Carolina rig
Also called C-rig
What is a Carolina rig?
A bottom rig with a sliding weight above a swivel and a separate leader to the hook, so the bait trails behind the sinker instead of sitting on it.
Carolina rig at a glance
- Order on the line
- Weight, bead, swivel, leader, hook
- Common weight
- 1/2 to 3/4 oz
- An egg or bullet sinker
- Where it shines
- Flats, points and channel edges
- Retrieve
- A slow drag with the rod swept sideways
How is a Carolina rig put together?
Slide an egg or bullet sinker onto the main line, add a bead, and tie on a barrel swivel, which stops the weight from sliding any further. Tie a separate leader to the other side of the swivel and finish it with a worm hook and a soft plastic.
The bead keeps the weight from hammering the knot, and on hard bottom it adds a click every time the sinker knocks into it.
How is a Carolina rig different from a Texas rig?
On a Texas rig the weight sits right against the bait. On a Carolina rig the bait is a leader's length behind the weight, so it drifts and swims above the bottom while the sinker drags along underneath. That makes it better for covering open bottom and worse for pushing a bait into thick cover.
When do you fish a Carolina rig?
It is a search rig. Fan casts across a flat, a point or a channel edge, drag the weight slowly, and the rod tells you about every change in the bottom: rock, shell, weed, the lip of a drop. Wired2Fish describes it as a way to learn unfamiliar water while fishing it.
Because the hook is a full leader away from the weight, set it with a long, hard sweep rather than a short snap. There is slack to take up before the point moves.
Leader length is the adjustment that matters. Shorten it for more control around weed; lengthen it in clear water, where a bait that floats freely behind the weight looks more natural.
Carolina rig vs Texas rig
| Carolina rig | Texas rig | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the weight sits | Above a swivel, a leader away from the bait | Against the head of the bait |
| How the bait moves | Floats and swims behind the weight | Follows the weight closely |
| Best in | Open bottom: flats, points, channel edges | Cover: wood, grass, docks |
| Hookset | A long sweep to take up the leader | A short, hard set |
Which to pick: Texas rig for putting a bait into cover, Carolina rig for dragging one across open bottom where fish are spread out.
Common questions
What weight should I use for a Carolina rig?
Wired2Fish names a 1/2 to 3/4 ounce egg sinker as the common choice. Go lighter in shallow water, and heavier when it is deep or windy and you are losing the feel of the bottom.
What line do you use for a Carolina rig leader?
Line a little lighter than the main line, so a snag breaks the leader and you keep the weight and swivel. Wired2Fish pairs a 10 to 15 lb fluorocarbon leader with heavier mono or braid as the main line.
Where this is defined
- The Carolina rig: how to rig and fish it, Wired2Fish
Where this comes up
The guides that use carolina rig and show it on real gear.
Last reviewed . Carolina rig is one of 222 terms in the fishing glossary.