Deep-sea fishing with natural baits, some nice surprises

Principles of deep-sea bait fishing

We generally speak of "great depths" from 150 to 200 m, up to 500 to 600 m depending on the sector.âeuros

The technique is vertical fishing: you fish in line with the boat, drifting or held by motor/electronics, with a heavy ballast to stay close to the bottom.âeurosâeuros

The aim is to present a well-laid bait or a bait slightly off the bottom, despite the current and the drift.âeurosâeuros

Target species

Classic" deep-sea fish such as paddlefish, red bream and redfish are the main species targeted with this technique.âeuros

Other species of very large fish are also possible, such as rays, giant conger eels, sabres, cerns, and all species of deep-sea sharks.âeuros

In the deep Mediterranean (100 to 300 m), you can also find capons, saintsâeurospierres, whiting and other gadids.âeurosâeuros

Natural baits used

Whole or filleted fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel or horse mackerel remain highly attractive and easy-to-find baits.

Cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish) are used whole or in strips. They are highly resistant to small touches.âeuros

Various crustaceans can also be used for deep-sea fishing. Prawns, large shrimps and sometimes crabs are appreciated by many noble fish.

Natural baits retain their scent advantage and remain very effective in cold, deep or low-light water, where the sense of smell takes precedence over sight.âeuros

Fixtures and fittings

The rig remains simple. It consists of a vertical line with a long leader (several meters) terminated by a very heavy sinker (often 500 to 800 g or more depending on the bottom and the current).âeuros

Several stacks spaced out on the leader also make it possible to offer several mouthfuls (sardine + squid, for example).âeuros

Luminous accessories (beads, luminous sticks, phosphorescent sleeves) are often added to attract fish in the darkness of the deep.âeurosâeuros

The reels used are powerful and high-capacity (8000/9000) or electric, and the braid used is fine and strong. Of course, a high-powered rod is required to handle the lift from 200 to 400 m. âeurosâeuros

Benefits and precautions

• Fishing interest: diversity of species, possibility of very large fish, thrills on the way up from great depths.âeuros
• Physical constraint: limited animations (fishing is mostly "posé"), but battles can be long and it is often necessary to reel in the line at each drift.âeuros