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Bait
Bottom Fishing
Fishing with bait resting on or near the bottom - the most universally productive fishing method for structure-oriented species.
Water: Both
Difficulty: Beginner
Best: Year-round Cost: $100+
📖 Overview
Bottom fishing targets fish that spend most of their time near the substrate - flounder, cod, snapper, grouper, catfish, carp. Because 80% of aquatic life lives within a foot of the bottom, this technique consistently produces fish. Rigs range from simple hook-and-sinker to complex chicken rigs, drop shots, and Carolina rigs.
🎒 Gear Needed
Medium-heavy rod, quality reel with strong drag, monofilament or braided line, appropriate weights (1-16 oz depending on current and depth), circle or J hooks, bait (cut bait, shrimp, squid, live bait).
🐟 Target Species Notes
Freshwater: catfish, carp, sturgeon, perch. Saltwater: cod, snapper, grouper, flounder, rockfish, tautog.