Carolina Rig Bite Detection Issues

[AvidAngler]

Today i went pond fishing like always with my fishin buddy. i was really excited to try my new carolina rig, i had never used one before. SO my first cast of the day i got a huge smack by a tiny little 8 incher. i was using a bullet weight about 20 inches or so above my grub i was using. i experimented a lot with different worms and things and the grub actually did work the best. but i was having trouble detecting bites. i would hop it and twitch it about every 5-10 seconds and then when i wanted to re cast i would reel in, but when i would reel, i found i had a fish on, and i never got to set the hook very well. I deep throat hooked one and had to cut it off at the hook and i hate doing that. and i lost two fish cuz the hook set was garbage. does anyone else have trouble like this? idk if its because the weight before my hook is destroying my line sensitivity or what. was just looking for some feedback.

[WookieeJedi]

Like anything else, there is a learning curve to it. In the beginning, there will be mistakes. You will get the hang of it. I use a lateral, sweeping hookset with the Carolina rig.

Good video: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/carolina-rig-video.html

[outdoorsman110]

You could always use a lighter weight.

[eyedabassman]

It could be when you go to pick up the slack line? Drag the c-rig and reel down to pick up your slack line,it you don't you may be missing some bites when moving the rod to pick up the slack line.And I would not hop a c-rid,you want to just drag the c-rig and most bites are going to be lite or like a heavy feeling. If not sure SET THE HOOK!

[Quillback]

What works for me as far as c-rigging, is a sensitive rod, floro main line (I use a mono leader below the weight) and tungsten weight. When a bass bites, I detect it about 95% of the time. I can also tell what I'm dragging my rig through (rocks, wood, mud, etc.). With a good c-rig set up you can work your rig blindfolded and know exactly what's going on with your stuff.

[mr.mallard]

drag with rod tip down. not in the air.

[zip pow]

It could be when you go to pick up the slack line? Drag the c-rig and reel down to pick up your slack line,it you don't you may be missing some bites when moving the rod to pick up the slack line.And I would not hop a c-rid,you want to just drag the c-rig and most bites are going to be lite or like a heavy feeling. If not sure SET THE HOOK!

x2. Try braid on the main line bites will feel better than with flou or mono

[hatrix]

Yea I use a braid main line and mono leader. I use a short leader never more then say 3' and a lighter weight. The shorter the leader the easier to detect the bite. Some times when you start dragging is when you actually notice one grabbed it.

[uptonfish]

When a bass bites, I detect it about 95% of the time.

How would you know? If you don't detect it how would you know how many bites you are missing?

Just a some food for thought about the way we all phrase things...

[BassThumb]

Detecting bites with a C-Rig is not always easy, especially in when the bottom is rocky. Many times, it's a "When in doubt, set the hook" situation.

[Quillback]

How would you know? If you don't detect it how would you know how many bites you are missing?

Just a some food for thought about the way we all phrase things...

I think it's food for thought on the way some people misunderstand things...

[uptonfish]

I think it's food for thought on the way some people misunderstand things...

I understand exactly what you were trying to say

Forgive me if I have offended you its the stat/logic geek in me that your original statement perked my ears

[AvidAngler]

thanks for the replies guys!

what do some of you guys use on the end of your C-rigs? i have the most luck with a grub haha. i just ordered some Squirrel tail worms im STOKED to try. i feel like they would be awesome c rig trailers.

[carolinariggin]

i would recomend a med heavy rod with a fast action (sensetive tip) 65 pound braid main line 15-20 pound floro learder about 2' long. when in doubt set the hook but watch line sometimes it will swim left or right and you wont feel the fish if you see your line move set the hook.

[eyedabassman]

i would recomend a med heavy rod with a fast action (sensetive tip) 65 pound braid main line 15-20 pound floro learder about 2' long. when in doubt set the hook but watch line sometimes it will swim left or right and you wont feel the fish if you see your line move set the hook.

Fry I see this is your first post=welcome! This is a great site. As for the C-rig baits any plastic will do!

[NCbassmaster4Life]

All you need is:

1. Leader 2-4ft max

2. Egg sinker preferably 1/2 oz

3. No larger than 5/0 hook

4. favorite worm or soft plastic, you should do your own experimenting on the lure.....it builds your confidence bait.