Learn to Tie a Carolina Rig

The Carolina Slip Rig can be one of the most effective setups around when fishing weedbeds, stumps and other cover

The Slip rig or Carolina rig is a single hook bait rig that consists of a leader line tied off at both ends. The "slip" in the name refers to the worm weight that is treaded onto the leader before tying both ends off. When fished the weight is allowed to slide freely between the tie offs. This allows for more action when pitching soft plastics of varied bottoms and areas of other sporadic cover. When hooked Texas-style, the rig is weedless and virtually snag-proof.

The Carolina Rig is tied with a special "sliding" worm weight that is hollowed out in the middle allowing it to be threaded onto the line. The freedom of the weight gliding back and forth between the achor points allows the angler to emphasize vertical climb and dive action while jigging during the retrieve. How much action depends on the weight used, length of slide leader you tie off, and distance from the hook.

When choosing a hook, consider a Gamakatsu® Monster EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook which will help facilitate weedless rigging while keeping the swim alignment of the bait true.

What You'll Need

• Two (2) Barrel Swivels (flat black finish preferred)
• Two Colored Beads (experiment with color)
• 24-36" of 10-14lb Test Monofilament (experiment with length)
• 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 Walleye. 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.