Originally developed by bass anglers in the USA, the Carolina Rig has proven just as deadly for perch on this side of the Atlantic. Designed to fish a soft plastic bait close to the bottom over deep water, the Carolina rig has a great advantage that it is almost weedless. This is because of the special wide gape offset hook that is used. With the hook sitting flush with the top of the bait, this rig can be fished around light vegetation with little chance of snagging. If fishing heavier cover we recommend checking out the Texas Rig.
The Carolina rig is fished with a slow lift-and-drop retrieve that enables the soft plastic bait to wiggle enticingly as it moves forward and then flutters weightlessly down as the retrieve is paused. The Carolina rig is ideal for fishing off drop offs, plateaus or generally fishing that bit deeper. This action is very effective for perch. While drop shotting is rightfully very popular, other tactics such as the Carolina rig are ideal when wanting to present a weedless lure on the bottom or over steep structure.
YOU WILL NEED…
1. Cut off a 24-inch length of 8lb fluorocarbon line to make the hooklength. Hold on to both ends and pull to straighten the line
2. Tie on the offset hook using a five-turn grinner knot. With fluorocarbon, only one pass through the eye of the hook is required
3. Tie a mini swivel to the other end of the hook length using a five-turn grinner knot. Wet with saliva before pulling tight
4. Slide a 10g-15g bullet weight on to the mainline braid and follow with an glass bead. Tie braid to the swivel with a five-turn grinner
5. Thread the hook through the head of your creature bait and then back through the body so that the hookpoint lays flat against the back. Click here for step by step instructions on how to rig a lure on an offset hook.
6. A striking fish pushes the hook through the bait exposing the hookpoint, yet the lure will glide effortlessly through snags and weed
If you require any more tips or information on Carolina Rig fishing, please contact the Angling Active team. We are more than happy to help.
