The South Florida collection
How to catch golden tilefish deep dropping in South Florida
Drift squid over deep muddy bottom with an electric reel and a weighted circle-hook rig.
The method
This method targets golden tilefish by drifting whole squid over deep muddy bottom with an electric reel and a heavy deep-drop rig. Pausing the line lets the drift lift and move the bait before it settles again. The demonstrations explain squid rigging, distinguishing bites from boat movement, and using the sounder to look for suitable bottom.
See it in action
How to catch GOLDEN TILEFISH deep drop fishing in South Florida (opens in a new tab)
South Florida SALT · Main demonstration
Gear & bait
01 / Rod
Daiwa Tanacom bent-butt rod
Bent-butt rod with a swivel tip for deep dropping.
02 / Reel
Daiwa Tanacom 1000 electric reel
Electric reel for lowering the rig and retrieving it from deep water.
03 / Main line
Braided main line
Braided main line.
04 / Complete rig
Deep-drop circle-hook rig
Deep-drop rig with 300 lb leader and 9/0 circle hooks for whole squid.
05 / Terminal tackle
5 lb deep-drop weight
5 lb weight to carry the baited rig to the bottom.
06 / Tool
Blue deep-drop strobe lights
Two blue strobe lights attached to the rig.
08 / Bait
Whole squid
Whole squid, one on each circle hook.