Questions on the C-rig

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Permalink Reply by Nick Berto on January 18, 2009 at 11:23am

1. My rig is set up between 18-36" depending on how deep I am fishing it.
2. I usually use a straight shank hook, not a ewg for c-riggin. 3/0
3. SLOW and draggin it.
4. GULP shaky worms, brush hogs, beavers, kreatures... just a few...

Hope that helps!

Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on January 18, 2009 at 2:41pm

1) I do a lot of Carolina rigging, particularly in deeper water, although it works in all depths. I typically use a longer leader in deeper water. For smallmouth in clear water, I have a lot of success with longer leader lengths, up to 6 or 7 feet. I would probably be running a leader between 4 and 6 feet long in those water temps and depths. Just my personal preference.

2) I like the Gamakatsu EWG Superline hook when I am C-rigging with braid as my mainline. Other hooks I have tried will bend out slightly on a pressure set, impeding optimum hook penetration. If I am running fluorocarbon as my mainline, the Yamamoto Sugoi offest hook is my top choice with the lighter lb. tests and I still prefer the EWG Superline hook w/ heavier lb. tests. The hook size I choose will vary depending on the size of the plastic. Size 1 for small finesse plastics (hate 'em), all the way up to 6/0 for lures like the Yamamoto 10" grub and Strike King Iguana.

3) There are many ways to work the C-rig. A slow steady retrieve or drag is very effective and probably the retrieve I use most often. Also, try moving your lure a few feet along the bottom, then pause (varying the length of the pause) and repeat. Deadsticking your lure every several feet can trigger strikes as well. My best suggestion is to mix it up and see what the fish prefer at that particular time.

4) Any plastic will catch fish on a C-Rig. I've done well with brush hogs, lizards, swimbaits, straight tail, paddle tail and curly tail worms, beavers, Senko style baits, flukes, craws and the the Yamamoto Kreature.

Good luck, man!