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What Size Hooks Do you Need for Bottom Fishing?<\/span><\/h2>\n
If you are targeting big, monster fish, such as Marlin, you may need a 16\/0 hook in the 6x range.<\/p>\n
If you are fishing for whatever bites, you might need a hook that is 1\/0 or 2.0 in size.<\/p>\n
Understanding Hook Size<\/span><\/h3>\n
Hooks are rated in size based on a number followed by a slash (\/) and then a zero.<\/p>\n
Hook sizing looks like 10\/0 which means the hook is a ten-aught hook.<\/p>\n
Hook sizes move in both directions, the smallest hook is a 32 and the largest hook is a 19\/0.<\/p>\n
Notice the difference in how those numbers are written.<\/p>\n
For hooks that are just numbers – larger numbers mean smaller hooks.<\/p>\n
A 32 hook is the smallest hook. For hooks with number\/0 format, the larger the number the larger the hook.<\/p>\n
A 1\/0 hook is smaller than a 2\/0 hook.<\/p>\n
Choosing the Right Hook Size for Bottom Fishing<\/span><\/h3>\n
Bottom fishing is the act of fishing for fish that live on the bottom of the ocean, lake, or river.<\/p>\n
You can bottom fish in freshwater or saltwater.<\/p>\n
How you determine the correct hook size has a lot to do with:<\/p>\n
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- the type of bait you use, and<\/li>\n
- the species of fish you target.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
For example, if you are fishing with soft plastic baits, you want to stick to hooks that are 1\/0 in size for baits under 5-7 inches long.<\/p>\n
For longer worms or soft plastic baits, you’d jump to a 2\/0 hook.<\/p>\n
If you are tossing soft plastics to bass, you might opt for a 3\/0 hook to handle the extra weight of the fish.<\/p>\n
For deep-sea bottom fish, you can start with a 2\/0 circle hook and move up in size as you move up in fish size.<\/p>\n
A 2\/0 hook will handle small Tarpon but will be dwarfed by a big marlin. Specialty fishing requires specialty hooks.<\/p>\n
In general, it’s recommended to use a 5\/0 – 8\/0 circle hook or larger for fish like grouper.<\/p>\n
But you need to understand what it takes for a successful bottom fishing tactic and the right hook size. Let’s jump in.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorsniagara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/What-Size-Hooks-For-Bottom-Fishing-1-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWhat is Bottom Fishing?<\/span><\/h2>\n
This is a straightforward fishing technique where you lower your weighted hook to the bottom of the water.<\/p>\n
But don’t assume it’s as simple as it sounds.<\/p>\n
You will encounter some challenges if you don’t follow the right guide.<\/p>\n
With bottom fishing, you can apply different fishing styles depending on what you would love to catch and the type of water you are fishing from.<\/p>\n
In addition, bait presentation should not stress you as you use various bait and tackle, making this fishing sport interesting and addictive.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorsniagara.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/What-Size-Hooks-For-Bottom-Fishing-2-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWhere Do You Bottom Fish?<\/span><\/h2>\n
First, you should know that fish love underwater formations, wrecks, and even reefs which feel more like a treasure.<\/p>\n
So at the bottom of an ocean and in freshwater, you can find different types of fish such as giant grouper, bass, and perch, among others.<\/p>\n
It’s more like a fish shelter which gives you better chances of a successful fishing experience.<\/p>\n
Below are the ideal places for bottom fishing:<\/p>\n
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- Freshwater fishing<\/strong>– This includes rocky bottoms, drop-offs, piers, and bridge pilings.<\/li>\n
- Nearshore fishing<\/strong>– This includes wrecks and artificial and natural reefs.<\/li>\n
- Shore fishing<\/strong>– Such as on piers and rocky banks.<\/li>\n
- Offshore fishing<\/strong>– Like in rigs and artificial reefs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are the Essential Gears For Bottom Fishing?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Most outdoor sports demand proper preparation that includes getting the right gear.<\/p>\n
Bottom fishing is no exception. However, it would help if you had the right fishing tools including hooks, line, and a sinker.<\/p>\n
Let’s help you know more about this gear.<\/p>\n
Sinkers <\/strong>help lower your lure to the bottom and come in different shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n
You can either get an egg sinker, pyramid, or bank sinker.<\/p>\n
You may go for heavier weight sinkers, especially bottom fishing in deep waters, but most anglers prefer lightweight objects.<\/p>\n
