Off the Deep End

No electric reels? No problem. Hand-crank deep-dropping is a blast with the right gear.

- George Poveromo

Deep-dropping between 500 to more than 1,000 feet has blossomed in popularity. The rewards are delicious table fare such as tilefish, queen snapper, barrelfish, grouper and others all available at the push of a button. With the depths we can explore via electric reels and assists, one never knows what surprises await on the bottom or on the way up. It's exciting. But is it sporting?

Modern electronics and fishing tackle have advanced the exploration of this relatively new frontier. I enjoy catching ultra-deep bottom dwellers, but with traditional tackle. For the uninitiated, hand-crank deep-dropping isn't as difficult as it may seem. Furthermore, investing in an elaborate electric deep-drop system and wiring a boat to power one isn't required. The tactic is open to anyone seeking a deepwater challenge. Here's what it takes.

SEARCHING WITH SONAR

Sharp bottom readings and target separation clearly reveal specific ocean-floor composites, bait and even target species all prime dropping criteria. On my boat, I power my 9-inch Simrad NSS Evo3 and 24-inch NSO Evo3 units with Simrad's BSM-3 broadband chirp echo sounder and Airmar transducer. My units are capable of reading depths to 10,000 feet.

Chirp technology simultaneously broadcasts three sonar frequencies, compared to a traditional single frequency. This, in turn, provides up to 30 percent more clarity and definition over standard technology fish finders and transducers. It also enables fine-tuning around the high (200 kHz) and low (50 kHz) frequencies for even more-precise readings.

SMALL REELS EXCEL