Hey gang,

New fisherman and new to the forums. Curious to try a Carolina rig this weekend. Using a medium action rod, fishing in Eastern PA, temp looks to be about 88. Would love some advice on sinker weight, hook size and a good bait to try. Any beginner tips in fishing the rig? Let it rest on the bottom? Twitch?

Many thanks in advance for your insight and patience with a newbie.

PaB74

I use a tungsten weight heavy enough to keep in contact with the bottom, so at least 1/4 oz. I also use a 24" leader; fluorocarbon or heavier mono depending on what structure I'm fishing. I'll use heavy mono to help keep the bait above any weeds. My favorite baits are lizards, but I also use worms, grubs and creatures. I usually use something with a curly or ribbon tail.

Thanks J. What size hook and what size bait are you using. Any color this time of year?

Hook size is 1/0-4/0 depending on the baits, and bait size is usually a 4-6" lizard or a 7" worm. I  use black or dark colors a lot for C-rigs because I'm usually fishing in deeper water. I like dark colors when fishing deeper.

I usually use 1/2oz egg sinker (if rocky bottom, bullet if vegetation), drop down to 3/8oz for smaller plastics & shallower water. Used to use a barrel swivel but recently switched to a Carolina Keeper, it makes adjusting leader length so much easier. Starting leader is about 24", then I'll adjust it depending on what's catching fish. 15lb Yozuri hybrid on a 6'6MH/XF baitcaster. Brush hogs, baby brush hogs, zoom mag II worms, super flukes, swimming flukes, sweet beavers. Usually green pumpkin/watermelon variation. Slow sideways drag (1-3 feet at a time) to keep it on the bottom; slow upwards drag to raise it off the bottom, pause, and repeat. Hard side sweeping hook set.

Could I C-Rig a 3" Damiki air craw??

I use a c-rig 1/8oz brass bullet weight with a clicker. A 24" leader with a 3/0 needless eagle claw hook with a senko, or brushog, or worm. The weedless spring on the hook let's me know if I get a strike and a miss. If it comes up open I know I had a strike. I reset the hook and add a shot of bass scent. The next cast is a hookup for sure.

 

The split shot rig with a plastic worm is a very successful setup too. I like to use the 6" black worm.

Thanks Bill. What size senko? Color this time of year?

You can really c-rig any soft plastic. Part of the fun is experimenting with different stuff. The fish will let you know what works...My buddy caught one with a c-rigged rapala x-rap.

Thanks VB. Going to try the 3" Damiki on a 2/0 as well as a senko.

Something to try out around vegetation in deeper water is a Zoom Trick Worm. They usually produce some nice fish for me.

yamamoto's baby craw on that.