c-rig from shore?

[FatBoy]

I'm a bank beater (for now) and I've been trying to reach a little farther from shore in my home pond.  I don't think the bigger fish are coming into the close cover this time of year, at least not during the times of day I'm able to fish.  Another problem is that I have no idea what kind of structure is out there or where it is.  

I've been thinking of trying a c-rig.  Does that make any sense?  Or would I be better off throwing a 3/8 or 1/2 oz jig out there?  Or maybe a split shot rig?  

I read through the c-rig sticky thread but didn't see anything about using one from the bank.

Any opinions?

[K_Mac]

A c-rig is a great bait for exploring the bottom. Put a 3/4 or 1 oz. weight on and give it a fling. Be careful you don't catch anything with the rig on the bank as you cast. You will end up with a professional overrun that will likely require surgery. Good luck.

[tuxdaddy]

Hey fellow bank beater !!

I've been working a c-rig from shore for a few weeks now and have had my best luck with lighter weights(1/8 to 1/4), depending on the bottom and what the fish want... On my most productive set up, I was using a 3/16th oz weight with a 4" purple creme worm... Within 2 hours I caught 12 bass, now mind you they weren't all keepers, but I doubt any were under 10 inches.. To me that's a great day, especially when you haven't caught any in a while...

FYI: There's also an article or 2 on c-rigging on the site, so you might wanna look them up as well.. I think they were under fishing techniques...

Hope I was some help to you..

Best of luck,

Tux

[Shad_Master]

One thing to keep in mind while c-riggin from the bank -- you likely won't reach real deep water so you won't need as long a leader as you might if you were fishing from a boat.  This will make it a little easier to control and hold down on those "surgical overruns".

[BassKing813]

A C-rig is an excellent choice.

[airborne_angler]

What I have seen people do on the bank is, Find a bend in the shoreline,kinda like a corner . Then cast your c-rig out and with the spool in freespin mode walk along the bank and let out line till you can get around the to the other side. Then work the c-rig as you normally would. Kinda hard to understand I know but if you understand and dont mind walking a little bit ,it might help you cover some deeper water.

[tuxdaddy]

I've been working with an 18" leader, on my c-rig... I guess the area where you're fishing(weeds, rocks, etc) will determine your leader length...

Btw, are you using a baitcaster or spinning tackle for c-rigging??

[FatBoy]

I'm using a spinning reel on a 6'6" medium power rod.  (I haven't had the guts to go for the baitcaster yet).  Also, my reel is spooled with 10# mono right now.  I was out for a short time this morning (before I got severely rained on) with no luck.  A couple times I thought I felt a snag and gave a good yank but when I got it back to me the worm (tiki stick) was pushed way down the hook which makes me think a fish MAY have hit it.  I think the mono may have too much stretch for these long casts.  I'm considering re-spooling with a braid.  

Great suggestions everybody!  I'll keep trying.

[coachjoe]

One place I fish I can only do so from the bank.  I use a c-rig there 1/2 ounce weight - 18inch leader and have done very well.  Last outing 3 1/2 and a 4 and lost an even bigger fish.  It is a great way to cover a lot of ground from the bank and allows you to find cover easily without electronics.  Good Luck!

[chestnut]

What's the advantage of a C-rig over a T-rig in this situation?  Also, doesn't the C-rig reduce the ability to feel the fish on the worm (something we beginners already have trouble with)?

[FatBoy]

chestnut, my thought was (and the reason I asked the question) that I can cast a lot further from shore.  I can throw a c-rig with a 1/2 oz weight a country mile.  The c-rig should also give a more weightless presentation once the worm gets out there.  Try putting a 1/2 oz weight on a t-rig...the worm will just be stuck nearly motionless in the mud or cover.

You're absolutely right about feeling the hits.  It has to be harder.  But I feel like I'm pretty good with the t-rig so I think I'm ready for the bigger challenge  .  Only time will tell if that's true...

[sparky]

Try a 5"Senko texas style with 1/16 - 1/8 oz weight. This combo will cast farther than my 1/4 oz carolina rig and the worm action is awsome

[chestnut]

Fatboy, I thought distance might be the reason.  Good point about the presentation.  Fortunately I can get to the center of the ponds I fish with a T-rig and a 3/16 oz bullet weight.  

[tuxdaddy]

I've got a 6'6" med rod as well but I'm using fireline instead of mono to feel the pick ups... My leader is vanish transition, and so far the combo's been working great for me... I've got a few baitcasters, that I've used but haven't tried them with the c-rig as of yet.. I'f I do it'll more then likely be with heavier weights then what I use for my spinning tackle...

Best of luck to you!!

[chestnut]

Hey FatBoy, have you tried your C-rig yet?  I decided to try one today in a pond that's about 200 feet across.  I used a 1/2 ounce pre-assembled rig and an 18 inch leader.  I was really doubtful about feeling a fish -- especially out at 100 feet, but after several casts I felt a bite.  I tried to set the hook, failed, got another bite, tried to set the hook and failed, got another bite and when I tried to set the hook, it felt a little "different".  So, I reeled in and found an 8 inch catfish on my hook!!  So, I'm satisfied about being to feel a strike through the weight!!!

[FatBoy]

Still no luck with the c-rig.  But I haven't had much chance to experiment lately as I've been traveling.  I'll  be getting a new rod and reel very soon (long story as to what happened to my current one) and I'll be loading one spool with braid.  I'll let you know if I have any luck.