"A Carolina Rig takes too long to tie and it only catches small fish!". John Crews has heard this one too many time, so he's here to tell you that tying up the old ball and chain is well worth the time, and it certainly catches small fish, but it also catches some of the biggest bass. If you're faced with fishing open water expanses, a Carolina rig is a great way to cover water, find hard bottom & cover and catch bass! In this bass fishing educational seminar video, John Crews breaks down the tackle he uses to fish a Carolina rig, making adjustments for different conditions and getting bass hooked. 

  • 0:18 Why throw a Carolina Rig (aka ball & chain)? Catching big bass and lots of bass
  • 8:02 What is a Carolina rig? Tackle, components and rigging
  • 13:50 Soft plastic baits for using on a Carolina rig
  • 17:46 Concepts for leader length, weight, hooks and working the bait based on weather and water conditions
  • 23:55 Setting the hook on a Carolina rig
  • 26:37 The hassle and time of tying 3 knots
  • 31:50 What is a Carolina Rig clacker?
  • 32:48 Thoughts on the Carolina keeper, which eliminates the need for a swivel and multiple knots
  • 34:33 Types of bottom where you don't want to throw a Carolina rig
  • 35:19 When to throw larger baits on a Carolina rig
  • 36:38 Electronics for finding hard bottoms to fish this rig
  • 38:19 Fishing a C-rig as a co-angler
  • 39:35 Deciding between Carolina and Texas rig
  • 41:10 Fluorocarbon or braid as the main line?
  • 43:00 Trick for not breaking off using a Carolina rigs around zebra mussels or sharp rocks
  • 44:55 Fluorocarbon leader or monofilament
  • 48:14 Knots for Carolina rigs

Related Bass Fishing Topics

carolina rig john crews soft plastics

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