Ideal C- Rig Leader Length ?

[ChrisD46]

Let's talk a Carolina Rig (C-Rig) leader length for a moment : What determines the leader length you use with a C-Rig ? Do you use a shorter / longer leader length in summer vs. winter (i.e. cold vs. warm water) or does it depend on where you believe bass are holding (i.e. relating to the bottom or suspending off of the bottom) ? ... Let's here in detail how YOU determine the ideal leader length at any given time of the year for fishing a C-Rig for bass ... Thanks in advance - your replies will be helpful !

[Todd2]

I keep it simple...about 2 feet all the time. A c-rig won't float up on most (if any) lures. It just glides along the bottom when dragging. A drop shot is more effective for suspended fish IMO..

[TnRiver46]

From the middle of my chest out to my finger tip 

[scaleface]

1 to 2 foot for me . I never saw an advantage to anything longer . The only reason I ever throw one is to cover deep water quickly with a soft plastic . I use a 3/4 to 1 ounce weight .

[JediAmoeba]

1 hour ago, TnRiver46 said:

From the middle of my chest out to my finger tip

I am usually at that range.  At least 2 feet for me.  

[evo2s197]

4 feet has been the most consistent for me overall.

[RoLo]

 

When I use a C-rig, which isn't that often, I'll stick with a 30" leader, in the ocean as well.

 

Roger

[webertime]

3-4'...   Based on the answers 2-4'

[papajoe222]

Unlike most, I prefer a short leader 18-20in. All season long. I gut hooked too many fish and missed too many hook sets using long leaders when I first started using this presentation.  Rather than adjust leader length based on the time of year, I adjust my presentation speed.  
BTW, I use the same length of line between the weight and hook on my split shot rig. 

[the reel ess]

I like to do a finesse C-rig in summer if I can't buy a bite. I'll do between 12-18" for that and I use a bobber stop with about an 1/8 oz. weight.

But normally, it would be around 2'. I like the Carolina Keeper for that application so you can adjust the length without retying. It may take two keepers for heavy weight.

[ChrisD46]

Thanks for replies - that is about what I was thinking would be the norm .

[ChrisD46]

*I also find it interesting that with a shorter (say 2' leader length) the action is more erratic  on a C-Rig but as you get to 3' or more leader length the action is less erratic on the retrieve ?

[Teal]

18 inches to 2 feet.  I've never really seen a big difference in the long 4 foot leaders.  Also when it's short, I can still pitch it to shallow cover if needed... its bulky but it works good as a pitching technique in a pinch.  It has bailed me out before when I broke off a t rig rod and had the same lure on a c rig rod.  Pitch it in there and get the same bites. That 18 inch leader really shines in light grass.

[CountryboyinDC]

If you get out past 3' or so beyond the swivel, it's like throwing an Alabama rig.  I know some folks I fish with that fish inshore, and use a 7' leader.  I would have my kayak looking like it was wrapped up in a cocoon.

I like Carolina rigs; I've had good luck with them for a long time.  I don't fish them in current, etc. where they'll get hung up, but I'll fish them most anywhere you might think of throwing a medium or deep diving crankbait.  For me, the only rule I have with leader length is if the bass start hitting the beads/weight, shorten the leader 6" or so and see if they notice the bait then.  I don't use Carolina rigs in the winter, or at least not that I can remember, so I don't know if you shorten or lengthen your leader for best results.  I usually start at about 3', and it might be 18" with all the reties.  So I guess that I have no idea what the ideal length is.

As others have said, if bass are suspended, th Carolina rig is probably not going to be your best bait.  Honestly, I can't get them on a dropshot that great either.

[Luke Barnes]

So I tied my first c rig last night but haven't fished it yet. Did about a 2' leader. I have a #2 EWG and plan to use Zman Elaztech plastics and see if they will float. Either way, do you drag it or pop and bounce one? Never fished one before.