For a single hook rig, snell a hook to about 12 inches of leader material and tie a surgeon's loop to the opposite end. Attach the leader to a three-way swivel with a large lock snap for attaching a bank sinker. Your running line is tied to the third post on the three-way. You can add a second hook by snelling it to another 12-inch leader and attaching it to the middle of the first hook leader. I prefer single-hook rigs as double-header catches are rare and the second hook means you have twice as many chances to get snagged in the structure.

Your bait needs are pretty simple in the spring. Seabass can be caught using small pennant-shaped strips of squid, although it's not a bad idea to bring along some alternative baits like frozen silversides or other small baitfish.

In early spring, blackfish usually prefer soft baits, so bring along a supply of clams and cut the muscle into small strips 2 or 3 inches long. Fresh clams work better than frozen. If they are available, bring along some green or fiddler crabs, two favorite baits later in the season.

Most fishing for these species is done vertically. Just drop your bait to the bottom and wait for the fish to find it. Seabass are the easier of the two species to hook as they usually hit and hold onto the bait long enough for you to set the hook. Blackfish are another story. They are the most accomplished bait stealers in the sea and it takes some practice and a quick reaction time to set the hook before they clean the bait off it with their buck teeth.

Seabass can reach 7 pounds in size, although catching them over 4 pounds in the spring on inshore structure is a rarity. They bounce and tug when hooked, but what they lack in sport they more than make up for on the table. They have wonderful, flaky white fillets that are great fried, steamed, broiled or flaked and mixed with breadcrumbs to make fish cakes.

Blackfish are larger and much stronger and can grow to over 20 pounds, but most of the ones you catch inshore will run from 1 to 7 pounds. When you hook them, they make a mad dash for whatever nasty place they came out of and if you don't turn them, they will cut you off in a heartbeat.

Fish for blackfish with your rod tip down toward the water, not held high, and when you feel a hit, set the hook quickly with a strong lift. Start reeling immediately to get the fish a few feet off the bottom and moving your way. Blackfish are also good eating, but cook up best fried or baked, as the fillets are thicker and moister

It doesn't matter what your favorite fish might be, bottom-fishing is fun, easy and doesn't require much in the way of fancy tackle. At the end of a successful day you'll have some of the best-eating fish you can land from the waters off the Mid-Atlantic coast. Just thinking about it makes me hungry.