FS Digest

Do I reel in the slack on a Carolina rig or do I leave it because it’s suppose to be a bottom fishing rig?

--
by It_Aidan222

Charlie Loc: Chester Va.

go to this link https://www.catchmefishing.com/carolina-rig/#How-to-Fish-with-a-Carolina-Rig

gbcreed45 Loc: Florida, Gulf Coast

The whole idea of a Carolina Rig is that the fish can take the bait without feeling tension. I not only don’t take up slack, I leave the line free to run. When a big fish takes the bait and moves out, it won’t let go because the line runs free. When I think it’s swallowed the bait, I remove the slack by locking the reel and watching the line. When all the slack is gone, I set the hook hard.
Seldom loose a fish with this technique.

PFC

Thank you for this helpful hint.
Peter C

Charlie Loc: Chester Va.

gbcreed45 I don't under stand be cause the weight is about 12 to 18" above the soft bait are you thinking of a Texas rig🤷‍♂️

PFC

The weight (sinker )to use is a egg sinker which flows freely up and down the main line.

JerryW Loc: Arley, Alabama

I fish the Carolina Rig almost religiously. DO NOT leave slack in your line. The beauty of the Carolina Rig is you are able to keep a tight line without the interference of your weight. Your fishing line goes thru the weight allowing you to feel the fish the very moment he touches your worm. If you slack in your line, you are not going to feel the hit. Yes, you may still end up catching fish if they take the bait and run; however, if they are at the least bit finicky, like they are most of the time, they will pick-up and spit out your worm several times before running off with it. It's also imperative to keep your rod tip high (between 11 and 1 o'clock) at all times. This allows you to feel the hit much easier than if your rod tip is in any other position (the most perpendicular angle to the fish). I like to use weights between 1/2 oz. and 1 oz. Heavier weights in windy conditions or deep water. Good luck to you.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

I agree with Jerry. Carolina rigging is the one time I religiously use scent. The fish hold on a little bit longer which greatly improves my hook up ratio. Also a killer technique using nightcrawlers on my favorite small mouth lake.

Chuck56 Loc: Texas

In my opinion, since I’m a catch/ release bass guy, the line should have tension on it. Keep your rod tip high. The sooner you feel the “tap” the sooner you can react. If you are bass fishing with slack line and you see it tighten and move, usually the bass has swallowed the lure and hook deep. If you set the hook when it’s far back in the fishes mouth, there is a higher probability of serious injury to the fish. Also, FYI, reference the California rig. I use it instead of a Carolina set up. Basically works the same, but less hardware ( swivel) , less knots. And is adjustable. And since all my baits that I use on the rig are floating plastic, I still get decent movement from the bait as I work it back to the boat , line twist , if any, doesn’t seem to be an issue to the bass.Works for me....My 2cents

Seegundo Loc: Lake s minole Georgia

Carolina rigging is a great way to catch fish. I use a side sweep to set the hook. I use a 1/2 -1 ounce weight. I place a glass bead or two below the wight to prevent the weight from constantly hammering the knot tied above the swivel. If you don't the knot may come undone. Rod selection is important, I use a Tom Mann Carolina dragging rod.i believe it's 7'3". Hook selection is based on the worm itself. For zoom swamp crawlers and trick I use a #2/0 straight shank Gamakatsu. For ole monster worms , brush hogs , and lizards I use a 4/0 off set hook. In the spring I set the bot shallow on the up current side of a Island and cast up the river and work the bait uphill so to speak. The trash ( underwater logs and limbs) that flows down river stacks up on the upper end of and island where the river bends. I Revere this in the summer.i fish ledges with trash with a Carolina rig.

Seegundo Loc: Lake s minole Georgia

As for scent I use bang anise oil.

Asente Loc: Live in Saugerties, NY

My experience in SC with Reds it doesn’t matter - loose or tight. If’ing they take it its took. If their there 🤦‍♂️. I use shrimp or a live minnow on the hook.