Carolina Rig

A Carolina rig is a weight-forward setup used to drag soft plastics slowly across the bottom. The weight sits on the main line above a swivel, followed by a long leader of two to four feet ending at the hook and bait. This separation lets the weight stay in contact with the bottom while the bait floats up and glides behind it, looking natural and unweighted. Anglers use this rig to cover deep or featureless bottom, like flats, ledges, and points, where bass are holding but not actively chasing. The heavy weight keeps the bait down in current or wind, and the long leader gives fish a bait that moves freely instead of one that drags stiffly along with the weight. It works well with lizards, worms, and creature baits fished with a slow drag and pause retrieve.

• Use a bead between the weight and swivel to protect the knot and add a clicking sound that draws strikes.

Keep the leader length matched to water clarity: shorter in stained water, longer in clear water where bass need more separation from the weight to commit.