my jerry rig way of fishing a carolina rig is simply going from texas rig to moving the bullet weight up my line and pegging it there. Sometimes I'll use a bead for noise or leave the bullet weight free and put a split shot under it to hold it in place and get some clacking noise.  How do you feel about this, what is the difference really?  Does anyone else cheat like me?

I like brass or tungsten when I'm fishing a C-Rig.  The main difference there is the amount and type of noise made.  Lead isn't nearly as loud as brass or tungsten.  Using a bead, plastic or glass, changes the noise as well.  I typically like glass beads with a brass sinker.

Using a swivel is safer than a split shot.  While I use split shots for finesse applications (minature, soundless c-rigs on light line with light tackle) I always worry about it weakening the line.  It does with mono or flouro line.  Braided is tough enough to withstand it.  I think that would be the biggest difference.  That and you don't have to worry about a swivel getting caught up in grass like a split shot would.  

Really, I guess your C-Rig is proper as far as 'proper' goes in fishing.  If it works, don't worry about proper    I never fish a proper jig.

thanks man I guess I've just never wanted to have a pole set aside for c-riggin' i like versatility in rods and all that riggin' takes time

If you can feel the bottom and get a general sense on what it looks like with your bullethead weight, then who really cares about 'proper'.  On the other hand, if you are using a 1/4 oz sinker or lighter, you are probably wasting your time with carolina and would be better off with something like a dropshot rig.

There isn't a "wrong" way to fish it, some times little differences can help.  But do consider that one of the great benifits of the "traditional" c-rig is that there is a slip sinker... meaning that when a finicky fish picks up your bait there will be no resistance as he begins to swim off.  You can also add a ticker and /or a bead which will add sound, or you can fish it quietly. (no bead or ticker)

Years ago, I used to fish them as you do but when I finally tried the "traditional" way I started catching more and bigger fish.  Such a difference that I now carry a dedicated c-rig rod with me all the time, rigged and ready.

Give the "traditional" way a try, you might decide that you've only been cheating yourself!  

good advice flechero

do you find it neccessary to C-rig with strictly floating/suspending plastics or do you like when your lizard or worm etc. lays on the bottom and drags behind the weight?

do you find it neccessary to C-rig with strictly floating/suspending plastics or do you like when your lizard or worm etc. lays on the bottom and drags behind the weight?

I prefer non floating plastics, because the real lizards and craws (I used to catch) were always on the bottom. So it always made sense to me that if they live on the bottom, the fish were used to seeing them and eating them on the bottom.

I can see using floating plastic over weed beds but I still don't - for the same reason.

There isn't a "wrong" way to fish it, some times little differences can help. But do consider that one of the great benifits of the "traditional" c-rig is that there is a slip sinker... meaning that when a finicky fish picks up your bait there will be no resistance as he begins to swim off. You can also add a ticker and /or a bead which will add sound, or you can fish it quietly. (no bead or ticker)

Years ago, I used to fish them as you do but when I finally tried the "traditional" way I started catching more and bigger fish. Such a difference that I now carry a dedicated c-rig rod with me all the time, rigged and ready.

Give the "traditional" way a try, you might decide that you've only been cheating yourself!

Great Post!

There isn't a "wrong" way to fish it, some times little differences can help.  But do consider that one of the great benifits of the "traditional" c-rig is that there is a slip sinker... meaning that when a finicky fish picks up your bait there will be no resistance as he begins to swim off.  You can also add a ticker and /or a bead which will add sound, or you can fish it quietly. (no bead or ticker)

Years ago, I used to fish them as you do but when I finally tried the "traditional" way I started catching more and bigger fish.  Such a difference that I now carry a dedicated c-rig rod with me all the time, rigged and ready.

Give the "traditional" way a try, you might decide that you've only been cheating yourself!  

i suppose you could just put a loop in the line so the bullet weight couldnt get past it, but line still slips instead of pegging to get that advantage as well...  no ideas for the ticker though! (and some might argue the loop can weaken the line too)

Try bullet weight then run your line twice thru the bead ,you can adjust to the grass or structure you are fishing. When you do get hung up you tie one knot

If you are really that determined to throw the rig without so many knots, use a pegit or tstop in a glass bead. You can then slide the bead up or down the line without damage.  ;)I use this setup alot for mojo rigs. If I want to pitch the lure to cover, I just slide the bead down to the bait for an instant t-rig.

do you find it neccessary to C-rig with strictly floating/suspending plastics or do you like when your lizard or worm etc. lays on the bottom and drags behind the weight?

I prefer non floating plastics, because the real lizards and craws (I used to catch) were always on the bottom. So it always made sense to me that if they live on the bottom, the fish were used to seeing them and eating them on the bottom.

I can see using floating plastic over weed beds but I still don't - for the same reason.

although i agree with you that most forage is on the bottom. having fished lots of sandy, gravel, clay flats sometimes with sparse vegetation. i love having a tube floating 12 inches off the bottom, a foam earplug jammed up the tube works wonders.