Live bait on the bottom

[flybycrb12]

What is the best way to rig livebait for bottomfishing without using a Downrigger?

[mneptune]

Are you drifting or slow trolling???? What depth and species are you going after???? Which species of live bait do you want to use???

[flybycrb12]

drifting and grouper and big snapper

[mneptune]

sent you a PM....

[novomarine]

Originally Posted by mneptune

sent you a PM....

sorry I did not get your PM.......

[mneptune]

Originally Posted by novomarine

sorry I did not get your PM.......

Sorry my friend, since it details methods commonly known, I did not want to expound on something that would bore the members. But here you go....

"Great baits for Grouper and snapper will vary from live ballyhoo to pilchards, threadfins, pinfish, small blue runners, small google eyes, etc.

My personal experience extends to the following..... With small to mid-size baits use a relatively stout rod with a very good quality reel loaded with braided line, (braided line does not stretch, letting you feel every movement of the bait/jig and what is eating it), using about a 8-10 foot section of flurocarbon leader and a single hook jig, (weight dependent on current). Sharpen the hook!!! Hook the bait from lower jaw upwards through the upper lip without killing the bait and send the rig to the bottom. When the jig/bait hits bottom reel up a few feet and put the reel in free spool with your thumb on the spool. As you drift, be ready to let more line out if need be. After some distance, reel back up and drop back down.

Trust me, this method is "DEADLY" when on good bottom and marking fish, the jig/live bait combination will not last long if there are predators on the bottom!!! If you are using Ballyhoo, the method I use is a little different, I will use an egg sinker in front of long fluorcarbon leader with the hook down thru the lower jaw with copper wire twisted through the hook eye and wrapped around the beak of the ballyhoo to keep it swimming in line. Again very "Deadlly". Just remember to let your quarry eat before you engage the drag and set the hook. Don't forget to hold on tight!!!

The method's I just described work everywhere and anywhere, regardless of which ocean or reef you are fishing.

Martin"

[Blackout]

Good advice Neptune. I didn't find it boring.