The Carolina rig refers to a method of rigging, or setting up the line for fishing. The Carolina rig uses a weight, barrel swivel, glass bead and hook in such a manner that the bait, which is often plastic, is presented in a more natural manner with more freedom of movement. The one drawback to the Carolina rig lies in the rig itself. As there are more components used in setting up the rig, there is a larger possibility for becoming tangled or caught on grass, brush and other underwater objects. With this in mind, the Carolina rig is suited more for open waters with little to no aquatic plant life and minimal structure.
Things You’ll Need:
- Fishing line such as monofilament Brass bullet weight Glass bead Barrel swivel Extra wide gap fishing hook Plastic bait
- Fishing line such as monofilament
- Brass bullet weight
- Glass bead
- Barrel swivel
- Extra wide gap fishing hook
- Plastic bait
Instruction
Step 1
Slide a brass bullet weight onto the fishing line so that the pointed end is pointed up the line. The size of the weight will be determined by factors such as line weight, size of the plastic lure being fished and the depth of the water.
Step 2
Slide a glass bead onto the line below the brass bullet weight. The glass bead and weight are free moving and will move and “clack” against each other as the rig moves through the water. This clacking sound will act as an attractor for curious bass.
Step 3
Tie a barrel swivel onto the line below the bead and weight. Use a clinch knot for this purpose. To tie the knot, feed 3 inches or so of line through one of the eyes of the swivel. Wrap the free or tag end of the line around the main line for six to seven turns. Feed the tag end back down and through the small loop formed just above the eye of the swivel. Moisten the line and pull down tightly to form the knot.
Step 4
Tie an 18- to 24-inch section of line onto the opposite end of the barrel swivel. This section of line will act as the leader. Use the same clinch knot as with the opposite end and make sure the knot is pulled down tightly.
Step 5
Tie an EWG, or extra wide gap, hook onto the end of the leader. Once again, use the clinch knot to attach the hook to the leader.
Step 6
Slide the sharp end of the hook through the end of the plastic bait to be fished for about one-half inch. Push the hook down and out of the bait until the bait is located at the turn or right angle of the hook. Turn the point of the hook and push it back through the body of the bait. Make sure the point remains inside the body of the bait and that the bait lies straight and natural on the hook.
Tips & Warnings
- Many fishermen prefer to use fluorocarbon fishing line for their leaders as this is a very clear and almost invisible line when in the water.
- Use caution when handling hooks, especially when rigging baits as it is possible for the hook to become lodged in a finger or thumb.
