|  |  Deep Drop Fishing | |
 Modern fishing techniques such as trolling, chumming and even conventional bottom fishing barely scratch the ocean’s surface. Deep-drop fishing has been a loosely kept secret among a few private-boat fishermen willing to invest in the electric reels required to do it. Recent entries to the marketplace such as the XL Series Krystal Fishing Reels have helped bring these fishing tools within reach of a wider range of anglers, and interest in deep-drop fishing has been growing as a result.
Deep-drop fishing is like exploring a new frontier, and frequently requires a field guide to help identify the fish you dredge up. Numerous species of snapper and grouper, plus other, more exotic fish, are caught via this simple technique. The challenge of locating productive structure and the reward of fine dining that accompanies a few hours of successful fishing are other attractions.
The first step is investing in a quality 12-volt electric reel. Reels should be chosen to accommodate the maximum water depth you plan to fish. Kristal’s smallest model, the XL601, can be loaded with 80- or 100-pound super-braid line. It is a fine choice for everything from wreck fishing for cod and sea bass in the Northeast to targeting rockfish off the West Coast, or anywhere water depth rarely exceeds 500 feet and the fish generally don’t weigh more than 50 or 60 pounds.
The smaller XL Series Krystal Fishing Reels easily mount on a stand-up rod and can be held during operation. For fishing off the east coast of Florida or along the reef drop-offs in the Bahamas, the larger XL621 and XL651 are a good choice, as they offer additional line capacity, more powerful motors and faster retrieve rates.
How To Get The Fish...
The most productive and easiest-to-obtain deep-drop bait is squid, and it catches just about everything. Pick up a couple boxes and cut the squid into small pieces. You don’t have to cover the hook; just have something edible hanging off it. You can also use chunks of most any fish, even pieces from the racks of the ones you cleaned the day before. Barracuda also makes an excellent bait, as do mackerel and sardines.
And since light penetration at extreme depths is at a minimum, flashing strobes are clipped to the rig to provide some additional fish-attracting capability. The captains I’ve talked to have a little saying that goes, “No lights, no bites!”
Bottom fish are attracted to structure, whether natural or manmade. If you picture the ocean bottom as a flat, open plane, structure is anything that breaks up the continuity, and finding these anomalies makes deep-drop fishing a breeze. Two common pieces of electronics that will make the job easier are a chart plotter and a powerful, high-quality depthsounder. These are your eyes into the underwater world.
Once you’ve located a likely spot, position the boat directly over it and mark the location on your plotter. Drop the screen size down to 1/8 mile and determine which direction the wind and current will push the boat. Move back over the structure and position the stern so it’s facing against the direction of the drift and use the engine(s) to hold your position. The goal is to keep your lines as close to vertical as possible. Keep the weight just touching the bottom and the line taut, and you will be surprised by how easy it is to detect a bite. Snapper will usually make the rod tip dance, while grouper will simply pull it down and keep it down. With smaller bottom species, don’t be too quick to bring them to the surface. After the initial hook-up, lower the rig back down to try for two or three more fish, depending on how many hooks you have on the rig.
The Tools You Need For Deep Drop Fishing From Fishing Headquarters...
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|  Kristal Deep Drop Fishing LightLP14/I-S LED DEEP DROP LIGHT for Deep Drop Fishing.
Features:
LED Intermittent Light Operated by 1 AA Battery ( Not Included) Lasts for 1,000 hours
Submersible lights on rig increase fish catching ability. Our pro-staffers are fond of saying, "No Light, No Bite!" A full range of battery-powered lights is available from Fishing Headquarters.
| | |  Electralume® LED Fishing LightThe Electralume® emerged as the next generation of fishing lights. Using LED illumination, the Electralume® doesn’t fade overnight like chemical lights. With a battery life up to 500 hours and lots of different colors, the Electralume® offers a consistent, high-intensity light that attracts fish and offers reusable light. Perfect for Deep Drop Fishing.
Electralumes® are proven effective for swordfish, grouper, snapper, crappie, striper, halibut, salmon and other species that have historically been attracted to light.
Simply put, the Electralume® lasts longer, penetrates deeper into the water column, and catches more fish.
