Trolling or Bottom Fishing: How Do I Decide?

Alright, you’ve booked your fishing trip, you’ve got your sunscreen on (hopefully), and you’re ready to reel in some fish off the beautiful coast of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. But wait—trolling or bottom fishing? You’ve heard both terms thrown around, but what’s the real difference, and more importantly, which one is the best choice for your fishing adventure?

Don’t worry, we can help! AAA Charters & Adventures’ captains and crew can give you the lowdown on both methods, plus a few insider tips on which one will make your day on the water legendary.

Trolling: The Pursuit of the Big, Fast Fish

What is it? Trolling is like the sports car of fishing—fast, flashy, and with a little bit of excitement built in. Essentially, trolling means you’re driving a boat around while dragging one or more fishing lines behind you, usually with lures or live bait attached. You’re looking for those big, speedy fish that like to chase their prey.

You’re usually out in deeper waters when trolling, moving at a slow but steady pace. As the boat moves, the bait moves too, mimicking the motion of a fish trying to escape. And let me tell you, when a big predator takes the bait, you’ll know it—it’s game on! The line starts running, and you’re in for a thrilling fight.

What kind of fish can you catch? Trolling is the way to go if you’re after the heavy hitters of the sea. Here’s what you could reel in:

• Marlin: The ultimate prize for many anglers! These sleek, powerful fish are often found in deeper waters and are notorious for their speed and strength. Catching a marlin while trolling is an experience you’ll never forget.
• Sailfish: Another trophy fish that’s both gorgeous and fast. Sailfish are known for their impressive sail-like dorsal fin and are a blast to catch, often putting on a dramatic show when they take the bait.
• Tuna: Bluefin or yellowfin, tuna are fast, strong, and love to chase lures. They put up a great fight and are awesome for those looking for an exciting day of fishing.
• Wahoo: These sleek, silver fish are lightning-fast and love to strike at bait. They’re a common catch while trolling and will test your fishing skills to the max.

So if you want to experience the thrill of a high-speed chase with a big game fish, trolling’s your method. Just make sure you’ve got a strong grip on your rod when one of these bad boys bites!

Bottom Fishing: The Chill, Steady Approach

What is it? On the flip side, bottom fishing is like the slow-cooked stew of fishing—it takes patience, but the payoff can be equally rewarding. As the name suggests, bottom fishing involves dropping bait directly to the bottom of the ocean, usually near reefs, wrecks, or the seafloor, where fish like to hang out. The goal here is to attract fish that are hanging out in deeper, more stable waters, rather than chasing something on the move.

You drop your bait to the bottom, and then you wait. And wait. And wait. But that doesn’t mean it’s boring! When you feel that tug on the line, you’re in for a serious fight, and some of the fish you’ll reel in can be real monsters.

What kind of fish can you catch? Bottom fishing is perfect if you want to target species that live on or near the seafloor. Some of the usual suspects are:

• Snapper: One of the most popular fish to catch while bottom fishing, snappers are feisty and plentiful in the waters off Playa del Carmen. They love to hang out near reefs and wrecks, and they’ll put up a good fight when you reel them in.
• Grouper: Another bottom-dweller that’s both delicious and a great catch. Groupers can be massive, and they’re known for their strength, so you’ll need some muscle to haul them up from the depths.
• Triggerfish: These colorful little guys are fun to catch and can be found in shallower waters near coral reefs. They’re not as big as some of the other fish, but they’re definitely tasty!
• Amberjack: These fish are strong and persistent, often found near deep-water structures like shipwrecks. They’re perfect for anglers looking for a challenge and a good-sized catch.

Bottom fishing is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience and you want to target fish that are a little more “grounded” (literally!). It’s not as fast-paced as trolling, but it’s rewarding in its own right, especially when you haul up a giant grouper or snapper.

So, Which One is Best?

Well, it really depends on what kind of fishing experience you’re after. Let’s break it down:

• Go with trolling if:
  You want excitement, speed, and big-game fish like marlin, tuna, or sailfish. If you love the thrill of the chase and the adrenaline rush of a fast fish pulling on your line, trolling is your best bet.
• Go with bottom fishing if:
  You’re looking for a more relaxed experience and enjoy the challenge of hauling up strong, bottom-dwelling fish like snapper, grouper, and amberjack. It’s the perfect choice for anglers who want a more steady and rewarding fishing experience.

Pro Tip: For the ultimate fishing day, why not try a mix of both? AAA Charters & Adventures offers combo trips where you can start with trolling in the morning for the high-speed action and then switch to bottom fishing in the afternoon for the steady, satisfying haul. You’ll get the best of both worlds and a great variety of catches!

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re trolling through the deep blue for a marlin or sinking your bait to the bottom for a big grouper, Playa del Carmen offers some of the most exciting fishing waters around. Each method has its unique perks, so why not try both and see which one gets your heart racing? Whatever you choose, one thing’s for sure: the fish in these waters are waiting, and your next big catch could be just a cast away! Happy fishing! 🎣