Pro Tip: My Secret Carolina Rig

[@vincentlivoti4184]

I have to say Matt and Randy have to be in the top 5 KZbin fishing teaching (Stressing the word Teaching, not entertainment). You guys rock and give great advice. Keep the videos coming.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Wow, thanks!

[@1965JB]

Just add Steve Rogers and you’re all set.

[@johnrayner5599]

This is what I love about your channel, looking outside the box and then sharing it with all of us! Thanks for this tip, I cant wait to give this a try, Im tired of always hanging up my c-rig and re doing all the knots and such, I really hope it works as well as you mentioned. Thanks.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Happy to help!

[@maxcole3930]

So my Grandpa, Max Sir. Isn't fishing anymore these days so he gave me all his tackle rods reels/ gear last Christmas. Tons of old baits& gear. Alot stuff still in packages too. Gold mine to me! He had bunch of those sinkers in one of the box's, different sizes& yellow orange black. I'll definitely have give this a try sense I have a bunch of them. Sounds like good idea anyway he's who introduced me to fishing & took me all the time when I was young. I live in SC now but I'm from OH so he would take my to Erie & Canada to fish. We did lots walleye& small mouth fishing. Those were his favorite

[@MattStefanFishing]

very cool! thanks for sharing!

[@alananderson2961]

I have used Lindy concepts for walleyes in the northern states for 50 years. I’m 70 now. The same Lindy walking slip weight I used to days ago on a lake in Georgia. I also put spinner rigs behind on shorter leaders for white bass and minnows for bait. Great tool and a great video 😊😊

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for watching

[@dustinwalker8152]

I've got some split shot-chain type sinkers that have a sleeve over them that I got for rock walls/jetties on the rivers down here. They work great whether c-rig, heavy dropshot (mostly for strong current in rocks) or modified texas/free rig type stuff. I've gotten some weird looks from people but it works. Speaking of heavy dropshotting that t-swivel with the short leader to the hook dropshot, that you showed awhile back, works stellar especially for current. Was fishing a deep school, with 3 other boats on top of me and the bite died. I was able to get one more on a regular dropshot, then everyone started it. I made the switch to the rig you showed and it made all of the difference. After my 5th or 6th fish with it, they all packed up and left. I was able to get that school fired up 3 times after it died solely because of the particular rig. Thank you for sharing it!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dustinwalker8152]

@@MattStefanFishing just trying to help the algorithm

[@jimliechty2983]

I still have some of those in my box from 20 years ago, and used them at the western Erie basin for smallies. I also made some tube heads, substituting a cork instead of the lead, for c rigging ... Now that my days are over, I can share that!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Very cool!

[@timjarrold6418]

nice Jim. I did the same on the north shore with a C-rig and styrofoam in the tube and a 3/0 hook...maybe 30 yrs ago now.

[@ZethKinnettFishing]

Bah sharing all the secrets. I started Carolina rigging with this probably 21 years ago. Not so much nowadays but it's still in the rotation from time to time.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ZethKinnettFishing]

@@MattStefanFishing hey are you spending any time guiding? thinking of doing a trip back to the ol stomping grounds next summer. depending on your schedule next year i suppose.... would love to get on some wisconsin smallies. has an almost 7 at the Prarie Du Sac Dam a few weeks ago driving through WI. Had to stop for a little action....

[@ericahlstrom9506]

Love them. Been using them for years. I still like the egg/tungsten sinkers when searching for rock piles because I get a better feel of the bottom but if I am in a snaggy area that I am confident there are fish I put these on.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Right on!

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

I've been using them forever too. I think the Al Lindner did an episode on it back in the In-Fisherman days

[@travisbruno1988]

I like those weight for salt also but i use smaller ones. Great tip for everyone thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@johngalt3568]

Yep, have them and use them for deep water, especially the Chatahoochie River: lots of snags there. In the 90’s I used a rig that I never called a Carolina Rig. I used an 8 inch Mann’s Jelly Worm, an 8 inch leader and a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce sinker. I used that rig in shallow water in the same places as a Texas Rig. I just didn’t throw it in really gnarly cover. That rig makes the worm look much more life-like and you retain much of the feel of a Texas Rig. A guy named Murphy who was a trophy hunter in California used a similar rig for really huge Bass (20’s) in the 80’s and 90’s. It works.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@eugene955]

That’s similar to the weight used in catfish trolling, great tip. Never thought about using it for bass.

