CAROLINA & TEXAS RIGS

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]If you use any good search engine, you can find a bajillion sites with bass rigs, knots, etc. Type in either "Texas rig" or Carolina Rig and you can find plenty of diagrams.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But, to save all that, here's a simplified explanation. I am willing to bet that you are already using one or both, and/or some modification thereof.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The Texas rig was probably one of the original weedless hookup rigs for bassin' with worms. It consists of a sliding weight above the hook, and the hook being run through the nose of the worm and then back into the worm to hide the point of the hook. If properly rigged, it snakes through most snags and structure without hanging up, but will stick fish on a hefty hookset, when you jerk the hook point through the worm and into fish flesh.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The Carolina rig is actually just a variation of the Texas rig. Instead of the sliding sinker bumping up against the eye of the hook, it is rigged with a swivel and then a leader of anywhere from a few inches to as much as six feet after the swivel. Ahead of the swivel, you slip on the weight, leaving the worm or grub to "swim" or crawl more naturally up and over bottom structure.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Some guys use plain old slip sinkers for the weights on either Texas or Carolina rigs. Most use colored weights on the Texas Rigs, to match the color of the plastics they are using. On a Carolina rig, many pros use brass weights and glass beads, to produce a seductive clicking sound as they work the rig across the bottom. The clicking sound is supposed to represent the noises made by crawdads.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You didn't mention the split shot rig or the drop shot. They are both highly effective in many Utah waters too. The split shot rig is simply pinching a sinker a foot or two above a Texas hooked plastic. Just like the Carolina rig, only without the swivel and sliding sinker. In reasonably snagless waters, a lot of split-shotters hook the plastic through the nose with a light wire hook, with the point exposed. If it gets snaggy, you can change to a regular worm hook nnd rig weedless.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Drop-shotting is a whole nother thang. As many experienced bassers know, it is rigging a sinker on the bottom of the line and then a dropper loop above the sinker. You put a hook on the dropper and rig the plastic either through the nose or in the middle (wacky style). You fish it vertically or with only short casts. It works well when you leave the sinker resting in one place and then shivver and shake the plastic bait up off the bottom.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Anybody wanna talk about pitchin', flippin' rippin' or dippin'? Them bassin' types have a whole diffrunt langridge. Almost as bad as the "fairy wand" contingent.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I'm probably in trouble with everybody by now. Think I'll just go fishin'.[/#0000ff]
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[Cowmilker]

Thanks Dude, I guess I already use the Carolina rig I just didn't know that was what it was called. I don't think I have ever used the Texas rig but I will have to try it next time I am at Jordanelle. Yes I have heard of dropshoting but have never been in a position I felt would benefit it the most, I have a tube but don't use it a lot and never had my boat in any water but Utah lake and Willard Bay, and mostly never fished from my boat, just drug a play tube. Can a dripshot be used from shore with very good success? It would seem you would have to be fishing a pretty steap bank.
Thanks,
Steve
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Hey Steve, most bassin' rigs were originally developed to be used while fishing from a boat. The good news is that most of them are just as good from a tube or from the shore. You just need to analyze the situation and decide which rig will help you serve up your bait the best under the conditions.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As a general rule, I use the Carolina rig in deeper water, where I need more weight to get down and maintain "touch", but without adding it to the worm or grub. In shallower water, I use the Texas rig more, and use the lightest weight I can get away with. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In close to shore, in shallow water, or when fishing the tops of weeds or stickups, try tossing a worm rigged weedless and without any weight at all. You need to watch your line as the bait is sinking. If it twitches or moves sideways, crank up the slack and set the hook.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And, yes, the dropshot rig can be used very effectively from the shore. In fact, if you don't have to drag it through a lot of brush, it is a great way to prospect a lot of water. Keep changing the length of leader between the sinker and the dropper loop, and keep experimenting with colors and rigging. If you are not fishing in heavy cover, try rigging with the hook in the middle, wacky style. If there are more snags, rig either a small wire hook in the nose or a weedless worm hook.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I actually fish big flies dropshot style from the shoreline. I rig a high-low setup, with two flies...one up about 2 feet from the sinker and the second about the same above the first. Chuck that baby out, let it sink to the bottom and then jig and hop it back to shore. You would be surprised at all the different species that will eat flies on a dropshot rig in a lake. In Willard, I used to catch a lot of channel cats on the flies, as well as walleyes and wipers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]So, in short, the water does not have to be deep not do you have to fish those fancy rigs from a boat. Simply keep them in your bag of tricks for when the fish need to see your stuff in a different way. Balance the size of your line, your hooks and sinkers to give you the maximum in casting, feel and strength when you hook up. Keep experimenting until everything feels just right, and the fish vote for it too. Always let the fish make the final decision. They seem to know more about what they want than some of the "experts". so never avoid using anything just because somebody tells you it won't work.[/#0000ff]
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