The full guide
Read straight through, or use the fishing notes above to keep marks, tides and tackle easier to follow.
Beginners Guide to Sea Fishing Gear...
Fishing using weights, hooks and bait, mainly from beaches
Sample Species to target using Bottom Fishing
Click on each species for lots more information
Bottom fishing is a relaxing fishing method where a weight is attached to the line and then bait is put on to the hook. The line is cast out and the hook drops to the bottom where you will catch species such as flatfish. Once you have cast out, it's a waiting game until you see the rod move! Hopefully this is the sign that a fish has taken the bait and the retrieve begins!
Apart from flatfish, lots of other species will spend their time feeding on the bottom so the list of different fish you can catch bottom fishing is quite long.
Bottom Fishing Rigs
The terminal tackle can be constructed to create different rigs (this is the term for the tackle used at the end of the fishing line, including hooks, weights, beads and swivels). Illustrated below is a basic rig known as a running paternoster - a good beginners rig. More information on this rig and lots more can be found in the pocket guide'Go Sea Angling' by Mario Massimino
Assembled Rigs
A huge variety of pre-assembled rigs can be purchased to save you having to make your own. These are generally species specific so that you can buy the appropriate rig for your target species.
Bottom Fishing Tackle Pack
We have created this starter pack which provides all the tackle you need to have a go at bottom fishing.
Zebco Universal Line
10 x Baitholder Hooks
2 x Swivels
1 x Weight
5 x Beads
Zebco Shore Rig No 9
Which Bait?
Click on the fish species above for more information on our recommended bait for your target species
Peeler Crabs
Also called soft crabs, peeler crabs are the crabs that have just lost their shells and they make excellent bait for all types of fish. These crabs will hide while they are waiting for their shells to harden so the best place to find them is under rocks at the low water mark in estuaries such as Falmouth, Helford or the Camel.
Frozen Sand Eel
Frozen rather than fresh sand eel is better as the scent trail improves with frozen eel. This is readily available in tackle shops.
Drop Nets
If you are fishing from a harbour or pier try using a drop net to catch some bait. This provides excellent results as the small crab, prawns etc that you catch in the net will be the same food that is attracting the fish to the wall in the first place.
To use a drop net, simply put some bait in the net (this can be, for example, scraps of mackerel). Then lower the net into the water until it is just above the bottom and then wait for 10-15 minutes before bringing it back to the surface.
Worms
The most common worms around Cornwall are lugworms although you can also get other varieties including ragworms. You can dig for worms at any time of the year. At low tide look on the sand for signs of worms as shown below and then dig between the squiggles and the hole and you will find the worm.
Please do take note of any signs before you dig for bait as not all places allow digging.
Useful fishing kit
Friendly tackle picks chosen to make the guide easier to put into practice.
Common questions
- What rig should a beginner use for bottom fishing?
- The running paternoster is the perfect starting rig. Your weight sits at the bottom while a baited hook stands off on a short snood, presenting bait neatly on the seabed and giving clear bite indication. It's forgiving to tie and tangle-resistant. If you'd rather skip the knots, our pre-made rigs are ready to clip straight on.
- What baits work best for bottom fishing?
- Fresh natural baits win the day. Lugworm and ragworm are superb all-rounders, peeler crab is deadly for bass and many species in season, and sandeel or mackerel strip tempt larger predators. Match your bait to your target and the season, and keep it fresh, a smaller fresh bait usually beats a large stale one.
- Do I need to cast a long way to catch fish?
- Honestly, no. Many beginners over-focus on distance when fish often feed in the gutters and channels close to shore, especially over a flooding tide. Choosing the right mark and tide matters far more than a huge cast. Start with a weight you can cast comfortably and safely, and let the fish come to a well-placed bait.
- What tide and conditions are best for bottom fishing?
- Many beaches fish best over a flooding tide and around dusk or into darkness, when fish move inshore to feed. A little surf and colour in the water can switch the fishing on, particularly for bass and cod. Always check tide times before you go, avoid spots where you could be cut off, and pick a weight suited to the conditions.
- What fish can I catch bottom fishing in the UK?
- A huge variety, which is the joy of it. Depending on season and mark you might land bass, cod, whiting, dogfish, conger, ling, ray, red gurnard and a whole range of flatfish such as plaice, dab, flounder, turbot and sole. It's the most versatile way to fish a UK beach.