[@MattStefanFishing]

give it a try!

[@douglasspickler4925]

Thanks for the tip. I have looked at these in the tackle shops and thought about trying one out but never did. So now I will.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Give it a try

[@raymondbradford4086]

Very good tip...don't use Carolina rig as much because of reasons you pointed out... but now with this ... I'm on it ... thanks

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jacobdeitering8680]

Always keeping an open mind! This is why your channel is the best!

[@MattStefanFishing]

I appreciate that!

[@bradleyrussell1973]

No questions!!!! I have used similar “bag “sinkers. I prefer tungsten for the sensitivity with braided mainline, though. I have often wondered about the old school “walking” sinkers that catfishermen and walleye fishermen use when dragging flats. I just ordered some yesterday!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

good luck!

[@11BHawk]

Great job at the tourney! Your boys on stage and hank holding that bass like a boss was the best thing that happened on stage..

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks! Hank is a hammer!

[@mattmiller7447]

Great tip!!! Congratulations on a solid finish!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you liked it!!

[@ottoschleicher5597]

Hi Matt congrats on a great tournament in Lacrosse hey does these sinkers come in different weights and what is the normal condition size weight that you choose thanks

[@kevinjtoner]

Excellent video Matt. I’ve been using this system for several years--for bass! It definitely works…….Thank you 👍🎣

[@MattStefanFishing]

Great to hear!

[@jamierice3189]

Once again another great tip.. Always look forward to your videos..

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you like them!

[@kevinmoore7710]

Thanks for another great tip! I'm adding those weights to my list. Congratulations on another good finish, maybe not quite where you wanted but definitely respectable!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@RIPPNLPS]

A trip to Lynn Lake Manitoba about 35 years ago turned me onto using walleye bottom bouncers for C Rigs. I think the first one I used was one that was designed flexible as far as making straight or putting the curve in it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep! They have been around for a long time!

[@cedarburgbassin8320]

I’ve got some of the no snag sinkers that have rattles built it, I like them for walleye fishing I’ll try and for bass fishing

[@MattStefanFishing]

nice!

[@david.weston7911]

I think Mr Matt is the best I watch him daily tips and tricks keep them coming from Ohio.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@craigstevens9734]

Like hearing about rigs and different ways yall fish up north got to go to north Ga to catch a walleye .I like the Carolina rig.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks 👍

[@vincentlivoti4184]

Nice setup Matt. I saw the other day a post on field and stream, on how to diy a snagles sinker using some Paracord, steel or lead shot or split shot and a snap. If you want I can post the link. I just had a thought you could use some heat shrink in place of the Paracord.

[@MattStefanFishing]

That sound interesting

[@timjarrold6418]

@@MattStefanFishing the paracord weights were known as slinkies.

[@johnhumphries6116]

These are great sinkers, have been using them for years.

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing

[@petehayduk8051]

Great video and pro juice as always!!!! Thank you!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@learningtofish7036]

Freakin brilliant! Never seen in rocky bottom Idaho!! This changes a lot for y. I stopped Carolina for bass due to breakoffs.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Give it a try

[@Markisuncfan]

I totally understand your points on the no snag. I tried them a few years ago and lost em pretty quick in stumps. I need to try them again because maybe it was my fault (usually is lol). I fish a C Rig ALOT and being in NC it is a year around rig. Thanks buddy and good showing at LaCrosse.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@outdoorswithjt6652]

Thanks for videos I've been doing this for years.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Great to hear!

[@ryancannon9358]

Love it!!! I started using these 5 years ago. It definitely works well.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chundle09]

Awesome video as always. Congrats on another good finish up in Lacrosse!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you so much 👍

[@jelmo1057]

Interesting rig Matt, I hadn’t seen that setup before, thanks for sharing. I can see how that could work better, particularly in snaggy areas.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet

[@rickhensley2251]

I use a line thru Clyinder type weight.I will give the lindy weight a try.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Go for it!

