Carolina Rigs...plastic Beads or Glass? 1 or 2 beads? 2024
primetime reply :
I tend to use a C-rig on almost every trip since I do not have a ton of confidence in my cranking skills in deep water, and I actually find the C-rig to be extremely effective on all types of bottoms especially with the floating baits on the market and super sensitive line and leader available.
I have always used cheap plastic beads in stained water for sound, and when using a creature or crawfish bait, but I have a gift certificate for Bass Pro and I figure I should use it on necessary terminal tackle and other items that are essential. I notice they carry a ton of items for C-rigs that I never use. I have brass weights but never really use them as I like the feel of Tungsten.
Do people use Brass because it does not frey the line or break the glass beads? Also, do the glass beads make a difference? Curious to find out what other people use. I have heard that Tungsten and glass is an issue if not done right?
I was also curious if most use Mono or Fluoro? I used to go with mono in larger diameter to keeps bait above weeds and to get that flutter above the bottom, but I have started to really like Fluorocarbon since it handles abrasions better and I just have more confidence that it is better when fish are finicky.
I know this rig is not the most popular these days and considered boring, and most people I know will use a Mojo style rig in grass or split shot rig but to me they are all similar but I actually enjoy fishing a True Carolina Rig since you can use it anywhere and fish are not seeing it as often imo.
Any help is appreciated. I don't want to buy components that are a waste of money or will cause a break off when leas expecting it. Thanks.
roadwarrior reply :
I really don't think you need anything special, I buy beads at Hobby Lobby. My standard rig is #12 Yo-Zuri Hybrid mainline, one bead and a swivel. For leader I like 8lb fluorocarbon. Two baits that have been killer for me are the Rage Lizard and Eeliminator.
buzzed bait reply :
glass beads are much louder than plastic. brass on glass is a loud combination. i like it for the darker/stained waters i usually fish. I prefer the carolina keeper to rather than additional knots and hardware.
Jrob78 reply :
I use some combo of glass beads, brass "clacker/knot protector" and occasionally tungsten beads. I always use a glass bead, never plastic.
Raul reply :
Glass beads always, brass, tungsten or stainless steel sinker, lead is no good.
Mike L reply :
Glass beads.
Mike
ww2farmer reply :
My typical C-rig set up from the leader up is...........swivel, sinker stop to protect the knot, red glass bead, topped off by a 1/2 - 1 oz tungsten sinker.
WRB reply :
I don't use the traditional Carolina rig. I use what is now called a finesse C-rig that eliminates the swivel and uses the main line only.
The slip shot rig or finesse C-rig consist of; black brass Pro-Jo cylinder weight, tempered faceted glass bead, Karolina Keeper and #5133 Owner down shot hook or off set style hook depending on the thickness of the soft plastic being used.
Spinning finesse with 6 to 8 lb FC the weight ranges between 1/8, 3/16 or 1/4 oz depending on wind or depth, using the lightest weight and still keeping in contact with the bottom. The hook is 5133 size 1 or 1/0 for 4" to 6" finesse worms.
Baitcasting the weight increases to 3/8, 1/2 or 3/4 oz, line 8, 10 or 12 lb FC, hook is is 5133 size 1/0 or 2/0 for 6" to 7 1/2" worms, off set size 3/0 for 8" worms or a variety of creatures and Hula grubs.
It's very easy to adjust the distance between the hook and weight with the Karolina Keeper by pinching it open and sliding it anywhere between 18" to 48".
The brass cylinder weight allows the line to slide without resistance that lead has and the hole never get deformed and see no reason to use a smaller more expensive tongsten weight.
Tom
scaleface reply :
On 1/22/2016 at 4:59 AM, WRB said:I don't use the traditional Carolina rig p, I use what is now called a finesse C-rig that eliminates the swivel and uses the main line only.
The slip shot rig or finesse C-rig consist of; black brass Pro-Jo cylinder weight, tempered faceted glass bead, Karolina Keeper and #5133 Owner down shot hook or off set style hook depending on the thickness of the soft plastic being used.
Spinning finesse with 6 to 8 lb FC the weight ranges between 1/8, 3/16 or 1/4 oz depending on wind or depth, using the lightest weight and still keeping in contact with the bottom. The hook is 5133 size 1 or 1/0 for 4" to 6" finesse worms.
