Tone, welcome to the forums.
If you're using live bait, there are a couple
things you can do.
1) I'm assuming you are using live nightcrawlers?
If so, see if you can find a syringe -- you'll use this
to inject air into the nightcrawler.
The injected air will cause it to float - have your sinker
anywhere from 6-24" above the hook depending on
how far up you want the worm to float.
I've done this (in the past) and it has been dynamite
for bass.
2) Same sinker idea above, but you'd look for floating
soft plastics that you can either wacky rig or such.
I learned bottom fishing from a elderly Korean man, but
what I use(d) are long poles - either graphite or fiberglass
not poles with reels. Floats used are pencil-style floats,
but not the typical stuff you see in stores. Like this:
http://www.allfishingbuy.com/Pole-Floats.htm
You sit and wait. The float is so sensitive it provides
almost zero resistance to fish taking bait. When bottom
bait is taken by a fish, the pole float will either sink, or
skim along the surface indicating you've caught your prey.
Very fun. Haven't done it in a while, but it is so simple and
inexpensive!