[@waynesammyswingle6107]

Hey! You always give great tips but this one seems really great. I fish the St Lawrence a lot and this will help keep some of the line from running into zebra muscle shells. Awesome tip!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@jackdixon4530]

Woo Dave’s used this on one of his videos years ago.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill have to check that out

[@juleswinnfield826]

Ahhhhh hah..... Finally!!!! A bass fisherman acknowledging the common denominators between walleye and bass fishing. Good on you!!!! What's another way to improve ones Carolina rig fishing????? Just refer to it as..... Horizontal drop shot..... O7 rippin rap, acme hyper rattle, walleye nation rip-n-glide are some good deep water tools for working down to 30 foot. The shiver minnow is over rated in my opinion due to the fragile tail fin. Any deeper and true vertical works better. These work best on deep rock piles and great lakes ledges. Spent 6 years chasing walleyes from Alpena to Cleveland..... always frustrated me how most hard core walleye fishermen dont want to acknowledge the crossover between the 2 species, walleye and smallies. Appreciate you talking about the common denominators when targeting predators regardless of their scale pattern...... keep up the great work.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Soooo many crossovers between the two!

[@geraldbryant2610]

Great tip,will give it a try Congrats on your finish

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thank you!

[@michaelvice6805]

Awesome tip. Will be trying.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Hope you enjoy

[@bassngal3314]

Use the Phenix rock crawlers in AZ, same type thing and yes works great, I will try your Lindy rig as it may even be better!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks for the tip!

[@markkerr3037]

Cool tip. Thanks Matt.

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@stoneysdead689]

Hmm- I had just started looking at the roach style walking sinkers for free rigging- they're sorta similar to this but different. Never thought about using them for C-rigging though. Tbh I very rarely throw a C-rig, they're just boring to fish and a pain to deal with in a kayak. But I need to, they produce bites consistently down here. Thanks for the heads up Matt, I'll find some and give it a go. I've been checking out The Mud Hole and I'm about to buy the startup kit and try my hand at making a few rods- should give me something to do during the short off season we have down here. Also setting up an airbrush booth and about to start painting some cranks, this hobby has tons to offer when you really get off into it.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes it does!

[@terrykloster9121]

Now do one on the old timers fuzzy grub for spring fishing. 🙂

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ive caught a lot of fish on a fuzzy grub

[@Stumpjack]

I am loving these mods and tips you're giving, Matt. Your channel has quickly become a favorite - this is one of the best youtube fishing channels out there.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Wow, thanks!

[@pinhookfishingclub]

Thanks for the tip!

[@MattStefanFishing]

You bet!

[@soonerfan1675]

The Lindy weights do work well. I have had some with rattles that I’ve used for a long time. Never lost one. Also, check out Phenix Rock Crawler weights on TW. Same concept but weights come ⅛ oz all the way to 1oz….cheaper too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill check them out

[@greenpighunter6930]

Excellent. Thanks Matt

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad you liked it!

[@edpelkey7798]

Great tip Matt! Not feeling the bait and being hard to cast makes it a tough bait to pick up and throw? This setup is also used for Steelhead in upstate NY rivers.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Cool!

[@willperryman4559]

Hey Matt, I was looking for tips and standards for the Carolina rig, and I have a weight called the Cajun rig, which is similar to,but not the same as the Lindy, and I’m gonna give the Lindy a try. I have a question regarding using braid as mainline. Do you recommend braid? If so what pound would you use. I’ve seen from 30 to 50 pound braid from some. I just got a new C-rig rod and reel and I want to set it up right the first time, and I trust your opinion. Thanks in advance, Will

[@MattStefanFishing]

i dont like braid with crigs as i think i get hung up more with it. just my personal preference

[@willperryman4559]

@@MattStefanFishing Thanks, that’s what I was looking for…🍀🎣🍀

[@williamlaws2353]

I’ve used a bag sinker also Game changer Cuts down on rerigging only gripe I ever had

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yep

[@chrismcvey908]

Hi Matt. Huge fan of your channel. Been a sub for a little over a year now and I really like many of your videos. If you don’t mind me asking, when you fish this with the Lindy rig do you drag it and just keep it moving? As silly as it sounds I’ve never really used the Carolina rig other than for Catfishing

[@MattStefanFishing]

its a drag and pause retrieve

[@chrismcvey908]

@@MattStefanFishing thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to reply

[@depalebe]

I've used them to drop shorting too.

