C-rig question

[okieinoz 0]

I'm new to the idea of using a carolina rig.  After reading some of the entries, it sounds like it's the way to go this time of the hot summer.  

I understand the concept of the c-rig, but here's my question:

What do you mean by using a "bead" between the sinker and the swivel? AND What is the bead's purpose?   ???

Thanks.

[Raul 4,108]

The bead is a plastic or glass "pearl" that can be either smooth or faceted ( personal choice ), it goes between the sinker and the swivel to produce a clacking noise when the sinker moves towards the swivel when you jerk the line, also, it causes light reflection .

[Shad_Master 19]

The "bead" is simply that a bead (usually glass, but can be plastic or some other material) that is threaded on the line above the swivel and below the sinker.  The purpose is to produce a "clicking" sound to attact attention to your rig.  It also provides a cushion for the weight to avoid putting additional pressure on the knot.  It really is not a requirement, it is just one option for rigging.  There are Carolina Pre-Rigs that are being sold now that have the weight, the bead and a clacker all installed on a wire that you can just tie to the two lines and accomplish the same thing.  I just usually tie an egg sinker on and let 'er rip.

[George Welcome 20]

Pre-rigs: the package may call them a pre-rigged Carolina rig, but they are not.

A Carolina rig is comprised of a hook, leader, swivel, (bead if you want), and a free running weight. On the pre-rigs the weight is not free running. The pre-rigs are a gimmic that is not as called.

The bead came into being because the lead weight tends to close up with the beating that it takes when being dragged. As the lead became out of round the hole would close and the edges would get sharp with the warpage. The lead would then have a tendency to cut the line at the knot, hence the bead. It is also used to add color, and some believe noise. With the brass weights and the Tungsten weights, you will not have any warpage of the hole.

How many of those fish that you think you missed where actually holding onto the weight and beads?

I consider the hardware an attractant so my rig is set up: #10 swivel and Tungsten or brass weight with no bead.

[Rebbasser 0]

Take a look here:

http://www.bassfishingusa.com/Rigging/rigging2.html

A picture paints a thousand words.