Deep Drop Fishing – Everything You Need to Know

Wahoo Fishing Charters

Catching fish is an art. Yet, with technology and equipment constantly upgrading and changing, the sport has evolved to allow anglers to catch bigger fish, have more intense fishing experiences and try different fishing techniques.

One of the more recent styles of fishing to have gained traction in Australia is deep drop fishing, a more extreme version of bottom fishing. So, let’s dive down to the depths of the seafloor and find out more about this popular trend. If this snags your interest, why not join us on one of our deep drop fishing charters? The team at Wahoo Fishing Charters is ready to tailor an incredible day out on the water for you!

Call us on 02 9687 2903 for an amazing deep drop fishing adventure!

What Is Bottom Fishing?

This type of offshore fishing technique takes place along the seabed offshore in depths of 100m or more. It sees the live bait and hook presented on or near the bottom seafloor and is the preferred choice of technique for anglers targeting fish species that live this far down. Typically, a sinker is added to the line so that the bait reaches the bottom.

What Is Deep Drop Fishing?

This is a more extreme version of bottom fishing, going down to the ocean floor and reaching depths of 300+ metres.

Types Of Bottom Feeder Fish

This style of bottom fishing comes down to the thrill and the type of fish that dwell on the seafloor. Once you’ve found the best spot, this type of fishing takes a lot of technique and tactics to hook a monster fish.

Some of the fish you may find on your line are the red snapper, tuna, swordfish, sea bass, grouper, nannygai, perch, and morwong. And as you can see, it’s definitely worth the trip.

All About Deep Drop Rigs

Fishing in deep waters requires specific deep sea fishing rigs and a different approach to baiting the line.

Start with a paternoster rig with additional hooks. Use a firm rod and a fast taper to cope with the heavy weight of large sinkers. Using a battery-powered light with your deep drop fishing rigs is also recommended to make the bait visible in the deep waters.

Electric reels are a welcome addition, as fishing in waters from 100m or more in depth means it can take up to 25 minutes to reel a line in to change the bait.

The Best Bait For Deep Drop Fishing

Use squid, mullet, octopus, salmon or tuna – the fresher, the better. And by setting several baits at different depths, you have a better opportunity at nabbing a bottom feeder.

Live deep sea fishing bait is highly recommended, especially when fishing for bigger fish like swordfish. Otherwise, use strip baits that are hooked so they move naturally.

What Size Weight For Bottom Fishing?

This fishing technique requires a heavy weight to allow the bait to sink to the sea floor. This means keeping the bait in position with two weights while remembering to adjust the weight depending on weather conditions. Usually, a 3 kg weight is used with a 1 kg weight added to the hook. This helps to stop the lines from tangling as they drop to the bottom.

What other fishing techniques do I consider?

There are a lot of techniques to consider when it comes to this style of fishing, mainly because of the equipment you need to fish at depths over 100 metres. Yet, with all the technology available, you still need to contemplate the following:

  • Speed of the ocean current
  • Wind
  • The seabed structures such as ledges, wonky holes, humps
  • The fish you are chasing and where they are
  • Fishing regulations

When you have taken all of these into consideration, and you know the fish you’re chasing, you’re ready to find a charter and start fishing.

Find your next Wahoo Charters deep drop fishing trip

This style of fishing requires the right equipment, knowledge, location and gear for the job (all of which we have). So, if you’re keen to book your next deep drop fishing charter, speak to the fishing experts at Wahoo Charters.

Our friendly staff can book your deep drop, sports fishing, game fishing or reef fishing trip now.

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Sydney Blocked DrainsSydney Blocked Drains
10:19 17 Feb 23
We have been on Wahoo Charters 3 times now and have gone home with more fish than we could have ever dreamed of.George and the crew are friendly, knowledgeable and funny!This last time we bagged 4 kings over 1 meter.Always a good time on their boats.Thanks boys!
Alex HuntingtonAlex Huntington
08:34 10 Jan 22
Tight lines all day. All the boiz got to winch in a few 1m+ Kingies each.
Tanvir KhanTanvir Khan
04:53 29 Dec 20
We went out on a charter today and whilst the weather was against us, Sev and Josh did everything they could to get us on to the fish. I highly recommend George and his team for your next fishing charter. We will be back.
Merryzz V2 AccMerryzz V2 Acc
02:15 02 Apr 20
Had a awesome time with George out bottom bashing, he was very knowledgeable and experienced in his trade. Definitely planing on going out with wahoo charters again, had a great day and was for myself the first time deep sea fishing and i loved every bit of it. Really recommend to use this company!
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