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SALTWATER RIG LIBRARY

Carolina Rig

The egg sinker stays on the main line above a swivel, and the bait floats on a longer leader behind it. The weight and the bait stay apart.

Best forSnapper, grunts, jacks
WhereFlats, channels, sand edges
MethodBottom fishing, dragging
DifficultyEasy
Carolina Rig — Real tackle photo
Main lineEgg sinkerBeadBarrel swivelLeaderHookBait

Rig diagram (component order)

Carolina Rig: Main line, Egg sinker, Bead, Barrel swivel, Leader, Hook, Bait

Step-by-step how-to

Carolina Rig How To Graphic
Graphic: Tackle Village, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Slide the egg sinker onto the main line.

  2. 2

    Add a bead below the sinker.

  3. 3

    Tie the line to a barrel swivel.

  4. 4

    Tie an 18–48 in leader to the other eye.

  5. 5

    Tie on the hook.

  6. 6

    Bait up, cast, and drag it slowly along the bottom.

BigJoe Tips

  • Longer leader in clear water; shorter when you need control.
  • Drag slowly and pause: most bites come on the pause.
  • Use just enough sinker to feel the bottom.
  • Check the leader for nicks after every fish.

Variations

  • Brass and glass beads make a louder click.
  • Swap the hook for a soft-plastic shrimp or a jig.
  • A float bead lifts the bait over grass.
  • Use a bullet sinker on grassy bottom to snag less.

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Target Species

Lane snapperLutjanus synagrisWhite gruntHaemulon plumieriiMutton snapperLutjanus analisJolthead porgyCalamus bajonado