FISHINGCRITICFree knot cards

RIGGING GUIDE

Carolina rig

Search open bottom while a soft plastic moves behind a separate sinker.

FishingCritic is research-led, using maker data and published sources. We have no hands-on test results for this edition.

What parts do you need?

  • 1/4–1/2 oz sliding bullet or egg sinker
  • Bead and barrel swivel
  • 18–24 in mono leader as a starting example
  • 3/0 offset worm hook and 6 in worm

Sizes are our starting examples, informed by the source below. Adjust to current, bait and the rod’s total lure rating.

Wired2Fish: Jason Sealock, Carolina rig

Standing / main line

Tag end / leader

Grey shapes are tackle; panels show assembly, not product dimensions.

How do you assemble it?

  1. Step 1: Slide the sinker onto the main line, then a bead. The sinker stays on the rod side of the swivel.
    01 Slide the sinker onto the main line, then a bead. The sinker stays on the rod side of the swivel.
  2. Step 2: Tie the main line to a barrel swivel with a uni knot. Tie a separate leader to the other eye.
    02 Tie the main line to a barrel swivel with a uni knot. Tie a separate leader to the other eye.
  3. Step 3: Tie the hook to the leader and rig the worm straight with the point tucked into the plastic.
    03 Tie the hook to the leader and rig the worm straight with the point tucked into the plastic.

What can go wrong?

Do not put the sliding sinker on the hook leader. Shorten the leader if it tangles; use the lowest weight that reaches bottom.

Which knots do you need?

Improved clinch knot Uni knot

Where do these facts come from?

The links identify source URLs and check dates. The source data records access limits.