Baitcasting the weight increases to 3/8, 1/2 or 3/4, line 8, 10 orc12 lb FC, hook is is 5133 size 1/0 or 2/0 for 6" to 7 1/2" worms, off set size 3/0 for 8" worms or a variety of creatures and Hula grubs.
It's very easy to adjust the distance between the hook and weight with the Karolina Keeper by pinching it open and sliding it anywhere between 18" to 48".
The brass cylinder weight allows the line to slide without resistance that lead has and the hole never get deformed.
Tom
Will the carolina Keeper hold a 3/4 ounce weight in place ?
scaleface reply :
I use 15 lb Big Game for both main line and leader . Swivel , plastic bead and 3/4 ounce lead egg sinker . I have some speedo beads that eliminate a leader but they weaken the line considerably . If the carolina Keeper will hold the weight in place I will start using them .
WRB reply :
You may need 2 Keepers using smaller dia line or weight 3/4 to 1 oz.
I usually use the clear Keepers, but color isn't a big factor and use whatever I have with me.
Tom
Mike L reply :
I used the keeper one time and the weight kept pushing it down the line too much. Of course I only use a 1oz so maybe that was the problem.
Mike
roadwarrior reply :
On 1/22/2016 at 4:28 AM, ww2farmer said:My typical C-rig set up from the leader up is...........swivel, sinker stop to protect the knot, red glass bead, topped off by a 1/2 - 1 oz tungsten sinker.
I can appreciate a more technical approach, but I only fish a C-rig from the back of the boat when the boater is fishing fast.
Generally I long-line and "sensitivity" is not an issue.
WRB reply :
On 1/22/2016 at 6:21 AM, Mike L said:I used the keeper one time and the weight kept pushing it down the line too much. Of course I only use a 1oz so maybe that was the problem.
Mike
You can also add a small round split shot to back up the Keeper. Never slide the Keeper without squeezing it open or the line will cut a groove in it, then it doesn't work well.
papajoe222 reply :
Like yourself, I prefer mono for a leader along with a light wire hook. Almost without exception, I'll use a glass bead, sometimes I even use one when T-rigging. As for weights, you can't beat a tungsten weight for sensitivity, but when sound makes a difference, I find that double glass beads and a brass weight work best.
webertime reply :
Carolina rigs are like our taste in women, we all like something different. I rig in rocky, deep, zebra mussel infested areas and use:
16-20 Fluorocarbon line
Spro swivel
GLASS BEAD
Lead or Brass cigar/MOJO shaped sinkers (1/2-1oz)
15lb mono leader (3-6')
I prefer to use an offset worm hook, not ewg, when I can get away with it.
I've cut lines when a tungsten sinker cracked a glass bead. Braid is almost too sensitive and you set the hook on everything.
Lil Joe The Grinder reply :
For me personally I like my women more productive and faster than that but I'm trying to master the C Rig lol
clh121787 reply :
On 1/22/2016 at 8:43 AM, webertime said:Braid is almost too sensitive and you set the hook on everything.
Not me. Been experimenting with braid mainline. Paired with 873 nrx. And it's a beautiful combination. I can no longer outcast my hook set
Jaheff reply :
On 1/22/2016 at 9:16 AM, clh121787 said:Not me. Been experimenting with braid mainline. Paired with 873 nrx. And it's a beautiful combination. I can no longer outcast my hook set
I experimented too. All the brush and rocks in one of the lakes i fish, tore up my braid. Copoly for my mainline now.
Catt reply :
I very seldom use heavier than 3/8-1/2 oz brass weight & one glass bead which is held easily held in place by a Presco Carolina Keeper.
Mosster47 reply :
My setup is a Steel 1/2, 3/4, or 1 ounce egg weight if I'm on a hard bottom and a steel bullet weight of the same size if I'm in weeds/structure with a glass bead. 30lb Power Pro with a 12lb CXX leader.
I use steel weights because they are huge and it's more surface area dragging on the bottom causing a disturbance and the glass bead is just louder than plastic.
Bait wise I only use four things. Rage lizard, Rage anaconda, Grande 4" mutant, and a 6" Brush Hog. These baits are the kings of the water displacing chain. I prefer a straight shank heavy wire hook also, but that isn't important.
If you want to be subtle on bottom you've got t-rigging with light bullets, Shakey heads, and drop shotting. C-rigging for me is getting down there and being obnoxious.
bunkerbstr reply :
For heavy rigging - anything over 1/2 up to 1 ounce, I go with Water Gremlin egg for hard bottom/open water. Spro Power swivel, plastic bead and typically a fluorocarbon leader. I've tried mono and it works well too, just don't think a 3' leader is enough to make the bait float as much as people think, especially if you're using a heavier hook and bait.
