Weather

Tides

Fishing Techniques :: Destinations :: General

Fishing Techniques

Pattern Casting :: Fishing Fast Water :: Dragging up Flounder :: Catch and Release :: Bottom Fishing Rigs :: Wet Fly Fishing :: Rock Fishing Techniques :: Strike Indicators :: Small Stream Fly fishing ::

:: Bottom Fishing Rigs ::

Bell Sinkers are the best weight to use when bottom fishing. I’ve also used standard weights and even large nuts (the kinds found on bolts) when in a pinch.
Different fish, different circumstances and even different times of day can all have a direct influence on the size of weight used. For smaller fish a smaller weight is used. The more current there is at your fishing location, the more weight you use. The more distance you need, the more weight you use.

In saltwater fishing your weight can be determined by the tides, a strong undertow caused by the tides can drag a smaller weight easily along the bottom.
If you find your weight is moving on its own to much, move up to a heavier weight. The goal is to keep your hook in the desired location as long as possible.

Tri-Swivel Bottom Fishing Rig:
This setup uses a three way swivel (available at most sports goods stores and sports departments).

First tie a line section 8 to 12 inches long to one of the rings on the tri-swivel.
Terminate that line with either a swivel (for quick weight changing) or a bell weight of the appropriate size.

Tie another Fishing line section , slightly shorter than the sinker line, to a second on the tri-swivel.

Terminate this line DIRECTLY with a hook of the appropriate size.

The rig is now ready to be attached, either attach the remaining ring on the tri-swivel to a regular swivel or attach directly to the fishing line.

Standard bottom fishing rig:
This setup uses just a single hook terminated with a bell sinker. You can attach as many hooks as you desire and even change the hook and bell sinker around so the rig terminates with a hook. This is a very simple rig and very effective.
Tie the fishing line to the hook leaving about 10-16 inches of line excess. Usually I utilize a cinch knot here.

Terminate the line excess with either a swivel (for quick weight changing) or a bell weight of the appropriate size.

The rig is now ready to be fished.

Bottom fishing in freshwater is a good technique for the following species:
Trout (large trout like deep water)
Eels
Catfish
Bass

Bottom fishing in Saltwater can yield just about anything, from Pollock to sharks but the most common "from shore" uses are for:
Flounder
Skate/Rays
Pollock
Cod