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An ideal technique for beginners at sea
Bottom fishing from a boat appeals to anglers because of its simplicity: once the line is in the water, the bait stays in place on the bottom or just above it, waiting for a fish to come by. There?s no need for repeated casts or complex techniques. This wait-and-see style of fishing is perfect for beginners as well as regular anglers who want to enjoy a relaxing time while trying to catch some nice fish.
The equipment: lightweight and effective
Unlike shore fishing, when fishing from a boat, a short rod is sufficient. Opt for a rod between 1.30 m and 2.40 m, with a solid, sensitive fiberglass tip. This type of tip allows you to perfectly detect even the most subtle bites, which are characteristic of sparid fish such as sea bream, sars, and pagels.conseilsport.
As for the reel, a size 3000 to 4000 model with a good progressive drag system will do the trick. For the line, you can choose:
- a fine braided line (10 to 14/100, PE 0.8 to 1.2) for maximum sensitivity,
- or nylon (28 to 30/100) in shallow waters, for its elasticity and strength.
The leader, made of fluorocarbon (26 to 35/100, 3 to 5 m), is virtually invisible in the water and holds up well against rocky bottoms and sharp shells.
Bait: mussels, crabs, and worms
Sparidae are voracious consumers of mollusks and crustaceans. The most effective baits are therefore:
- mussels (whole or "on the rock," shucked directly into the shell),
- green crabs (the best bait for large sea bream),
- sea worms, shrimp, cockles, or razor clams, depending on the region.
The advantage? You can often gather your bait right there, which makes this type of fishing very economical.
Tackle and Fishing Techniques
The standard setup includes:
- a sliding sinker (60 to 100 g, depending on the current and depth),
- a bead to protect the knot,
- a swivel,
- A leader 1 to 5 meters long with one or two hooks (size 2/0 to 6, depending on the bait and the target).
Once the line is on the bottom, keep a slight tension on the line so that the tip remains slightly bent. When you feel a bite, the tip will straighten or jerk?set the hook with a sweeping motion to catch the fish, which is often located between 30 and 70 meters below the boat.
Where and when should you go fishing?
On the Atlantic coast, the ideal fishing spots are areas with mixed seabeds (sand, rocks, and seagrass beds) between 20 and 60 meters deep. Sparidae are particularly active at dawn, at dusk, and during rising tides. Summer and fall remain the best seasons, but it?s entirely possible to make good catches well into winter, especially for grey sea bream and white seabream.
Accessible and Rewarding Fishing
Bottom fishing from a boat combines simplicity, affordability, and fun. With lightweight gear, natural bait, and a little patience, you can quickly catch some beautiful sea bream. Whether you?re a beginner or an experienced angler, this technique remains a must-try for offshore fishing trips along the Atlantic coast.
