The Carolina Slip Rig can be one of
the most effective setups around when fishing
weedbeds, stumps and other cover.
When used with a softbait (such as Berkley® Gulp Minnow Grub), the suggested hooking is "Texas
style".
Using a Gamakatsu® Monster EWG (Extra
Wide Gap) Hook will help facilitate this
while keeping the swim alignment of the
bait true. With a slim profile worm weight,
this rig will slide through even the heaviest
of cover with minimal grass grabbing.
The Carolina Rig is tied with a "free floating" weight allowing it to slide on the rig between a two anchor points. The freedom of the weight glide back and forth allows the angler to emphasize vertical climb and dive action while jigging during the retrieve.
What You'll Need
- Two (2) Barrel Swivels (flat black finish)
- Two Colored Beads (choice of color)
- 24-36" of 10lb Test Monofilament
- One worm weight (suggested: Tungsten 3/8 oz.)
- One (1) 1/0 Gamakatsu® Monster
EWG Hook
Step 1
Using the first barrel swivel tie a standard fisherman's knot using approximately 12-14" length of your chosen line.
Step 2
Thread one colored bead onto the open end of the line. Next slide the worm weight on. Always be sure to use a high quality worm weight with a liner to protect your line from fray and damage. Next slide on the second color bead.
Step 3
Using the open end of the line, tie a second fisherman's knot onto the second barrel swivel. Once tied this will be your "weight slide" and at this point the weight should slide freely back and forth between the two swivels. You'll note the beads on each end of the line effectively protect the fisherman's knots from damage, shielding them from the blows of the moving weight.
Step 4
Using approximately 18-24" of your chosen line, tie a fisherman's knot onto one of the open ends of the weight rig you completed in Step 3. If using a tapered weight (such as shown to the left), be sure to chose the open barrel swivel that allows the "narrow" end of the weight to face forward reducing snagging.
Step 5
Take a #1 Worm hook and tie it to the open end of the remaining line with a standard fisherman's knot. Trim all excess line from all knots.
Fishing a Carolina Rig is fairly simple
You can gently jig it across the bottom trying to stir up smallies or dive it in deep weedbeds for largemouth lunkers. You'll also find in certain conditions the lure to be effective taking Walleyes. The beauty of the lure is that is can get deep and resists snags. Ideal for dropoffs and heavy cover.
Baiting a Carolina rig is usually most effective when using live minnows or a scented softbait.
We've found the 3" Gulp!® Minnow Grub and 4" Alive!® Minnow soft baits by Berkley to be extremely effective. Finesse and floating worms are also a natural fit. |
