A Carolina rig is a technique for assembling your hook, line and sinker so it presents baits to the fish in an effective manner and helps keep the rig out of weeds and other troubles. Because this rig drags the bait along the bottom of the lake or channel, a Carolina rig is for use in fishing for bottom-feeding species like walleyes and catfish. You should not use a Carolina rig for fishing for higher-feeding fish like bass.
Step 1
Select the proper hook type and size for the fish you intend to catch. If you're fishing for monster walleye, use a larger hook, such as a 5/0 hook. If you're fishing for catfish, use a smaller hook. Set the hook aside while you prepare the rest of your Carolina rig.
Step 2
Attach a barrel swivel to the free end of your fishing line as it comes off your fishing rod. The swivel offers an eye on one end for tying the swivel to the rod and reel side of the line. The other eye on the swivel is for tying the bait on the rig. The swivel helps keep your bait "right side up" as you pull the rig through the water.
Step 3
Tie a length of fishing line, approximately 12 inches long, to the free end of the swivel head. Pull the knot tight and then trim off an excess line "whisker" that may be sticking out of the knot.
Step 4
Thread a line bead and a bullet sinker onto the line. The bead should thread on first, nearest the swivel head, and then the bullet sinker behind it. The bead should be just slightly larger than the depression at the end of the bullet sinker. However, the thread-eye of the bead should not be so large that it can slip over the swivel eye. The bead protects the knot tied between the line and the swivel eye. The bullet sinker provides the necessary weight to keep your hook and bait on the bottom. The bead and the bullet sinker need to be able to slide up and down the line freely when the Carolina Rig moves through a rocky or debris-strewn field on the bottom. If the bead and sinker can slide on the line, they will be less likely to catch on rocks or debris, resulting in a nasty "snag."
Step 5
Tie the hook onto the end of the line. Trim away any excess line "whisker." You can now bait the hook to suit your fishing purposes. Carolina rigging works with any artificial lures, including plastic worms, as well as with live earthworms and other live baits.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing line
- Hook
- Barrel swivel
- Line bead
- Bullet weight
References
- "Fisherman's Tackle Box Bible"; Frank Davis; 2003
- "Baits, Rigs & Tackle"; Vic Dunaway; 2002
- "Encyclopedia of Fishing Knots & Rigs"; Geoff Wilson; 2009
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