There are so many ways to catch fish in Louisiana, it is truly amazing, and picking what to go after can be the hardest part.
One type of fishing that is becoming more popular is lowering baits into the depths with electric reels to see what tasty critters are lurking.
Deep dropping is the game, and the rewards can vary from delicious to freaky, “what is it” species that have never seen daylight.
Deep dropping depths are generally 300 to 1500 feet. It often takes a big weight to take multiple hook rigs to this depth. It is common to use a stick weight made from 10 pounds of lead. Therefore, I highly recommend an electric reel of some sort to help with the work-end of the operation. Braided lines and affordable electric reels have made this fishery accessible for most offshore fishermen.
Heavy duty, multiple circle hook rigs are the norm, and often the addition of lights made for deep dropping will help attract fish to your offerings. In water this deep, there is no light from the sun. Baits vary from squid to cut fish, but I like to use both on the same hook. I like the squid because it is natural forage for most fish in the deep, but it is soft and can be nibbled off too easily. It can take five minutes or more to reel up empty hooks, so I like to add some cut fish that is tough so that I can be confident there is still something on the hook after a couple rod shakes.
Dropping down can take a while too, but once your line goes slack, you should maintain a tight line so as to feel what is happening to your baits. If you are drifting or in a current, you will have to let out line periodically to make sure your weight is on the bottom and your hooks are stretched above it.
Circle hooks help keep the fish hooked up, and allow you to leave the rig down after feeling the first fish shaking to try and catch more on the other hooks. It is not perfect, and many times I wished I had hit the button and not been greedy. Pretty much hold off until you can’t stand it or a big one bows over your rod. Then you better hit the button. Sure it is not what some consider “sporty,” but the mystery of what is on its way to the surface and the awesome table fare is enough.
The improvements in sonar technology and affordability have also played a factor in the success of deep dropping.
Now the tools to see fish and/or structure in 1000 feet is real and a big help in locating places to try. Don’t forget that many of the oil rigs are built in deep waters, so the base of the rig can be a very productive spot to drop. Only in Louisiana can one jig for shallow groupers in the bow of the boat, while deep dropping from the stern.
You can vary the size of your hooks and baits according to the expected size of your quarry. A big, single circle hook and three pound slab of jack will entice a hungry warsaw grouper, while 3-inch chunks will better target snowy and yellowedge grouper or tilefish. Various snapper can also be caught at these depths, and most of what you catch from the deep, chilly water is delicious. Catch and release is not really an option, as the fish usually expands with gas as the pressure lessens.
So keep what you can, and don’t abuse the privilege of catching these unique and delicious fish that have been out of reach for so long.
