Carolina Rigging Hardbaits

[MOBassman]

We are all familiar with Carolina Rigging with soft plastics, but many people overlook the benefits of using this technique with hardbaits.

Jerkbaits, such as Rapalas, Lucky Craft and the like, are one of my favorite type of baits to Carolina Rig. They are very productive lures, but are limited to shallow water. By using a Carolina Rig, you can use these same lures in any water depth.

This method is an excellent choice for working points, bluffs, and around deep water structure.

The basic equipment needed for this technique is a baitcasting reel, a 7'+ MH-H fast action rod, 15#-20# mono or flourocarbon, 8#-12# mono leader, slip sinkers ranging from 1/2 oz to 1 oz, and heavy duty swivels.

The rod should be a minimum of 7' and have a fast action because you need to move alot of line to set the hook. The heavier lines also have less stretch to aid in the hookset. Flouro hardly stretches at all, so you can use lighter weight flouro than mono. Do NOT use braid! Braid floats, creating a large arch in the line and that makes it that much harder to set the hook. The size weight used is determined by how much weight is needed to get the lure down quickly.

The setup is very easy. Thread your weight on the mainline and tie on the swivel. Tie a 3-6 foot section of your leader material to the swivel and then tie on your lure. It's now ready to fish!

CR hardbait.bmp

Twitching, dragging and slow reeling are all good retrieves. Just experiment until you find what the fish want. To set the hook, sweep the rod up hard and fast.

One of the reasons I think this method is so productive is that fish aren't used to seeing these type of baits in deeper water. Giving the fish something they aren't used to is very important in highly pressured waters. It ups your chances of hooking up.

Next time your out on the water, give this technique a try. Good luck and tight lines!

[orchardhills]

Originally Posted by MOBassman

Giving the fish something they aren't used to is very important in highly pressured waters. It ups your chances of hooking up.

You speak the truth wise man.

Thanks for the article.

[MOBassman]

I forgot to mention to use mainly floating lures. If you don't, you'll lose alot of lures.
The article was aimed at FW bass fishing, but it can be used in SW, too.

[mickeysindahous]

Right you are my man! Here's what I've seen, but was always a bit skeptical:

[mickeysindahous]

Uhm...is it just me...or can we no longer edit our posts?

[dodoman]

great for trolling also.

[Homeslice]

personally I've alway relied upon the trusty dropshot hardbait. Always a fine success......just not to me.

[BeachBear]

Congrats on writing, risky stuff. Great info. and thanks for it. I'm going to have to give it a try.

[MOBassman]

Originally Posted by BeachBear

Congrats on writing, risky stuff. Great info. and thanks for it. I'm going to have to give it a try.

I think it would work good for you in the surf Rich. Maybe use a #3 or #5 floating Rapala.

[nunae5]

hey guys its me again how do u create ur own thread?

[Wahoo!]

Originally Posted by mickeysindahous

Uhm...is it just me...or can we no longer edit our posts?

You can't edit your posts in this forum. Not sure why it ended up different than the rest.

[Max Estep]

You got it MoBass !

[etgser]

im going to have to try this next time