Bottom fishing isn’t full proof you need a test of patience, creativity, and some skill. Finding bottom fish requires knowledge of the seas you’re fishing in while anchoring over artificial reefs. Artificial reefs which become a natural habitat for many fish species were created by the Army Core of Engineers and SCDNR to benefit the wildlife and fisherman alike. Being able to land your prized catch and fill your belly is another story, should you to get a bite. When you’re fishing the deep water reefs, wrecks, or ledges for strong bottom species, your tackle will be pushed to it’s limits. You can have the best rods and reels on the market, but if you’re not using a steadfast bottom rig – you’re spitting into a hurricane.
Top notch knots, awesome tackle, and premium leader material maximize your chances of landing a prized bottom fish giant.
Bottom Fishing Rigging Equipment
If you’re fishing in the waters of Hilton Head Island, a full arsenal of bottom fishing equipment is a must. You need to equip yourself with enough rigging material to quickly produce up to a dozen rigs during the course of a full day offshore (sometimes more depending on the structure you’re fishing). The basic components of a bottom rig are hooks, leaders, swivels, and weights.
When you decide to purchase rigging materials for bottom fishing buy the best quality hooks, leader flouro and swivels first.
- Hooks: buy wide gap 2X strong circle hooks. 5/0 – 10/0 extra strong hooks.
- Leaders: when it comes to leader material don’t cheap out people! Invest in high quality fluorocarbon or just go home. Flouro is more durable than mono, flouro is also stiff, which translates to fewer tangles while dropping baits down. Pick up spools of your favorite 15, 20, 40, 60, and 80lb. test.
- Swivels: again don’t be a cheapskate! Swivels are the heart of the rig and are often the component which gives way under extreme pressure. Over the years, we’ve lost a regrettable quantity of fish to worn out or poor quality swivels, which is frustrating. Purchase high quality swivels – barrel, clasp, and three way in 60lb. 80lb. and 130lb. class.
- Weights: stock up on an assortment of bank sinkers, egg sinkers, and swivel weights. You should keep a stock of bank sinkers in the 3, 4, 5, 6, 8oz variety. Buy a variety of egg sinkers – avoiding the smallest of the bunch and the absolute largest of the bunch (2, 3, 4, 8 oz varieties are typically enough). Swivel weights also come in handy as they don’t spin the line while being dropped or retrieved.
Hilton Head Fishing Charters Tale Hunter Rig Favs Include:
- The Classic Three Way Swivel Bottom Rig
- The Carolina Rig
- Deep Drop & Chicken Rig
Do not attempt to reinvent the wheel when it comes to bottom fishing rigs. The rigs presented here are tried and true – all of which can be adjusted to suit the species you’re targeting. It’s always better to be over-prepared for a big fish fight, so don’t attempt to use lightweight bottom fishing rigs for big species. The key to bottom fishing is to use a rig that can get a bait to the bottom without tangling and survive the strain of an aggressive strike and fight to the surface.
Put down the cell phone and pick up a fishing pole, come fish with us today Hilton Head Fishing Charters Tale Hunter. Tight lines!