Finesse Carolina Rig?

[TWMstr]

Is there a such thing as a Finesse Carolina Rig? What I mean is using a smaller weight such as a 3/8, 1/4, or even a 3/16 weight. Using the same baits that you would normally use on a carolina rig but just lightening the rig up a little by not spooking the fish. Give me some advice on this, or if this is even possible. 

[CPBassFishing]

First of all, 3/8, 1/4, and 3/16 are not small. 1/24 is small. A 1/24 weight wIll sink your bait agonizingly slow, but that is what you need sometimes. A 1/16 is good for most scenarios from 1 to 10 feet deep. If it is 10 to 15 feet deep I go to an 1/8 or 3/16 if its windy. The lighter the weight, the more bites you will get from highly pressured fish4

There are 2 types of finesse carolina rigs- the split shot rig, and the mojo rig. The split shot rig is self explanatory, and the mojo rig consists of a long, skinny "mojo" weight pegged to your line.

Both of these rigs should be dragged a few inches along the bottom, and pause for a few seconds at a time to let the bait settle.

I like to use 4-6" finesse worms and small tubes with this rig. Ideally, you want something that glides back and forth behind the weight.

Here is Glenn's Mojo Rig video.

 

 

[Felix77]

All you need to know is this vid ... This video converted me ... I love this rig.

 

[TWMstr]

yea I've seen this video. hadn't thought about that. thanks guys.oh what size "mojo" weight should I use when fishing medium to heavy cover on the bottom?

 

[CPBassFishing]

What kind of cover? If it's grass I wouldn't go over an 1/8 because anything heavier will dig into the grass. If its rocks you could get away with a 1/4 oz but I wouldn't go any bigger than that.

[TWMstr]

should you use a swivel or anything for the line twist?

 

What kind of cover? If it's grass I wouldn't go over an 1/8 because anything heavier will dig into the grass. If its rocks you could get away with a 1/4 oz but I wouldn't go any bigger than that.

[CPBassFishing]

should you use a swivel or anything for the line twist?

nope. If you rig your bait right its not going to twist. I guess you could if you wanted to.

[Sam]

 

As written above, MOJO and split shot rigs are the poor man's Carolina rig.

[Felix77]

You could use a swivel but I haven't had problems without it.  As CP stated if you rig your bait properly it shouldn't twist much if at all.  My favorite lures for the mojo is the Zoom Finesse and Trick worms.  I also have had success with small swimbaits like the Zoom super fluke Jr.

 

Also ... try a floating worm.  Z-Tech ... but you didn't hear that from me.  

[TWMstr]

This post wasn't made against the carolina rig from not having money, but to finesse lethargic bass to bite without spooking them using a heavy weight. 

 

As written above, MOJO and split shot rigs are the poor man's Carolina rig.

[TWMstr]

thanks for all your help guys. really.

 

nope. If you rig your bait right its not going to twist. I guess you could if you wanted to.

 

 

You could use a swivel but I haven't had problems without it.  As CP stated if you rig your bait properly it shouldn't twist much if at all.  My favorite lures for the mojo is the Zoom Finesse and Trick worms.  I also have had success with small swimbaits like the Zoom super fluke Jr.

 

Also ... try a floating worm.  Z-Tech ... but you didn't hear that from me.  

[MCS]

Zoom Centipedes...

[WRB]

Finesse C-rig should have a sliding sinker, otherwise it's a variation of the split shot rig.

I call the finesse C-rig a "slip shot" rig and have been fishing this rig over 35 years....a long time!

I started out using a small black Sampo swivel, bead and bullet weights when teaching my daughter and son to bass fish. The reason I used a small swivel was to help reduce line twist when the rig was reel in too fast that caused the reaper or small worm to spin. The problem with the swivel rig was I was tying too many knots every time my kids broke off a rig before they learned the difference between a rock and a bass.

When I discovered what is now called a mojo cylinder weight, I also discovered pegging a bead for a weight stop. My kids were better anglers now and learned to retrieve the rig slower, so removing the swivel and they could tie 1 knot, the hook and make the rig themselves, that was about 1980.

I don't like a mojo style weight less than 3/32 oz because you loose feel of the weight in water deeper than 10'.

1/8 to 3/16 is all you need with line weight to 8 lbs. I use the same rig baitcasting to 1/2 oz Pro-Jo weights.

The slip shot rig consists of; mojo lead weight or Pro-Jo black brass weight. 8mm glass faceted bead, Peg-It and light wire worm hooks; Gamakstsu or Owner. I prefer straight shank style hook in size 1 to 1/0 for line to 8 lbs. up to 30 hook and 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 oz weight for baitcasting.

Roboworms in 4 1/2" to 6" straight or curly and 3" reapers.

For deep structure rocky lakes longer leaders between 14" to 30" with the weight on the bottom works very well, dragged slowly along. When you feel a bite stop the retrieve and let the line load up with a rubber band pull, then reel and sweep set the hook.

Good luck!

Tom

[Hyrule Bass]

Is there a such thing as a Finesse Carolina Rig? What I mean is using a smaller weight such as a 3/8, 1/4, or even a 3/16 weight. Using the same baits that you would normally use on a carolina rig but just lightening the rig up a little by not spooking the fish. Give me some advice on this, or if this is even possible. 

 

basic answer to your question, YES. you can use weights and lines and even baits smaller than you typically use. it doesnt have to be a heavier tackle technique though most people associate it as so

 

its like many people think a drop shot has to be finesse with light tackle, i often use heavy tackle and have good success doing so...

[pbizzle]

I remember a video I saw with Boyd duckett explaining this. He said that he would use a 1/4 ounce bullet weight and no bead because you don't need it. He explained that you would do this when the larger weights would scare the fish. He also said that this would also be good when every one else is fishing the heavy 1/2-3/4 Carolina rigs to just change it up.

[roadwarrior]

I consider the split shot rig the "finesse C-rig". Give the Rage Tail 7" Thumper or

7" Anaconda a try on this set-up.