Some of the biggest, heaviest fish in both freshwater and saltwater spend most of their lives close to the bottom. That’s where the food is: crawfish, worms, crabs, mussels, and baitfish hugging the structure. Bottom fishing is one of the oldest, simplest, and most effective ways to target them and it works just as well for catfish on a river as it does for grouper in the Gulf.

Why Bottom Fishing Works

Predators are opportunists. They patrol ledges, holes, and reefs, waiting for an easy meal that’s already on the bottom. Presenting your bait naturally in that zone means you’re fishing where they live.

Unlike some techniques that require finesse or fancy casts, bottom fishing is straightforward: keep your bait on or just above the bottom, and hold on tight.

Bottom Fishing Basics

Step 1: Pick Your Spot

• Freshwater: Deep holes, undercut banks, submerged timber.

• Saltwater: Reefs, wrecks, ledges, or channels.

Step 2: Rig Up

• Simple Bottom Rig: Sinker on the end of the line, hook tied above it.

• Fish Finder Rig: Sliding sinker, swivel, leader, and hook keeps bait more natural.

• Drop Shot Rig: Suspends bait just off the bottom deadly for bass.

Step 3: Present Bait Naturally

• Use live bait (worms, minnows, shrimp, cut bait) or bottom lures (jigs, soft plastics).

• Let scent and movement do the work.

Species You Can Target

• Freshwater: Catfish, carp, bass, walleye.

• Saltwater: Grouper, snapper, flounder, halibut, red drum.

Gear for Bottom Fishing

• Rod: Medium-heavy to heavy rods with backbone for big hooksets.

• Reel: Spinning or conventional, depending on target size.

• Line: Braid for strength and sensitivity, fluorocarbon leader for stealth.

• Weights: Vary depending on depth and current from split shot in ponds to 8-ounce sinkers offshore.

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Pro Tips for Bottom Fishing Success

• Stay in Contact: Always keep tension on your line bites can be subtle.

• Use Fresh Bait: Nothing beats the smell of fresh cut bait for bottom feeders.

• Chum the Area: In saltwater, chumming draws fish in.

• Anchor Smart: Position upcurrent so scent trails naturally toward fish.

Common Mistakes

• Using too light a weight bait drifts away from the bottom.

• Ignoring structure bare bottom rarely holds fish.

• Waiting too long to set the hook bottom fish can spit bait fast.

Bottom fishing is simple, effective, and deadly for a wide variety of species. Whether you’re chasing trophy catfish in the river or hauling grouper from offshore reefs, this technique puts your bait right where it needs to be.

Don’t overthink it rig heavy, drop down, and be ready for the fight of your life.

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