Trolling vs. Bottom Fishing: Which Deep Sea Trip Is Right for You?

Not Sure Which Deep Sea Trip to Book? You’re Not Alone

If you’re new to deep-sea fishing, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go trolling or bottom fishing, and many first-time anglers aren’t sure what that even means. Both techniques offer exciting experiences and target totally different fish, but which one fits your style?

At Captain Mike Charters, we help guests choose the right trip based on what they want out of the day. Whether that’s chasing fast, open-water predators or dropping lines to the ocean floor for reef dwellers, this quick guide breaks down the key differences between trolling vs bottom fishing so you can book with confidence.

What Is Trolling Fishing?

Trolling is a deep-sea fishing technique that involves dragging bait or lures behind a moving boat. As the boat cruises through open water, multiple lines are deployed at different depths to attract fast, aggressive fish.

Because you’re constantly moving, trolling allows you to cover a lot of ground, making it perfect for days when fish are scattered or you’re targeting species that roam, like king mackerel, mahi mahi, and tuna.

The action can be fast and exciting when a fish strikes, followed by periods of calm as the crew keeps lines in motion. It’s a great choice for anglers who enjoy variety, scenery, and the thrill of sudden hookups.

What Is Bottom Fishing?

Bottom fishing is a classic deep-sea technique where the boat anchors or drifts slowly over reefs, wrecks, or ledges. Anglers drop baited lines straight down to the ocean floor to target fish that stay close to the structure.

Unlike trolling, bottom fishing is more hands-on—you feel the bite, set the hook, and battle fish that often dive hard for cover. It’s a steady, active experience and a favorite for those who want to stay engaged throughout the trip.

It’s also a great choice if you’re hoping to fill the cooler. Bottom fishing typically produces grouper, snapper, amberjack, and triggerfish. Some of the best-eating fish in the Gulf!

Trolling vs. Bottom Fishing: Key Differences

Use this side-by-side comparison to see how trolling and bottom fishing stack up. Each method offers a different experience, and the right choice often comes down to what kind of action you’re looking for and what you want to catch.

Do You Want to Cover Water or Target Structure?

One of the biggest differences between trolling and bottom fishing comes down to your approach. If you want to cover water and search for fast-moving species, trolling is the way to go. This technique lets the boat cruise through open water, giving you a better shot at landing pelagics like king mackerel or mahi mahi that don’t stay in one place for long.

Bottom fishing, on the other hand, is all about precision. You’re targeting known spots, like reefs, ledges, and wrecks, places where fish gather to feed or take cover. It’s a more methodical style of fishing that rewards patience and good positioning.

Captain Mike knows these local structures inside and out. His experience helps you drop your bait exactly where the fish are, increasing your chances of getting a solid hit fast.

Which Trip Is Best for You?

Still not sure which fishing style fits your group? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

• Bringing the family?
  Trolling offers more downtime between bites, which can be great for younger kids or those who want to enjoy the ride as much as the fishing.
• Want to feel the fight?
  Bottom fishing tends to be more hands-on, with steady bites and strong pulls—perfect if you’re looking for a more active experience.
• Chasing big-game fish?
  Trolling gives you a shot at fast, powerful species like mahi mahi and tuna that put on an impressive show.
• Looking for variety?
  Bottom fishing is typically more productive for filling the cooler, but longer charters may include time for both techniques depending on conditions.

Captain Mike tailors each trip to your goals, and on full-day outings, it’s not uncommon to combine both trolling and bottom fishing to maximize your time on the water.

What’s Included on a Captain Mike Trip?

No need to bring a thing, Captain Mike provides everything you need for a successful day on the water. That includes all bait, lures, rods, and reels, customized to the type of trip you’re taking.

For trolling, the setup includes rod holders, skirted lures, and high-capacity reels built for speed and distance. For bottom fishing, you’ll use weighted rigs, circle hooks, and natural bait like squid or cigar minnows—all selected based on the season and what’s biting.

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced angler, the gear is ready, the spots are dialed in, and the fish are waiting.

Whether you’re after speed or steady action, Captain Mike has a trip built for it.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between trolling and bottom fishing?
Trolling involves dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to target fast-swimming fish in open water. Bottom fishing means anchoring or drifting slowly and dropping bait down to reefs or structures where fish like snapper and grouper hang out.

What fish do you catch while trolling in the Gulf?
When trolling off Panama City Beach, we often target species like king mackerel, mahi mahi, bonita, and even tuna when they’re running. These fish hit hard and make for a thrilling chase.

Is bottom fishing better for beginners?
Yes—bottom fishing tends to offer more consistent action and is a bit more hands-on, making it a great pick for first-time anglers or families with kids.

Can you do both trolling and bottom fishing on one trip?
Absolutely. On longer charters, Captain Mike often mixes both methods depending on conditions and what the fish are doing that day.

What gear is used for bottom fishing vs trolling?
Trolling uses heavier rods, rod holders, and skirted lures built for speed. Bottom fishing setups include weighted rigs, circle hooks, and natural bait designed to stay near the seafloor and attract structure-loving species.