“Carolina-rig” by Tom.M.Johnson via Wikipedia

The Carolina Rig is probably the most popular method of rigging an artificial worm for bass fishing there is. Fished properly, the Carolina rig will certainly put more Bass in the boat. Follow along as we discuss how to tie on the rig, and how to fish with it.

Setting up the Carolina Rig

To tie on a Carolina Rig, first thread a bullet weight and a glass or plastic bead on your line. The weight goes on first, with the cone end pointing toward the rod tip. After putting on the weight and bead, tie on a barrel swivel.

Then tie on a 18 – 36 inch leader of line, and tie on an offset worm hook. Push the point of the hook through the tip of the worm, thread through, and poke the hook through the body, leaving the hook exposed. If you would like to make your rig weedless, rotate the hook and punch up and almost through the body of the worm just like you would if you were tying a Texas Rig.

If you would prefer a video tutorial, watch below.

Best Tackle for the Rig

To fish with a Carolina Rig, most experienced anglers prefer a 6 1/2 ft, medium heavy to heavy action rod, with fast action tip, and long handle. You want a rod with good backbone so when you set the hook, you don’t break your rod.

A good bait-casting or spin-casting reel is also a necessity. A gear ration of at least 6:1 is preferred. Most bass fisherman fish with 12 – 20 lb test mono or a 20 – 30 lb super-line.

How to Fish the Carolina Rig

To cast the Carolina Rig, it is best to use a sidearm cast. You can try to overhand cast, but in all likelihood, you will backlash or tangle.

Allow the sinker to fall to the bottom. Once the weight has hit the bottom, retrieve very slowly. Once in a while, give the tip of your rod a quick, but not radical jerk. The weight will cause the water to muddy around it, and the worm will pull down at first and then slowly rise back up. Often you will get a bite, just after the jerk.

Once you get the bite, drop your rod tip a bit, hesitate momentarily, and then set the hook with a firm upwards and back snap of the wrist.

Here is a short tutorial video on how to fish the Carolina Rig.

The Carolina Rig probably catches more Bass than any other rigging method available. If you learn how to catch Bass using a Carolina rigged worm, you will be adding a valuable tool to your arsenal. Give it a try on your next Bass fishing trip.