[@MattStefanFishing]

I havent thought of that

[@depalebe]

I have used them in the rocks on Erie. I also have used the type with a rattle. Decoy makes a snagless weight that is a flexible wire with egg shaped weights on it.

[@robertcook8187]

Very good tip thanks 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

No problem 👍

[@Choffa09]

Matt - do you know if the lindy no snag comes with rattles?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I do not believe it does

[@swimbaitonaprairie9359]

This is good 👍 can’t wait to try it

[@MattStefanFishing]

It's so good!

[@raydalton1110]

Nice 1, i never tried a carolina, would it work for largemouth bass in cold water like 40 to 45 degrees ?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Works year round

[@raydalton1110]

@@MattStefanFishing ok cool ty

[@mikewilson5101]

just a question what's an all around go to weight to have 3/8, 1/2, or 3/4? if i had to choose one weight?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i prefer 3/4

[@bruceesterline3170]

Never underestimate the Carolina rig I always have one at the ready 👍

[@MattStefanFishing]

thanks for sharing!

[@sonnygreen9698]

Really liking that tip, love me a C-Rig, do they come in different weights?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes they do!

[@west777s]

That’s a good tip Matt!! Only question I have is, will the bass bite it opposed to the bait? I know for a fact I have them bite my tungsten or egg weight and end up belly hooking them sometimes.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Not sure you can ever fully prevent that

[@lightningmusky5286]

They are great. Walleye guys know,

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes they do

[@jonbullard7074]

That’s a great idea!!!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks

[@alvinbryant9957]

I came up with a new system I call the Virginia rig I would love to send you some so you can try them it is similar to this rig but you can change out the weight without relying

[@MattStefanFishing]

very cool!

[@alvinbryant9957]

@@MattStefanFishing how or where can I send them to you

[@rickvann3489]

Been using this for catfish and bass since the 80's

[@MattStefanFishing]

Awesome!

[@rickvann3489]

@@MattStefanFishing just got back from fun fishing in Clayton New York. Where the heck do these guys run to on the open lake to catch 25 plus pounds a day. I stayed in the river section of Clayton to the mouth of Ontario and did alright and learned alot but nothing over 5 lots of 4's and to clarify only two fish over 5

[@rickvann3489]

I guess I should Google earth it for the answer. I have fished in Rochester and just look for the same waters.

[@robertdanielson881]

Great tip !

[@MattStefanFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevinmoore7710]

Would you recommend the silent or rattling version?

[@MattStefanFishing]

i usually go with a silent to start

[@1965JB]

Cool! How much does that thing weigh?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Various sizes

[@kylecatron6348]

Try a walking sinker most walleye fisherman call them a roach sinker

[@MattStefanFishing]

Those work as well

[@LoopKnot]

Do you use that method for smallies? Also what size weight would you recommend ?

[@spintowinstradic6067]

I was wondering the same thing. Matt - would you consider doing a 2nd Carolina Rig clip talking about how you C-Rig for smallies vs. for largemouth?

[@MattStefanFishing]

Ill put it on the list

[@MattStefanFishing]

Yes I do, just depends on the depth im fishing

[@MrLukevan]

What weights are you using?

[@MattStefanFishing]

I generally use 3/4 or 1 oz, but adjust if I go shallower to lighter weights

[@HookLife]

Sneaky sneaky!

[@MattStefanFishing]

Been doing it a long time!

[@yakfishing6275]

Awsome videos

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@bradleyrussell1973]

The bag weights are much easier on the line AND knot.

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@richardharding8248]

Cograds on your last event I was routine for you

[@MattStefanFishing]

Thanks!

[@gustavomedrano3628]

So freaking weird, looks shady. Looks like the fish has a 50 50 chance not following the real bait. Oh and wtf man! I hear foxes or some animal in the background fighting or something in the video