Not sure if any of the local shops sell true bottom rigs. Some guys know how to tie some stuff, but seems the knowledge is becoming a “lost art” with all the “butterfly jigs,” high speed reels and what not.
Needless to say, I have a pretty hard time finding some of the basic stuff I use locally. I’m usually having to stand in front of racks and search for a needle in a haystack on the shelves or either order stuff specially. I guess I fish different from seemingly everyone else in town?
A wise man once noted, “Charleston is a trolling town.”
How true is this?
Who’d be interested in buying “bottom rigs” in a trolling town?
What if someone made and sold species-specific rigs, for example:
triggerfish rigs,
B-liner rigs,
c bass rigs,
red snapper rigs,
scamp grouper rigs,
gag grouper rigs,
snowy grouper rigs,
tilefish rigs,
etc.
Do people just want one rig to do it all, or would targeted rigs be desired at all? Would they be a waste of space or would you want to buy any?
I have been in charge of ordering fishing supplies for a local establishment and I will tell you that people will buy rigs… Doesn’t matter what they are targeting. More experienced anglers might not but there is def a convenience factor involved as well
Phin, you are correct. You can find bottom rigs for Blues and Drum, but that’s about it. I’ve not seen a commercially sold rig for any offshore fish. Interesting post.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…Proverbs 1:7
Is there a demand for those types of rigs? Cause I make all of my own, and I have no problem going to Haddrell’s Point Tackle and finding the reguired tackle for it.
Craig, let me know what you need. You know what kinds of fish I go after, and I already have a good bit of stuff made that rarely gets a chance to get wet anymore…
I posted this to see what the local demand and supply was.
Looks like there’s little demand and plenty supply. Guess that answers the question about why nothing snapper/grouper species specific is seen in the traditional local establishments.
Still doesn’t answer why Charleston is such a trolling town. I mean when I cook dolphin or wahoo the best that I can for folks who don’t live around the coast, they all say it pales in comparison to triggerfish, snapper, grouper or even c bass. So is the reason everyone puts so much more effort into “mahi-mahi” simply because it’s more fun to catch them or what?
I’m not complaining. We have an awesome snapper and grouper fishery because of the fact that so few people around here think it’s cool to go catch some grouper or triggerfish. Less demand=less pressure=better fishery. Comes at a price though. A lot of people don’t have much of a clue as to what’s out there and will sit by as the fishery gets restricted to almost nothing allowed. This is why I really don’t have a problem posting pics of what I catch on here. When’s the last report of nice grouper or snapper caught or seen on here? Seems like most lately have been from divers. Is that really how bad things have gotten? I haven’t been fishing. Maybe they’re all gone and you have to get in the water to get em now???
At least people still want some bottom rigs.
I think a lot of people think the ocean looks like GTH or the South Ledge on Memorial Day year-round. Nothing could be further from the truth. The vast majority of my trips, I do not see a single other fishing boat once I get into the ocean…
But hey- I’m also the guy who has a hard time finding tackle in the local shops. I literally see all but the sizes or types of stuff I want on the racks sometimes it seems. Feels like I just am not supposed to fish the way I enjo
Phin, post some pictures and prices. I prefer trolling over bottom fishing BUT like to have stuff ready as a backup. I trust your rigs better than my bottom tied stuff. I am good for some rigs. It will let me focus on the trolling knowing I got that good Phin stuff when it is time to head in and bottom drop.
I think there is a bigger market than you think. Never seen a tackle shop sell the kind of stuff you are talking about.
I will buy some! or trade you some trolling rigs.
I have fished with you, I know your stuff works.
Set the trap boys, we going to pass through them again!!
I would also be interested in buying some. Having just bought bigger boat I am going to start bottom fishing . I would like to learn more about the rigs
