How Do I Choose the Right Weight and Size of Sinkers for Bottom Fishing off the Florida Coast?
Use this guide to help make the right choice.
At over 800 miles, Florida has one of the longest coastlines in the country. The coastline is geographically diverse. It includes features like sand dunes, salt marshes, mangrove-filled barrier islands, and coral reefs. Many times, these unique features overlap. In such a diverse environment, the right fishing tools, such as the right-sized sinkers for bottom fishing, are critical.
We understand how important this matter is at Angler 360. Only a properly-weighted sinker gets the bait to the proper depth, keeps it there, and works with rod sensitivity to delicate bites. Anglers must consider several factors before they make their choice, and in this post, we’ll try to cover them all.
Understand the Bottom Type
Many of the aforementioned geographic features are under the water. Fortunately, at Angler 360, our experienced team knows what surfaces anglers must deal with in certain locations, such as:
- Muddy or Sandy Bottoms: These bottoms are not really “bottoms.” They’re really just layers of material somewhat more dense than the water. So, most anglers use a bank sinker or egg sinker. These sinkers are streamlined and can move with the current without getting stuck.
- Rocky or Reefy Bottoms: “Reefy” may not be a word, but you get the idea. Streamlines sinkers often snag on these solid features or otherwise get stuck on the bottom. In contrast, flat sinkers, pyramid sinkers, or circle sinkers are more stable and maintain better contact with the seafloor.
The main part of Clearwater Beach sits on a barrier island. Geographic underwater features around the causeway vary slightly.
Current and Tides
Underwater currents are unusually strong off Clearwater Beach and other parts of the Gulf Coast. Florida’s Atlantic coast is also known for its strong underwater currents. We usually recommend a heavy pyramid or bank sinker (between three and eight ounces) in these environments.
Further south, the current is not as strong. A lighter bank or pyramid sinker (one to three ounces), or even a split-shot or egg sinker, usually gets the job done in these environments.
Depth and Target Species
The depth of the water and the species you’re targeting will also influence the sinker size. In general, deeper waters require heavier sinkers, so the bait practically dives to the bottom. Use a four to twelve-ounce sinker for deep-water fishing. Be sure and consider the underwater current as well.
In contrast, for fishing in shallow waters off Florida’s coast, such as nearshore areas or estuaries, a one to three-ounce sinker is usually sufficient. This weight will allow your bait to stay close to the bottom without too much drag.
In any environment, for species like snapper, grouper, and other bottom dwellers, go with a sinker that ensures your bait stays in contact with the seafloor. This continued contact disperses the scent and attracts more fish.
Wind Speed and Boat Drift
Finally, if you’re fishing from a boat that’s drifting with the wind or tide, you may need to adjust the size of your sinker. A drifting boat will cause your bait to move along the bottom, and in this case, a slightly heavier sinker will keep the bait in position longer.
Count on Angler 360 to fine-tune your fishing trip to Florida’s unique environment.