Skip to content
RigMyFishFind a Rig
Realistic Carolina Rig fishing rig setup
Technical layout
Main lineEgg sinkerBeadSwivelLong leaderSoft plastic
Bottom rigs · Rig diagram & setup

Carolina Rig Diagram & Gear List

A long leader trails behind a sliding weight, letting soft plastics or cut bait drift naturally near structure. A step up in complexity from the high-low rig, worth learning once you're fishing deeper water.

Also known as: Lindy Rig (US, CA), Slip-Sinker Live Bait Rig (US, CA)

Where to use it
boat, kayak, jetty, lake
Difficulty
intermediate

Gear List

  • main Line10-20 lb monofilament
  • leader15-25 lb fluorocarbon
  • leader Length18-24in from swivel to hook
  • hook Range1/0 - 3/0 offset or circle hook
  • weight TypeEgg sinker, 1/2 - 2oz
  • sinker Drop LengthSlides freely above bead and swivel, no fixed drop length
  • swivelBarrel swivel, size 3-5
Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

1/2 to 2 oz sliding egg sinkers Match the weight to current and rod rating.Search on Amazon1/0 to 3/0 offset or circle hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Carolina Rig

  1. Thread a 1/2 - 2oz egg or bullet weight onto the main line, followed by a glass or plastic bead.
  2. Tie the main line to a size 3-5 barrel swivel; the bead protects the knot from the weight.
  3. Tie 18-24in of 15-25 lb fluorocarbon to the swivel.
  4. Add a 1/0 - 3/0 offset or circle hook and rig a soft plastic or live bait, then drag it slowly along the bottom.

When and where it works best

Flats, points, and drop-offs where fish sit near bottom but you want the bait floating or swimming slightly above the weight.

How it differs from similar rigs

A Texas rig puts the weight right on the bait's nose for cover fishing; the Carolina rig separates weight and bait by a long leader for open bottom.

Is the Carolina Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Carolina Rig good for?

California HalibutKelp Bass (Calico Bass)California SheepheadWhite SeabassSand BassLargemouth BassSpotted BassWalleyeBlue CatfishRed Drum (Redfish)Spotted Seatrout (Speckled Trout)SnookSheepsheadPermitSummer Flounder (Fluke)Southern FlounderRed SnapperMangrove Snapper (Gray Snapper)Yellowtail SnapperGag GrouperRed GrouperMurray CodBarramundiAustralasian SnapperDusky FlatheadMulloway (Jewfish)Golden TrevallyMangrove JackBluefin TrevallyBonefishCubera Snapper

Related Rigs

Texas RigFish-Finder RigDropshot RigBottom Bouncer Rig
Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Carolina Rig?

A 10-20 lb monofilament main line, a 15-25 lb fluorocarbon leader (18-24in from swivel to hook), a 1/0 - 3/0 offset or circle hook hook, and a Egg sinker, 1/2 - 2oz. Full gear list is above.

What is a Carolina Rig best for?

The Carolina Rig works best for boat, kayak, jetty, lake fishing, and is a recommended setup for California Halibut, Kelp Bass (Calico Bass), California Sheephead, White Seabass. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Carolina Rig hard to tie?

It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.