, which provides better sensitivity for detecting bites and allows for deeper fishing with less resistance in strong currents. A good approach is to use a braided mainline with a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader, which combines strength, sensitivity, and abrasion resistance.

Bait

Lures and flies don’t align well with bottom fishing. The latter attract the fish when hitting the surface, while the former rely on their motion. Once a lure stops moving, it mostly becomes as interesting to a fish as a prey-shaped rock. You can be very successful when you move certain types of lures over the bottom, but that is technically jigging, not bottom fishing. 

True bottom fishing implies that whatever you want to attract the fish stays put in one place, so  it needs to smell and taste like food. Minnows, shrimp, worms, and other live bait are perfect in that they are food, and being damaged and hindered by the rig, look and act like easy prey. This makes live bait highly effective for enticing finicky or cautious fish. Dead bait, however, can be just as effective. 

Popular options include cut squid or bits of fish, preferably of local fish species. For mostly plant eating fish like European carp the options may include corn or balls of scented dough. The latter can be made of a wide variety of scents and food add-ons, from anise to small worms and chopped chicken liver. The anglers may scatter additional balls of bait or feed to attract fish to the general area. 

Properly hooking bait is essential to ensure it stays on the line and presents naturally to fish. When using live baitfish, the best method is to hook it through the lips, back, or tail, depending on how you want it to move in the water. Hooking through the lips allows the bait to swim more freely but works best in slow-moving water, while hooking through the back keeps it upright and makes it more appealing to ambush predators. For shrimp, inserting the hook through the head or just behind the horn ensures a secure hold without killing the bait immediately. 

When using cut bait, threading the hook through the flesh and skin multiple times helps keep it in place, reducing the chances of it being stolen by small fish. For soft baits like squid or worms, threading them onto the hook in a way that covers most of the hook shank increases the likelihood of a solid hookup when a fish bites. By using the right bait and hooking techniques, anglers can maximize their chances of landing bottom-feeding fish.

General Tips for Bottom Fishing

Casting for bottom fishing is a straightforward process, but the technique depends on whether you’re fishing from shore, a pier, or a boat. If you’re fishing from land, a smooth overhead or sidearm cast is usually best, aiming for deeper water near structures like rocks, jetties, or drop-offs where fish congregate. The goal is to allow your baited rig to sink all the way to the bottom. When fishing from a boat, especially in deeper waters, casting is often unnecessary – you simply drop your bait straight down and let gravity do the work. In strong currents, casting slightly upcurrent and letting the bait drift down naturally can help position it where fish are actively feeding.

Avoiding can be quite a challenge, especially when fishing around rocky areas, reefs, or submerged structures. One of the best ways to minimize snags is to use a rig designed for snag-prone environments, such as a dropper loop rig, which keeps the hook slightly above the bottom. Choosing the right weight shape also helps – ank sinkers and egg sinkers are less likely to get caught in crevices compared to pyramid or triangle-shaped weights. When retrieving your line, do so slowly and steadily rather than yanking it, as sudden jerks can lodge your rig deeper into rocks or debris. If you do get snagged, try changing the angle of your pull or gently shaking the rod to free the line before resorting to breaking it off.

Knowing if your bait is at the right depth is critical for successful bottom fishing. The key is to ensure your weight reaches the bottom and keeps the bait there without excessive movement. After casting or dropping your line, allow the bait to sink while keeping the reel in free spool or with an open bail. Once you feel the line go slack, it means the weight has hit the bottom. At this point, reel in a little to remove slack and maintain slight tension in the line. If fishing in a current, periodically check by lifting the rod tip – if you feel resistance, your bait is likely staying put, but if it drifts too much, you may need a heavier weight. 

When The Fish Finally Bites

Detecting bites when bottom fishing may be tricky, especially if you’re baitcasting from the shore. As the waves or the currents move your bait, quite a lot of slack may form on the line, and the longer the line the lesser the chances that when the fish touches the bait, the motion would be dampened by the slack and will stay undetected. Check out the line and tighten to get rid of the slack when necessary.

Since many bottom-dwelling fish are ambush predators or scavengers, bites can range from subtle nibbles to aggressive tugs. A key sign of a bite is a steady or rhythmic tapping sensation on the line, which indicates a fish is testing the bait. Some species, like snapper or grouper, may inhale the bait in one swift motion, causing a sudden and noticeable pull. Keeping a finger on the line or using a rod with a sensitive tip can help detect these bites early. 

If you use stationary rods and place them in the holders, it’s a good idea to use something that will let you hear the bait, not just see or feel it. From the classic methods of fixing bells to the line to the most modern electronic beepers, there’s a lot of technology out there that transforms the twitching of the line into sound. These things are essential when fishing at night, and you may also want to add a fluorescent tip or a small LED light to the rod. 

Setting the hook properly depends on the type of hook you’re using. If you’re using a traditional J-hook, a firm but controlled upward motion of the rod, combined with a quick reel-in, helps embed the hook in the fish’s mouth. However, if you’re using a circle hook, it’s important not to jerk the rod forcefully. Instead, simply apply steady pressure and start reeling – the hook will naturally slide into the corner of the fish’s mouth as it swims away. This technique is crucial for ensuring a strong and secure hookup without pulling the bait away prematurely.

After You Catch Something: Release Them Right 

We all know how important the catch-and-release practice is for conservation and maintaining healthy fish populations. When bottom fishing, the usual best practices apply, for example, minimizing handling time reduces stress and increases the fish’s chances of survival. If removing the hook, do so gently with pliers or a dehooking tool; if the hook is deep, cutting the line close to the hook is often better than trying to remove it forcefully. When releasing the fish, hold it in the water facing into the current and allow it to swim away on its own rather than tossing it back. But there are aspects that you should pay more attention to. 

Many bottom-living fish have a strong slime coating. To keep it intact, make sure your hands are wet when handling the fish; this, among other things, is essential for preventing infections. Some species from the very deep ocean waters may experience barotrauma when lifted to the surface and dropped back again. Try not to take these fish out of the water, even to measure or for pictures. If possible, use a descending device or venting tool that can help them safely return to their normal depths. 

Book a Bottom Fishing Trip 

The basic principles of bottom fishing are very simple. But catching a specific fish in a specific location can be a challenge, requiring a lot of local knowledge on what baits or jigs to choose, where and how to present them. If you’re fishing in a new-to-you location, it pays to make a trip or two with an experienced guide. True, figuring out for yourself is the best part of fishing, but it’s a never-ending journey, and a couple of outings with a person who knows what they’re doing will greatly speed up your arrival to those stretches where you can boast of some success. Book your bottom fishing trip on our online marketplace! 

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