Carolina Rig For 2-6 Feet Of Water

[Catch and Grease]

Most people I see using the Carolina rig are using it in water that is 8+ feet deep, the lake I fish averages at 5 feet deep with the deepest part being 12-15.  Can the Carolina rig still be as effective as other lures at 6 or less feet deep or should I just focus on other techniques and rigs?

 

Also if you guys do use it in shallower water what length leader and what weight works best for shallower C-rigging?

[Raul]

 Can the Carolina rig still be as effective as other lures at 6 or less feet deep

 

Yup, it will still be effective.

[roadwarrior]

try the Rage Lizard and Eeliminator with a 1/4 oz bullet and a 6" leader.

[gallowaypt]

For that situation, I would usually opt for a mojo rig. Bassresource has a vid on youtube about the ins and outs of this rig.

[Catch and Grease]

That seems like a really short leader and light weight roadwarrior but Ill try it!

[Todd2]

Kind of off topic, but Carolina Keepers are perfect for adjusting your leader length on the fly to find out what they'll hit.

[Smokinal]

For that situation, I would usually opt for a mojo rig. Bassresource has a vid on youtube about the ins and outs of this rig.

X2

[Catch and Grease]

I've used the mojo rig before but haven't in awhile I'll try it again

[primetime]

Don't forget about the Split Shot Rig, and I find I never have issues with Muddy bottoms full of weeds if that is an issue. I put a non removable shot on braid, then use an invisiswivel for a heavy Mono or copolymer leader so it floats in 20lb test. I know most people think split shot rigs are a finesse tactic, I get better feel for strikes, bottom composition, and I can also use a large split shot, floating worm like a roboworm or finesse worm with longer leader if weeds only grow 2' and water is 3'...It's kind of like a modified dropshot, carolina/texas rig in one....

 

I get most strikes lifting and letting the bait fall again, but I often slowly drag, or swim various size baits from 3-12".....I have hook setting issues and feeling strikes on carolina rigs in shallow weeds, but someone told me to try the Stanly Wedge head weights and I plan on trying...I agree, lighter weight for shallow water is much better IMO, and a split shot or even a pegged weight you can slide up and down would be fine......

 

I don't like Rattles on a carolina rig in shallow water but that is just me....I have fished with guys who do well with a true carolina rig in 3' of water, in places I would have never imagined...But they have perfected the C-rig, and it takes time to master a rig, so if you want to make that your style in shallow grass,it is a good option since fish are seeing wacky rigged senkos, flukes, and weightless plastics all day long but that works well some days also.....I am throwing chatterbaits and Topwater/Floating balsa minnows this time of year as everyone throws plastics and I like to try and always have a new look...I am starting to gain confidence in dropshot in shallow weeds, especially in wind.....Hope that helps, but anything is capable is working, key is to spend time fishing a rig and you only learn by struggling to figure out how you like to fish each situation with it, and what baits you can use most effectively....I find every time I fish a new lake with someone new, (I am always fishing shallow weeds in 2-8') and I never meet anyone using the same rig as me, or other people....Different colors, sizes, baits, line, rigs.....All works, just have to learn your way.

[BigKev77]

Still good in shallow water. 18" to 24" on my leader and 1/2-3/4 should be more than enough weight. One of the great things about a c rig is being able to read the bottom and you need good bottom contact for that. I just drag it along and when I feel something different like weight or "life" I set the hook. You will probably miss some bites until you get the feel for it.

[WRB]

What I call a slip shot rig some now call a finesse C-rig works very good in the depth you fishing.

1/8 oz mojo weight, 7 or 8 mm glass bead pegged with rubber Peg-It anywhere between 14" to 24" with light wire hook size 1/0 like Owner 5133 down shot hook*, weedless rigged floating worm Roboworm 4" or 6" on 6 to 8 lb mono or FC line. You can substitute the Carlona Keeper for pegging, use the glass bead as it adds clicks during the retrieve.

Tom

*this hook is perfect for this rig, very sharp, strong and light weight.