Carolina Rig

The Carolina rig is most often used to fish plastic baits—worms, lizards, etc.—for largemouth bass. It is a very effective technique for fishing in areas where the bait needs to be fished up off the bottom, such as over the tops of weed beds. It's very effective for fishing long points and when you need to cover agreat deal of water fairly quickly.

There are a great deal of variations in rigging this two stage rig, It all starts with the main fishing line (typically 20-30 lb. test) from the rod tip where you feed a center drilled lead weight from 1/4 oz. to 3/4 oz., along with a small glass or metal bead with a two-way swivel to the end. Not to worry this only the first stage of the rig. This section is designed to make the rig easy to castlong distances as well as create a disturbance on the bottom as it is retrieved.

A leader of varying length is tied to the free end of the swivel. The leader usually ranges between 24-72 inches in length depending on current and bottom conditions. This short leader is often of lighter test line than the main line, is attached to the free end of the swivel. You next add your favorite hook tied on with a strong fishing knot.

Typically you will add plastic baits such as plactic worms and lizards as well as live bait usually in a weedless style.

This rig is usually fished with a longer, stoughter fishing rod, which is necessary for casting the long leader and to give the cast some nice distance.

Once you have made the presentation you will raise your rod tip in a slow up and down motion. Be sure to reel in all of your slack on the downward motion to stay in contact with the line. This retrieve creates the illusion that whatever bait you're using is looking for food as it bumps into rocks or stumps, while the bait is suspended above the bottom and highly visible to fish. Giving your bait the sense of an easy meal.

Most anglers make two very common mistakes when using this bait. The first is retrieving to fast while the baits in the water and not staying in touch with you bait as you retrive the line. A little practice will produce some amazing results.