Bottom Fishing Questions?

[cblocal]

I am in Wilmington, NC and want to start bottom fishing for Bsb, grouper, snapper, etc and have a few questions. What would be a good affordable combo to start out with? Rigs? Any advice as to what type of bottom I am looking for? Anchor or drift? I know it's a lot of questions but I would really appreciate any help.

Also if anyone ever needs an extra hand on their boat I would love to go and try and pick up any knowledge I can.

Thanks in advance,
Ryan

[Bert Rodgers]

The rig will depend on how deep and how much wieght you are using.

A Penn GTI 320 Level wind on a med action 6 1/2foot boat rod and 40# braid would be fine for drifting or wreck fishing.

To learn you if you can't get an experienced hand to take you out , you might want to go out on a drift boat in your area.

Bert

[cblocal]

I imagine that I will not be in more than about 100'-120' of water. But then again I really don't know for sure. Also are there boats that specialize in drifting are you talking about head boats?

[Bert Rodgers]

Also are there boats that specialize in drifting are you talking about head boats?

Yes.

Bert

[cblocal]

Ok, thanks.

[rarhomes]

Ryan,

Check out Bass Pro or some of the local shops they all sell some Penn Packages that are pretty good matching outfits at a reasonable price. 4/0 113H or 6/0 114H with matching Penn rods.

I like using the 4/0 with 50# for smaller fish up to 10 to 15#'s. It's also a great outfit for the kids and ladies when using chicken rigs. For the bigger fish 20#'s plus I use the 6/0 with 60# and live bait. I also like the bigger outfit in deeper water 200' plus.

Good Luck,

Capt Rick

[Nauti Natured]

Ryan,

I have just started getting into the jigging game. Check out the jigging forum on here and you will find all the info you can stand.

I just bought a Shimano Trevala spinning rod and a Shimano Spheros 14000 which I just loaded up with red 100lb. Power Pro and a 100lb fluoro wind on. Also just bought about two dozen butterfly jigs.

The Merry Marlin guys have been a HUGE help and have pretty much showed me evrything I know to this point. They are bottom fishing machines and awesome guys who are INCREDIBLY generous with their experience!

I am planning on doing a bunch of jigging this summer ... some out of your area, so I will definitely let you know when so you can jump in.

Cheers!

[cblocal]

Ryan,

Check out Bass Pro or some of the local shops they all sell some Penn Packages that are pretty good matching outfits at a reasonable price. 4/0 113H or 6/0 114H with matching Penn rods.

I like using the 4/0 with 50# for smaller fish up to 10 to 15#'s. It's also a great outfit for the kids and ladies when using chicken rigs. For the bigger fish 20#'s plus I use the 6/0 with 60# and live bait. I also like the bigger outfit in deeper water 200' plus.

Good Luck,

Capt Rick

Rick,
Thanks for the info, I look into what you suggested.

[cblocal]

Ryan,

I have just started getting into the jigging game. Check out the jigging forum on here and you will find all the info you can stand.

I just bought a Shimano Trevala spinning rod and a Shimano Spheros 14000 which I just loaded up with red 100lb. Power Pro and a 100lb fluoro wind on. Also just bought about two dozen butterfly jigs.

The Merry Marlin guys have been a HUGE help and have pretty much showed me evrything I know to this point. They are bottom fishing machines and awesome guys who are INCREDIBLY generous with their experience!

I am planning on doing a bunch of jigging this summer ... some out of your area, so I will definitely let you know when so you can jump in.

Cheers!

Chris,
That's one thing I wasn't sure about, Jigging or conventional. I have seen Merry Marlin's reports and it looks like they slay.

Also I appreciate the offer, I am going to treat this year like my first year of fishing college and soak up everything I possibly can from anyone willing to talk.

P.S How are those pain killers treating you?

[Nauti Natured]

Chris,
That's one thing I wasn't sure about, Jigging or conventional. I have seen Merry Marlin's reports and it looks like they slay.

Also I appreciate the offer, I am going to treat this year like my first year of fishing college and soak up everything I possibly can from anyone willing to talk.

P.S How are those pain killers treating you?

They didnt give me anything exciting. Damn celebrex and some shit that makes me feel worse than I do without it.