Trying to learn more about bottomfishing this Summer.
When you are drift fishing for bottom dwellers on the ledge (triggers, etc), what is the typical rig you use? Would 3/0 circle hooks and 6-8oz of lead work?
8 oz or more
“Good things come to those who bait”
You will need more then 8oz to stay on the bottom most days on the ledge, ive had plenty days when you couldnt keep 32oz of lead straight under the boat on the ledge in 160ft. Best bet is to have a good variety, If you are looking for a basic rig go with a double or triple dropper rig ( I like using the triple rig so I can burn an extra bait before having to reel up 160ft to unhook fish and rebait. In general I fish a 6/0 hook for everything but triggers and grouper. Leader line size varies depending on the target species, 60lb for triggers, 80lb for dropper rigs, 130lb for my regular grouper rigs and I always have a few 200lb trophy rigs for when the big gags start breaking rigs
gonna need smaller hooks than 3/0 for triggers
so im tole
Just drive your boat offshore until you reach your numbers - stop the boat and drop the rigs.
Really, its not that easy. By the time your rigs hit the bottom your off the spot that was holding the fish and over barren sand with the sharks. You always drift faster than you think, and bottom fish do not like to chase their food down.
Learn how to anchor on top of the reef.
Anchor and 16 oz most of the time.
Drift fishing works great, if you do it right. Start out at the spot you want to fish. pull the boat out of gear and let the boat drift with the wind until you are a little ways from the fishing spot. then put the boat in gear and drive right back across your fishing spot and go a 100’ past the spot. then pull out of gear and wait for the boat to turn, then drop. you will get a handle on where to start your drift. Note: fishing a wreck can be very difficult… live bottom areas that hold fish are best for drifting. the longer the drift the better
Drift fishing with a rookie crew can be an issue,make sure everyone knows to stay away from the motors…with the right crew it can be very productive…i prefer anchoring but some days my anchoring well it sucks…and some days i am like a pro?
Do you guys think you catch more big fish like grouper when anchored?
It’s seems so to me.
I’ve heard the theory that grouper come are drawn to the activity of catching smaller fish under the boat.
Thoughts?
In contrast, this past Friday we caught most of the scamps we boated on the initial drops.
I agree Juice,i feel we catch bigger grouper anchored…we have caught a few drifting but more on anchor for sure.
NO commercial bottom fishers drift fish - ever. Wonder why?
Its easy to anchor on top of the fish when you take the time to learn how. There is a method that really works. Ask any ex head boat captain.
Good fishing!
I always anchor when grouper fishing.
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PROUD YANKEE
Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
We anchor 90% of the time. Make a few drifts just to check the bite and determine drift direction, then anchor up.
Drift fishing can certainly be productive sometimes, but with grouper not so much. I hate pulling that big anchor and chain up from 120’ so trust me, I wouldn’t drop it if I didn’t think the juice was worth the squeeze 
My offshore fishing partner just bought a windlass and I’m so happy 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Some of “my” best spots are like 10’X 10’ or less. Just a rock with growth breaking the current with lots of fish in the current break. If I drift over the small spot - I might have my bait in front of the fish for only seconds - but if I accurately anchor I can keep my baits in the strike zone. Also - not burning fuel at anchor
Real fishermen know how to anchor a boat where they want. If you lose power and need to stay put for help to come, you’ll have more than fish to show for all your practice.
Don’t question the work or trouble. Do it enough and it becomes second nature instead of trouble. Go with people who are good at it, and you’ll learn tricks that will save your back and your fuel.
As far as rigs, captDan is giving good advice.
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