C-Rig Weights

[Todd2]

This question would apply for any variation (C-Rig, Split Shot, Mojo...etc). Does a heavier weight increase the sensitivity of the bite? Obviously a heavier weight increases bottom sensitivity but what about the bite. It seems it does to me but not sure why it would. Just a random thought last night when I was putting some setups together for a little trip this weekend.

[WRB]

The hook is attached to a leader or main line behind the weight and when moving the weight you don't have direct contact with the hook only the weight. To move the weight the line must be tight to feel it unless the line drag creates a big bow deadening the feel of the weight moving. When a bass strike a soft plastic behind the weight you can't feel the strike if the fish moves forward, only when the fish pulls the line through the sliding weight. 

How heavy the weight is and what shape weight to use depends on several factors, line diameter ( creates drag), line type (FC sinks), bottom types ( mud, sand, gravel, rocks, weeds/grass), wind, current, depth. I prefer black brass cylinder (Pro-Jo/mojo) weights over egg shape to reduce snags. Spinning tackle with 5# Maxima UG coploy line slip shot rigged with 1/8 oz most of the time to 25', 3/16 oz if windy or deeper. Bait casting 10-12 lb mono with 3/8 to 1/2 oz slip shot rig, rarely a classic C-rig with swivel, always use a glass bead and Carolina Keeper stop.

Tom

[Todd2]

14 minutes ago, WRB said:

When a bass strike a soft plastic behind the weight you can't feel the strike if the fish moves forward, only when the fish pulls the line through the sliding weight. 

Thanks....

 

So do you think you feel the bite better with a heavier weight (let's say 1oz) that is planted on the bottom or a lighter weight (1/8) that would come off the bottom quicker once pulled through by the Bass. I guess where I'm going with this is..why guys are throwing big heavy 1 to 11/2 oz weights when the smaller weights ( like you use) work fine.

[Choporoz]

Cant speak for anyone else, but for me, unless using finesse weights, my c-rigging is almost always 20+ feet deep.....anything lighter than 1oz...maybe 3/4 if glassy calm, I'd never feel much, nor know when I'm on the bottom

[WRB]

The only reason I can think of is casting distance, high current, faster retrieve speed or dragging through cover, any of those conditions I would use a different presentation. If the bass moves the line I feel it, very tuned into any line movement from decades of fishing. The problem with most anglers learning a C-rig types is detecting a strike before the bass swallows the soft plastic waiting for the tick tick or tap tap in lieu of rubber band pressure bite

Tom

[scaleface]

I use a 3/4 ounce egg  sinker  and usually dont feel the tap like on a Texas rig . Its mostly pressure I detect . How that compares to lighter weights , I cant say because I dont use them . I think lighter weights would detect bites better .

[Tennessee Boy]

Interesting thread.   There are a lot of variables,  most if them have been mentioned,  another is the length of the line between the hook and the weight.  

 

Like others, I fish a c-rig deep.   I usually use 3/4 oz weight when there’s current and sometimes less when no current.  Fishing 20ft deep in 1-2MPH current ,  I don’t think I would feel anything with a lighter weight.

[Catt]

Ditch the swivel ?

 

I tried Carolina Keepers but have moved on to using a couple Bobber Stops. All main line, no leader, better for feeling subtle bites.

 

[Todd2]

27 minutes ago, Catt said:

Ditch the swivel ?

 

I tried Carolina Keepers but have moved on to using a couple Bobber Stops. All main line, no leader, better for feeling subtle bites.

 

I'm with you here. I still use the Carolina keepers but haven't tied swivels in years. Some argue  having a lighter line that breaks first to save weights, but the keepers make it too easy.

 

Why'd you switch to bobber stops?

[WRB]

I use Keepers because bobber stops tend to slide an get stuck in the glass bead hole, but bobber stops are bigger and better now so may give them another try, lot less expensive.

Tom

 

[Fishingmickey]

59 minutes ago, Catt said:

Ditch the swivel ?

 

 moved on to using a couple Bobber Stops. All main line, no leader, better for feeling subtle bites.

 

 

28 minutes ago, Todd2 said:

 

Why'd you switch to bobber stops?

No additional knots, cleaner subtle presentation. 

[jbsoonerfan]

Living in Oklahoma wind speed often times determines my weight size. I like a heavier weight to C Rig with so usually the lightest I go is 3/8 and all the way up to 1 oz.

[Catt]

5 hours ago, Todd2 said:

 

  Why'd you switch to bobber stops?

 

Easier to install & adjust, no pliers required.

 

And like @Fishingmickey said, "cleaner subtle presentation"

 

[papajoe222]

I still use the traditional C-rig, but I can see the advantage of ditching the swivel. As long as the line can run free on the pick-up, I'm all for it.  The big advantage to a C-ring over say a T-rig or drop shot IMO, is presenting a bait independent of the weight.

To the OP's question, no a heavier weight does not increase the feel of the bite, it detracts from it.  The weight has to move, on the majority of presentations, for you to feel the bite. The fish will feel that sinker move before you feel him, so as light a weight that still allows you to feel the bottom is the way to more hook-ups.

[scaleface]

6 hours ago, Catt said:

 

I tried Carolina Keepers but have moved on to using a couple Bobber Stops. All main line, no leader, better for feeling subtle bites.

How heavy a  weight will it keep   in place ?

[Catt]

6 hours ago, scaleface said:

How heavy a  weight will it keep   in place ?

 

It's no different than punching with 1-1.5 oz weights, it might take one or two. So far I've found 6th Sense Peg-X holds best.

 

I seldom go over 3/4 oz with 3/8-1/2 oz more common.

[NittyGrittyBoy]

6th Sense Peg-X are my choice in bobber stops as well. 

[Todd2]

Just a little tidbit that probably didn't deserve it's own thread. I bank fished a clear pond yesterday with a 3/16th brass weight with about a 2 foot leader set. I was bringing it back in for the next cast and it came through some submerged grass about 10 feet from the bank. I saw a Bass (2-3 lbs) shoot out and take off with my line. I reeled down and swept the rod back and missed. But it wasn't until it was over when I played in back in my head that I realized the lizard was behind the Bass as it took off for the depths. He nailed the shiny brass weight. Makes me second guess using brass. I usually lake fish stained water so this might explain some of those misses.

 

[Catt]

@Todd2 Weight hits do happen occasionally with any kind weight. Back when I threw lead weights they would become shiny from teethmarks.

[Munkin]

I use 1/2 or 3/4oz egg sinkers whether fishing 3 FOW or 30.

 

Allen