Most accomplished bottom fishermen have their own methodology when chosing a successful rig for catching those weary bottom dwellers. Over the years I have come to the conclusion that the better anglers adapt to their conditions and overcome all obstacles; be it rough seas,changing water temps,weather,etc.
I manage and operate a small charter company out of Fort Lauderdale,Fl called Ripping Drag Charters. I specialize in drifting wrecks for snapper,grouper,amberjack,etc In my business I have found a few bottom rigs that outfish the competition. The first would have to be the dead or live bait, slip sinker rig. The rig is constructed by first cutting off a 4 to 6 ft section of 30, 50, or 80lb monofilament or Flurocarbon. The weight (lb test line) of the leader line is determined by the size of the bait on the hook. The length of the leader depends personal preference. I prefer a little longer leader, especially when fishing wrecks. The extra length gives me a little more insurance if the fish digs into the structure of the wreck.
Hook size also depends on the size of the bait. Typically a 3/0-7/0 circle hook will do the job. I prefer the owner or mustad black nickle series. They are razor sharp right out of the box; no hook sharpening stones needed here! Tie on the hook to one end with a 100lb black barrel swivel to the other end of the leader. I nornally use the ever popular improved clinch knot on both hook and swivel end of leader. Once you are ready to assemble the rig, you will need to chose what weight egg sinker will be appropriate. Quite a few factors govern the size of the lead you will be using; amount of current,depth,leader length. A quick indicator of letting you know if you're using the right size lead: If you're bait hits the bottom and slightly bounces as you are drifting, then you are on target. If you're bait hits the bottom and feels as though it is pinned, then you may have too much weight on. Also if it feels as though you're bait is not hitting the bottom, then you may have to add weight to your rig. To complete the rig, run the egg sinker through your main line first and then tie the main line to the swivel end of the leader you have already assembled. Viola! You know have your promising bottom time rig.
Another method for targeting bottom fish are the relatively new introduction of vertical or speed jigs on the market. Shimano corporation was the first to introduce this strand of fishing into the United States, but Japanese commercial fishermen have been implementing this technique into their strategy for many years. Speed jig fishing is a very active style of angling. The angler uses a weighted fishing jig that striking resembles a baitfish profile. The jigs are molded in such a way that most of the manufactures' incorporate knife-like edges into the jig. This pattern of edges help the jig carve through the water more hydro-dynamically. This pretty much means it makes the jig look the most life-life as possible. The erratic action of the jigs is produced by the angler when retrieveing the jig with a super sensative rod matched with a quick retrieve reel. I personally use a daiwa sealine 30XA 6.4.1 gear ratio conventional reel with a Star stellar jigging rod; medium action(30-80lb). Braided line is a must for this type of fishing. I tend to choose the lighter end of the spectrum; 30lb sufix or stren super braid. The leader length should not exceed 6 to 8 ft. Again 30,50,60, or 80lb monofilament or flurocarbon. The leader should be joined to the main line(braided line) by a line to line connection; no swivels! I typically use a spider hitch, which creates a double line, on the braided end. I then grab the leader tag end and run a yucatan knot through the spider hitch of the double braid and viola; you have a solid connection no volkswagen would dare break. Trim off your tag ends and tie the jig onto the other end of the leader and you are ready to you hunting! That's right I said hunting; when using this strand of fishing and utilizing the proper techniques, it can easily outfish live bait!
Jig weight,style,and color can be crucial pending location and what species you would like to target. Now most accomplished anglers know that fish are color blind, but then why do recreational anglers have such a variety of color schemes when stopping in at their local baitshop. Easy. The more confident you are with a certain color,weight,style,etc; the more likely you are to thinking that it will work for you. In essence, most good fishermen have a self-full filling prohecy when it comes to their fishing. That's my story and I am sticking to it! Thanks for reading and take care!
Please feel free to look up the type of knots and also e-mail me with any questions.
Tight lines and Ripping Drags!
Capt. Carlos D. Rodriguez
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