I've never fished a carolina rig much - but I've started using it more this year. I've done pretty well with it so far - until yesterday. I lost three 17-18" fish right at the boat (tried to lip one, tried to swing one) - they all flopped off right at the last second. I know I got a good hookset on them (using braid, so no stretch) and two of them jumped on the way to the boat and didn't throw me.

The first two I lost and the first one I caught all opened my hook up (was using a lighter wire). I switched to a heavier hook (but not as sharp as the light wire) and broke one off and lost another right at the boat.

I'm not real sure where my problem is but thought I start by finding out what hooks people are using.

Thanks

When I am using a c-rig I usually  throw a lizzard or some type of creature bait therefore I use a 3-0 or 4-0 extra wide gap Gammy hook.............Al

Owner 4/0 cutting point is all that i have ever used w/ braid. I dont even want to try with anything lighter wire.  

Has anyone fished a hula grub/spider grub/gonzo grub type bait on a c-rig?

Part of your problem is the braided line.  Zero stretch has its drawbacks:  1) Bends hooks easier 2) Also lets you tear a large hole on the hookset, espcially if you have a stout rod along with the braid.

Personally, I do not like braid with Crigs.  I fish Crigs in rock areas a lot and braid and rocks do not get along.

My line of choice is a YoZuri Hybrid in the 15lb to 20 lb. range.  My hooks are EWG Gammies.  Rod is a 7'6" flipping stick.  Never a bent hook and seldom a lost fish.

I would suggest using a Gammie Superline EWG hook.

Brad

Thanks for the posts.  I'm probably going to switch from braid to flurocarbon or a copolymer.  Looking back I probably was setting the hook to hard and that in combination with light hooks, the braid, etc was causing my problem.  Thanks!

You could also try using a mono or flouro leader for the C-rig. It can act as a shock absorber and keep the hooks from tearing out. I like using EWG hooks for my carolina rigging; usually 3/0 or 4/0.

I use a lizard also about 95 % of the time so I go with a 3'0 Lazer Sharp EWG hook.I hardley ever miss a fish.I use a sweeping motion on the set and not the traditional "cross their eyes" set.