So I have a huge box of various worms wifey got me from Bass pro shops years ago. Rigged up a bunch Texas style and a couple lizards that worked great the last couple weeks with a simple round weighted hook through the nose. So I think I have 6 Texas rigs.

I want to rig up a couple Carolina rigs, all my worms however...the ones that float, won't float with the hook in. I think I have a couple 7" worms and they did not float with the hook.

What size, kind of worms are you guys/gals running on the Carolina rig? Also what size hooks are you running? I won't have a chance to get to Bass Pro in Nashville this week to buy worms, brass weights, hooks and I am pretty sure that kind of stuff may be beyond Smiley Marts stock....or am I wrong? Actually this will be my first try at Carolina/Texas rigs, but as fun as the 12-13 inch bass are, I'm kinda getting tired of the little ones.....I want the lunker bass!!

I read one guy was using Zoom worms but not to sure about the floating or length for that matter. Any help/pointers would be greatly appreciated by me and my future wall mounted bass......I hope, fingers crossed here.....

Shawn

 

Stumped?? No replies, that's odd.

 

I've heard of guys using a hypodermic needle to inject an air bubble or two into the worms to make them more buoyant.

 

i have never used "carolina" rigs myself, always "texas" rigged weedless with a sliding bullet weight. never had that problem of only small ones biting. sprawl mart should have most of the stuff you need, depending on the selection your local store has.

 

the needle works on some plastics, not so well on others. maybe try one of those little float "tube" things that are used for floating lindy rigs.

 

Size and type of worm is dictated by the fish! Many times, I hear this or that is working, but find that by the time I get to the lake, the bit has changed. Let the fish dictate what they want! Be willing to change and experiment!

Start with the local report or pro's are using. Most lakes have a go-to color that works almost all the time. That's your baseline. From there go up or down in size. Stick with basic worms. Creature baits seem most useful during the spring or fall. Not so much in the summer.

Don't worry too much about a carolina rig floating. It's a bottom fishing technique. The deeper you go, the less important color becomes. Try different leader lengths. Use the lightest weight you can, while being able to feel the bottom and structure. The lighter weight will allow you to detect softer bites. Stay with 12lb test or higher. I generally use 15-17lb.

Oh, and SLOW DOWN. It's a bottom technique. When the fish are on the bottom they are SLOW! Fast moving baits get right past them...they are not expending much energy for food.

HTH

Tony

 

You can have the "Texas Rig" & the Carolina Rig".......
I've had much better luck fishing since Top taught me how to use the "West Virginia Rig"

 

That is all i use in spring Here on Toledo Bend Lake ! Last Week i Cought a 9 3/4# Bass . Not Bad . On The Wall Here i Have Many 10#s And One 11# 3oz .


Toledo bend

 

That's funny Shovelhead!!

And thanks for the good info TonyB!!

 

You're welcome!

When you're out on the water, thinking about what else you can throw can be a little nerve racking! BTDT!

Let us know how it goes!

Tony