Carolina Rig
Also called: C-rig
A rig with a sliding weight, a bead, a swivel, and a long leader that drags a soft plastic along the bottom, good for covering flats and points.
- Type
- Rigs & Setups
- Target fish
- Bass
- Skill
- Takes some practice
- Depth
- Bottom, mostly 5 to 20 feet
- Best seasons
- Spring through fall
Note: Some states restrict or ban lead sinkers and split shot in certain waters, so check your state's rules and consider tungsten, steel, or other non-lead options.
When it works best
- Over gravel, rock, and sand flats and points.
- When bass are on the bottom and you want to cover water.
- In deeper water, where a Texas rig is too slow.
How to fish it
- Slide an egg sinker and a bead onto the main line, then tie on a swivel.
- Tie a leader, about 2 to 3 feet, to the other end of the swivel and add a hook with a soft plastic.
- Cast and drag the rig slowly along the bottom.
- Feel for the rocks and gravel, and sweep the rod when you feel a bite.
Tips
- The bead clicks against the sinker and adds sound.
- A longer leader gives the bait more room to float up.
Common mistakes
- Dragging too fast.
- Using a leader that is too long to feel bites.
- Fishing it in thick weeds.
Gear
A medium-heavy rod about 7 feet long and 10- to 17-pound line is common.
Often confused with
- Texas rig: has the weight right above the bait and works better in cover.
Fish it catches
Field notes
A Carolina rig lets the weight stay on the bottom while the bait floats behind it. It is a good way to cover a lot of bottom quickly.
Related guides
What works varies by water, season, and the fish that day, so use this as a starting point. Regulations on live bait, hook type and number, lead tackle, and baitfish transport differ by state and water body. Check your state's current fishing rules; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations and license portal.