Bottom fishing is one of the most productive and accessible saltwater fishing techniques. Anchoring bait on or near the bottom targets a huge range of species and works from piers, boats, jetties, and beaches.
The Top Saltwater Bottom Rigs
1. Fish Finder Rig (Carolina Rig / Sliding Sinker)
Best for: Surf fishing, bottom fishing in moderate current, live bait fishing from anchored boats
Components: Pyramid or egg sinker (1–6oz) → bead → barrel swivel → 12–24 inch fluorocarbon leader → circle hook
How it works: The sinker slides on the main line. When a fish picks up the bait, it feels only the leader resistance — not the weight of the sinker. This allows fish to take the bait more naturally before the angler detects and responds to the bite.
How to rig:
- Thread the sinker onto the main line
- Add a plastic bead (protects the swivel knot)
- Tie a barrel swivel to the main line — Improved Clinch Knot
- Attach 12–24 inch fluorocarbon leader to swivel
- Tie hook to leader — Palomar Knot or Improved Clinch
2. High-Low Rig (Two-Hook Bottom Rig)
Best for: Pier fishing, jetty fishing, multiple small-to-medium species simultaneously
Components: Bank sinker at the bottom → two hooks on dropper loops tied above the sinker at different heights
How to rig:
- Tie a simple loop (dropper loop) in the line 12 inches from the bottom
- Tie another dropper loop 12 inches above the first
- Attach the bank sinker to the end of the line (sinker stays fixed)
- Clip hooks to each dropper loop with a Palomar Knot through the loop
Two hooks at different heights doubles your presentation options and increases the chance of a bite on every drop.
3. Three-Way Rig
Best for: Trolling, drifting in current, presenting bait off the bottom in moving water
Components: Three-way swivel — main line on top eye, sinker leader (12–18 inches) on one side eye, hook leader (24–36 inches) on the other side eye
How to rig:
- Tie the main line to the top eye — Palomar Knot or Improved Clinch
- Tie 12–18 inch dropper to one side eye; attach sinker to the end (Palomar or snell knot)
- Tie 24–36 inch leader to the other side eye; attach hook to the end
The bait is presented off the bottom, away from the sinker — this prevents the bait from being buried in sand or mud.
Choosing the Right Sinker
| Sinker Type | Best Application |
|---|---|
| Pyramid sinker | Surf fishing; digs into sand, resists current |
| Bank sinker | General bottom fishing from boats and piers |
| Egg sinker | Sliding rigs (Fish Finder); smooth sliding |
| Barrel sinker | Sliding rigs in rocky areas |
| Coin sinker | Flat, stays on bottom without rolling |
Bait for Saltwater Bottom Fishing
Cut bait: Squid (most universal — holds well, attractive scent), cut mullet, cut bunker, cut mackerel. Cut bait works in most conditions.
Live bait: Live shrimp (inshore), live minnows (small species), live pinfish or mullet (snapper, grouper, amberjack). Most effective but requires keeping bait alive.
Artificial bait: Gulp! shrimp, scented plastic shrimp — works in many situations, especially on piers where live bait access is limited.
Line Setup for Bottom Fishing
Standard bottom fishing: 20–30lb monofilament or 20–30lb braid main line with a 17–25lb fluorocarbon leader (12–24 inches) for most pier, boat, and inshore bottom fishing.
Deep offshore: 40–65lb braid for sensitivity at depth, 30lb fluorocarbon leader.
Knots: Improved Clinch Knot for swivels and hooks; Double Uni Knot for braid-to-leader connection.