Grass fishing I'll go with either a bullet or mojo style weight in lighter weights such as 1/4 or 3/8 at most. For the shallower grass fishing, I've moved over to using a M/H spinning rod with braid main to a fluoro leader and after a few years of fishing it, I'm digging it. The Carolina Keepers are definitely a handy tool to have in the box. Like others mentioned, I've had issues with them sliding down the line, especially if you're fishing grass where you have to give it a snap every so often to rip it free. Doubling up with the Carolina Keeper is a good idea. And I also like the idea of adding a split shot behind it to hold in place (thanks for that tip WRB).
I won't get into the long list of baits I use on the C-rig. Craws, worms, creatures, swimbaits - I use all of them.
This another great post, enjoy reading all of your opinions. Thanks.
primetime reply :
Thanks for all the replies. I like the idea a few mentioned about using a bobber stop or something to protect the knot since the C-rig requires 3 knots. I think I will try some glass beads and see how they work but won't go crazy, maybe just get one pack.
I use Braid Main Line in most lakes since Abrasions are not usually a huge issue most of the time except for the leader in some cases. I just find a Carolina Rig comes through grass much better than I used to think, and even if you are having a hard time feeling bottom with lighter weights, you can typically get away with a no feel type rig by watching the line which is why I like Floating Braid as a Mainline.
I actually purchased extra spools for my favorite casting reel, and I will just pull it out and put in a spool of Mono or Fluoro so I don't have to carry too many reels, I have 3 spools for my favorite Casting Reel on my favorite Medium heavy which is great for Kayak fishing so I only need 1 rod, and can then fit 2 spinning set ups which I feel I need. I can get away with one casting rod 7' long most of the time.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Brass & glass baby..
Bluebasser86 reply :
My preferred C rig is the one I don't have to use.
If I've given up all hope, and resorted to the ball and chain, I'll be dragging a brass, glass, clicker combo.
Jigfishn10 reply :
I was making some inline spinners one day and got the idea of a C-Rig - Rig, so I twisted up some wire:
I liked it so now I want to make some brass with glass beads in different weights.
Mosster47 reply :
On 1/25/2016 at 3:54 AM, Jigfishn10 said:I was making some inline spinners one day and got the idea of a C-Rig - Rig, so I twisted up some wire:
I liked it so now I want to make some brass with glass beads in different weights.
I make my own rigs too. I use two swivels, a glass bead on back, plastic bead up front (to protect the knot), weight, and 17lb Iron Silk to connect it all. It's about 3" total.
I get hung up a lot less.
Jigfishn10 reply :
On 1/25/2016 at 4:09 AM, Mosster47 said:I make my own rigs too. I use two swivels, a glass bead on back, plastic bead up front (to protect the knot), weight, and 17lb Iron Silk to connect it all. It's about 3" total.
I get hung up a lot less.
That sounds sweet, you gotta post or pm a pic.
Good deal bud!
Mosster47 reply :
On 1/25/2016 at 9:34 AM, Jigfishn10 said:That sounds sweet, you gotta post or pm a pic.
Good deal bud!
Ask and ye shall receive!
Jigfishn10 reply :
On 1/25/2016 at 9:57 AM, Mosster47 said:Ask and ye shall receive!
Sahweeeeet! Great rig bud, way to think outside the box. How's the knot strength? I've never used the iron silk material?
Sorry, not to sound dumb?
Mosster47 reply :
I use a 12lb CXX leader and the leader breaks most the time, so the knots are strong enough to hold that.
You could use any kind of line you want. Big Game and CXX would be abrasion resistant enough.
This just starts your line trajectory up a few inches before and it's flexible so it can maneuver a little better too. It's not snag proof, but it does make a very noticeable difference when you are fishing a deep rocky bottom and need serious weight.
bigturtle reply :
I use a 3/16 oz tungsten bullet weight, a bobber stop, and a 3/0 hook with random plastics. I keep the distance between the weight and my hook around 1ft for better casting distance, no swivel, 10lb fluoro.
scaleface reply :
On 1/25/2016 at 9:57 AM, Mosster47 said:Ask and ye shall receive!
Now you have two more knots .I want to get down to one knot , the hook .
Bankbeater reply :
If I use a C-rig, it's with a glass bead.
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