Deep Drop Fishing: The Technique and Gear Explained

 If you’re serious about tackling deeper waters, you probably already know what deep drop fishing is. For those who aren’t familiar with it or are thinking about giving it a try, deep drop fishing is a form of bottom fishing.

However, instead of targeting inshore areas where you can use a range of reel styles, the depths fished range from 100 to 650 metres. Fishing offshore waters requires specialized gear and techniques for targeting fish in deeper water.

The Gear Needed

source: daiwafishing.com.au

Rod

Rods for deep drop fishing need to be heavy-duty. As some already know, when fishing at these depths, heavy sinkers or weights are required to get your bait or lure down in a timely manner. Remember, not only are you contending with the depth of water, but you also have other factors like the wind and current that can affect how much weight you need.

This said, you’ll need a drop fishing rod with a strong lower section that can handle the heavy sinker, but a sensitive tip that lets you feel when a fish bites. 

When it comes to features, look for sturdy guides that can handle braided line, with roller guides being common on heavier deep-drop rods. A strong reel seat is also important for keeping the reel securely in place, while a curved or bent butt can make it easier to fish from a rod holder. 

Compared with general offshore rods, the focus is less on casting and more on lifting power, control and handling heavy terminal tackle vertically beneath the boat. 

When choosing a drop fishing rod, check the line rating, sinker/weight rating and rod action first. Pay attention to the rod’s line and weight rating, too, and make sure it matches the sinkers and depths you plan to fish. A rod that's too light may struggle with the weight, while an unnecessarily heavy one can make the setup cumbersome.

Reel

Of course, the rod is only one part of the setup. The reel needs to be up to the job, too. A deep drop fishing reel needs to do more than simply hold your line. You may have hundreds of metres of braid out, a heavy sinker at the bottom and a fish to bring back up. 

This is why heavy-duty conventional reels are commonly used. These give you plenty of line capacity and cranking power, while a strong, smooth drag helps you control a fish without putting sudden pressure on the line.

The reel also needs to stand up to corrosion. Look for corrosion-resistant construction, sealed or protected bearings and a drag system designed for saltwater use. A two-speed reel can also be useful, giving you a lower gear for more cranking power when bringing a heavy load up from depth and a faster gear when retrieving line.

When buying, start with line capacity. The reel needs enough braid for the depth you intend to fish, with some extra capacity available if a fish takes line. Then check the drag, gear ratio, construction and compatibility with your rod. Don't automatically go for the biggest reel you can find, either. A reel that's too large can add unnecessary weight without giving you a useful advantage.

Line

Braided line is particularly well suited to deep dropping because it has much less stretch than monofilament and a relatively small diameter for its breaking strength. That combination is useful when you have hundreds of metres of line between you and the bottom. Less stretch helps you stay in contact with the rig and feel what's happening below, while the smaller diameter creates less resistance in the water.

The line still needs to be strong enough for the target species, depth and conditions. Going heavier isn't automatically better. Thicker braid creates more resistance in the water, which can make it harder to keep your rig directly below the boat and may mean you need a heavier sinker.

When buying, look at the breaking strain, diameter and length, then make sure the reel can hold enough of that particular braid. Don't just compare the pound rating between brands, as diameter and actual capacity can vary. Also check that the line is suited to saltwater and that it matches the rest of your setup. For very deep drops, having enough line on the spool is just as important as its strength.

Sinkers

When you're fishing hundreds of metres below the surface, a small sinker isn't going to cut it. You need enough weight to overcome the depth and keep your rig close to the seafloor. As already mentioned earlier, wind, current and tide can also affect how much weight you need, as they can push your line away from the boat or lift the rig off the bottom.

Therefore, sinkers for drop fishing should be heavier than those used for many other types of fishing. 

When buying, look at the weight, shape and attachment method. Make sure the sinker is suitable for your rig and heavy enough for the conditions you expect to encounter. 

You also want something secure and easy to attach or change when conditions shift. It can be useful to carry a few different weights rather than relying on one size for every trip.