Carolina Rig
The ultimate bottom-dragging search bait designed to detect structure and entice lethargic predators.
Knot
Palomar Knot
Target Depth
5-30 ft
Target Species
Where To Use It
How To Tie / Assemble
- 1Slide a heavy egg sinker (1/2 to 1 oz) onto your main braided line.
- 2Thread a plastic or glass bead onto the line to protect the knot from the sinker.
- 3Tie the main line to a heavy-duty barrel swivel.
- 4Attach a 18 to 36-inch fluorocarbon leader (12-15 lb test) to the other end of the swivel.
- 5Tie a wide-gap offset hook to the end of the leader.
- 6Texas-rig your soft plastic bait onto the hook for a weedless presentation.
Recommended Baits
Zoom Lizard
A classic Carolina rig bait; the legs provide enticing action during a slow drag, imitating a nest-raiding predator that bass instinctively attack.
Fluke-style Soft Jerkbait
Best used when fish are suspended slightly off the bottom; the bait glides and darts during the pauses between pulls.
Brush Hog
Ideal for aggressive fish or heavy cover; the bulky profile and multiple appendages create a large silhouette that excels at triggering bites from bigger bass.
Straight Tail Finesse Worm
Use this on a long leader when fishing in high-pressure waters; the subtle, natural movement is often more effective than bulky plastics.
Beaver-style Creature Bait
The flat, streamlined body helps the rig maintain contact with the bottom in deeper water or current while offering a compact meal profile.
How To Use It
Cast the rig and let it hit bottom; retrieve with a slow, sweeping motion of the rod tip to drag the weight across the substrate, feeling for rocks, ledges, or wood. Pause frequently to let the bait drift down, as bites often occur on the fall immediately after the weight clears an obstruction.
Why the Palomar Knot
Gear & Setup
Best Conditions
Species You'll Catch On This Rig
Catch more these fish — free
Create a free account and unlock the full angling toolkit: