Catching fish is an art. But with technology and equipment constantly improving, the sport keeps evolving, letting anglers catch bigger fish, chase more intense sessions and try new techniques. One of those techniques is deep drop fishing, a trend that has been gaining real traction in Australia. Put simply, it is a more extreme version of bottom fishing. Here is everything you need to know before you send a bait to the bottom.
What Is Bottom Fishing?
Bottom fishing is an offshore technique that happens right along the seabed, usually at depths beyond 100 metres. The live bait and hook are presented on or near the bottom seafloor, which makes it the preferred choice for anglers targeting fish species that live this far down. A sinker is added to make sure the bait gets all the way to the bottom and stays there.
What Is Deep Drop Fishing?
Deep drop fishing is a more extreme version of bottom fishing, going right down to the ocean floor and reaching depths of 300 metres and beyond. At that range you are fishing water most boats never touch, which is exactly why it turns up such unusual and impressive fish.
Deep drop fishing goes right to the ocean floor, reaching depths of 300 metres and beyond.
Types Of Bottom Feeder Fish
The reward for fishing this deep is a shot at species you rarely see closer in. Target fish include red snapper, tuna, swordfish, sea bass, grouper, nannygai, perch and morwong. Off Sydney, our deep drops most often turn up prized eating fish like hapuka and blue-eye trevalla. As you can see, it is definitely worth the trip.
All About Deep Drop Rigs
Deep drop fishing asks a bit more of your gear. Most anglers run a paternoster rig with several additional hooks, matched to a firm rod with a fast taper that can cope with the heavy weight of large sinkers. Battery-powered lights help your bait stand out in the dark water far below. And because reeling up from beyond 100 metres by hand can take up to 25 minutes, electric reels are a very welcome addition.
The Best Bait For Deep Drop Fishing
When it comes to bait, fresh is everything. Use squid, mullet, octopus, salmon or tuna, and the fresher the better. By setting several baits at different depths, you give yourself a better opportunity at nabbing a bottom feeder. For larger species like swordfish, live bait is the way to go.
What Size Weight For Bottom Fishing?
Getting to the bottom quickly and cleanly matters. Usually a 3 kg weight is used, with a 1 kg weight added at the hook. That extra weight helps to stop the lines from tangling as they drop all the way to the bottom.
What Other Fishing Techniques Should I Consider?
Deep drop fishing rewards anglers who read the conditions. Before you drop, it pays to weigh up:
- The speed of the ocean current
- The wind
- The seabed structures, such as ledges, wonky holes and humps
- The fish you are chasing and where they are holding
- The current fishing regulations
Get those right and you stack the odds in your favour before a single bait hits the water.
So, if you’re keen to book your next deep drop fishing charter, speak to the fishing experts at Wahoo. Send us an enquiry or book a deep sea fishing charter, and we’ll take you out wide.