Most of the successful catches by saltwater anglers have been through light sinkers.<\/p>\n
Lines<\/strong> are what anglers toss at different distances to offer the bait to the fish.<\/p>\n
You can either find mono, braided, or fluorocarbon lines, and whichever you prefer to use comes with its pros and cons.<\/p>\n
For bottom fishing, it’s best to use fluorocarbon as it’s resistant and perfect for rocky bottoms, especially in clear waters.<\/p>\n
Hooks<\/strong> come in many sizes and will be determined by the size of fish you want to capture.<\/p>\n
Circle hooks are some of the ideal types for bottom fishing and are the easiest if you’re just starting out.<\/p>\n
Types of Hooks<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Below are the most effective fishing hooks for bottom fishing.<\/p>\n
Circle hook:<\/strong> These contain a circular-like shape with a sharp tip that traps the corner mouth of fish easily.<\/p>\n
Most anglers use circle hooks as their best for natural bait presentation, and they vary in style, gauge, and size.<\/p>\n
Circle hooks are further classified into offset and inline circle hooks.<\/p>\n
Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n
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- Minimizes deep hooking, which increases fish survival in catch and releases while fishing.<\/li>\n
- There’s an increased grip and landing rates for several species.<\/li>\n
- The line is normally far from abrasive mouth surfaces, making it possible to employ lighter leaders\/traces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Treble hooks:<\/strong> The hook has three parts\/hooks that give effective bait coverage, especially for artificial bait fishing.<\/p>\n
Treble hooks minimize the chances of fish escaping into the water due to the various hook parts.<\/p>\n
Some water bodies prohibit using this hook model, so it’s advisable to check the rules for different water bodies.<\/p>\n
Worm hooks: <\/strong>Worm hooks contain many alternatives, including different eyes, wide gap, weighted, extra-wide gap, etc.<\/p>\n
When bottom fishing for larger fish, you can use the hook for worms.<\/p>\n
There’s a large gap between the hook point and the eye to hold large species of tubes, plastic worms, etc.<\/p>\n
What are the Best Rigs For Bottom Fishing?<\/span><\/h2>\n
When selecting the rigs for bottom fishing, it’s best to know what will be the most effective of the many different rigs out here.<\/p>\n
So to narrow down your search, check the following rigs for bottom fishing.<\/p>\n
The chicken rig:<\/strong> Also called the spreader rig, it has two hooks that allow you to cover more area and is perfect for the rocky bottom.<\/p>\n
The sliding sinker rig: <\/strong>Also called the Carolina rig, it is super effective. It is made of a basic barrel swivel attached to a single line with a sinker, ring, and hook at the tip.<\/p>\n
A 3-way rig\/ the drop rig:<\/strong> A 3-way swivel connects the leader mainline and the shorter sinker line. It’s great for surf fishing and holding your hook a few inches above the bottom.<\/p>\n
Knocker rig: <\/strong>The knocker rig is a sliding sinker rig. The sinker is literally up to the hook’s eye to keep the bait firmly on the bottom. As a result, it’s easier to untangle snagged rigs, and rigging is quick and simple.<\/p>\n
Bait<\/span><\/h2>\n
You can use different types of bait for various fishing methods, such as bottom fishing.<\/p>\n
Some saltwater anglers find dead bait easy due to their availability in local tackle shops, but live bait makes a lot of difference.<\/p>\n
It may be challenging to start with, but you can give it a shot the next time you go bottom fishing.<\/p>\n
Live bait is perfect for large species.<\/p>\n
Lures are also a great option, and there is a wide range of lure sizes and shapes.<\/p>\n
But for new bottom fishers, lures may be a little tricky to use as they require some skills.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n
Bottom fishing is a great and fun-filled fishing sport.<\/p>\n
But as simple as it sounds, you need to apply an effective technique and fishing gear to have a successful catch.<\/p>\n
It’s best to select the right hook size; hook-type rig sinkers and bait makes the difference, especially for target species.<\/p>\n
But the bottom fishing bar presentation should worry you as long as you have the right hook depending on the size of fish you want to catch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
- Nearshore fishing<\/strong>– This includes wrecks and artificial and natural reefs.<\/li>\n
- Freshwater fishing<\/strong>– This includes rocky bottoms, drop-offs, piers, and bridge pilings.<\/li>\n