Turns on Automatically or Manually
Waterproof to 2,200 feet
Includes 2 lithium batteries and snap with swivel
This light is 4 inches by 1 1/2 inches.
| | |  Kristal Reel CoversKristal reel covers are made to cover your deep drop reels and protect them from water and salt. These covers are also good to use when storing your deep drop reel. Kristal Reel Covers are Blue in color and are very durable.
| | |  Calcutta deep drop rigsDeep Drop Fishing Rigs for Deep Drop Fishing.
CDD11 has (5) size 11 hooks per rig
CDD15 has (5) size 15 hooks per rig
CDD12/15 has(3)size12 and(2)size15 hooks per rig
The new Calcutta Deep Drop Rig is designed for deep sea bottom fishing, for Grouper, Tilefish, and other deep dwellers. Made from quality Monofilament and heavy duty short shanked circle hooks you can be assured this rig will hold up under the toughest conditions. Included are (2) 15/0 and (3) 12/0 crimped hooks, beads, and 1 snap swivel. Length of rig is approximately 6'
DON'T FORGET A LIGHT!
THIS IS THE RIG THE PRO'S USE.
| | |  R & R Deep Drop RigAvailable in 2 sizes: 8/0 and 10/0.
High quality components.
Luminous tubes increase effectiveness.
Extra snap swivel to hold a light at the top of the rig.
Swiveled hook helps eliminate fish loss and twisted leaders.
Breakaway snap swivel that opens if lead is hung in bottom.
High quality black Mustad hooks.
Great for catching Grouper, Snapper, and Tilefish.
| | |  Momoi LeaderTough finish for superior abrasion resistance under extreme fishing conditions. New formulation offers tensile strengths up to 200% of stated line tests. Economic spool sizes offer closer match to reel capacities. Excellent knot strength
All 100yard skeins are SMOKED BLUE in color
| | |  Deep Drop RodsCROWDER
DEEP DROP & COMMERCIAL
The Commercial Series is designed for the big-game fisherman. The series is built with top quality components designed to take the abuse of every day fishing. The series utilizes the same top quality E Glass blanks as the Bluewater Series. The entire series is built with chrome Aftco Roller Guides and Stuart reel seats or aluminum butts. This series consists of stand-up rods from 30lb. to 100lb. with either Aftco Heavy-Duty Rollers or Wind-On Rollers. Also, there are Commercial Trolling models in 80lb. and 130lb. with Aftco Big Foot Rollers.
| | |  Daiwa Dendoh Tanacom Bull Description:
The ultimate kite reel quickly winds in the kite and stops by itself while you fight the fish. Plenty of power and capacity for deep drops up to 1,100 feet.
Programmable jigging function*
Brass and Aluminum Bronze gearing*
Four ball bearings*
Rod Clamp*
Daiwa’s unique Power Lever for instant control of winding speed and power*
Digital readout measures line let out and distance retrieved from the bottom*
Programmable Auto Stop feature stops winding when lure reaches the surface*
Manual winding option*
Convenient 12 Volts DC operation*
Washable design with sealed electronics*
Power cord and reel bag included
Model Bearings Gear Ratio Line Per Handle Turn Wt. (oz.)
Line Capacity (Lb. Test/Yards)
TB1000 4BB 2.3:1 16.5" 52.50 MONO: 30/700, 40/500
BRAID: 60/1100, 80/900
| | |  Kristal ReelsKristal Reels For Deep Drop Fishing feature:
Modular design: Interchangeable components . One unit can be used for more than one type of fishing: as a down rigger, for bottom fishing, trolling, long lining-buoy retrieval, kite fishing.
Low Power consumption: Average 8 Amps; 5 amps for the smallest unit; 15 amps for the larger unit.
Pulling power: 400 to 1,000 lb.
Attachments and accessories: Variable speed control
( internal or external), universal line counter (can be used on any rod), level wind, remote foot and manual control, all types of rods.
Materials: All stainless steel components are 316L, chrome over brass or anodized aluminum (please see catalogue).
Fuse: Each unit's motor is protected by an "O" ring seal fuse holder and fuse.
Warranty: Motor warranted to be free from defect and breakage with proper use and care according to manufacturer's guidelines for life.
Application: On all boats regardless of size, by use of the unique basis and adapters available.
Power: Available in 12 volts (standard) and 24 volts
(special order).
Kristal Reels
| | |  1500 YARDSFeatures:
High Abrasion Resistance
Maintains Round Shape
Superior Knot Strength
Super-Smooth Surface
Better Color Retention
Packs Better on Reels
Longer Life
| | |  1500 YARDS
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