How To Fish The Free Rig! ( Fall Bass Fishing )

Have you tried the "Free Rig" yet? If you haven't tried the Free Rig, this is the right time of year to experiment with it. Think of it as a finesse version of a Texas Rig or Carolina Rig. Its a fish catcher and it's here to stay!
The Free Rig isn't new, but is continuing to gain popularity, especially as grass begins dying back in the Fall. This rig shines around hard cover and will produce long after bass have become leery of traditional presentations. The benefit of this rig is it allows your bait to fall very slowly, while still keeping great contact with the bottom.
Below you'll find links to Tim's favorite baits for free rigging, along with the gear he uses to fish them effectively. We've also included our favorite colors for each bait to help you get started. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
CREATURE BAITS...
•XZone Adrenaline Craw Jr (3.5"): bit.ly/3ebTO5h
Colors: Tilapia, Green Pumpkin Blk Flake
•MissileBaits D Stroyer: bit.ly/2QiTTrM
Colors: Super Bug, Green Pumpkin
•OSP DoLive Beaver: bit.ly/3ECnepu
Colors: Green Pumpkin Pepper, Watermelon Pepper
SHAD/GILL PROFILES...
•GeeCrack Bellows Shad: bit.ly/3E4zVdl
Colors: Electric Shad, AJ's Juice
•Deps 3.8" Bull Flat: bit.ly/3Ey9Jr6
Colors: TW Black Blue Green Pumpkin, Watermelon Blue
•Zoom Super Fluke: bit.ly/2aqys0H
Colors: Electric Shad, Albino
•Xzone Stealth Invader: bit.ly/43OrFJx
Colors: Bass Candy, Touch Down
RIGGING COMPONENTS...
Light Wire Hook- Hayabusa Round Bend: bit.ly/3Zbo8Ty
Sizes: 2/0 for small profiles, 4/0 for large
Heavy Wire Hook- Hayabusa HD Round Bend: bit.ly/3EzvYwE
Sizes: 2/0 for small profiles, 4/0 for large
Heavy Weight- Reins Heavy Tungsten: bit.ly/47iSN4V
Size: 1/2 oz
Light Weight- Zappu Pinfree Shot Tungsten: bit.ly/48750Kw
Size: 1/8 - 1/4 oz
TIM'S FAVORITE COMBO...
Rod- Shimano Expride B 7'2" Medium Light: bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL (HG): bit.ly/2fdX1Uy
Line- Sufix 131 Braid (30 lb): bit.ly/314VoyF
Leader- Sunline Super FC (12 lb): bit.ly/2p7fxju
BUDGET FRIENDLY COMBO...
Rod- Shimano SLX 6'10" Medium Heavy: bit.ly/2mGp1Vc
Reel- Shimano SLX 150 A (HG): bit.ly/2NfdOnk
Line- Sunline FC (12 lb): bit.ly/2h4LNjm
TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)
We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to hats and hoodies! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
*MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
*FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/3xJFwTu
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3U9y4cl
Favorite Net: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#bassfishing #freerig #Fallfishing

[@ladder197]

“That’s my kids rod, I’ll untangle that later” 😂😂😂. That’s a never ending story

[@dant8213]

So so true 😅

[@ladder197]

@@dant8213 it’s amazing what kids can do…. 😂😂

[@Milehighsnake98]

I took 3 teenagers fishing this summer who had never fished from a boat before. Only one knew how to tie knots. He wanted to try a baitcaster. Glad I had multiple spare spools of line. LOL

[@kylesmith3211]

Amen!

[@marcusbarnes4762]

💀💀

[@christopherbeckerdite4273]

I grew up doing that using lizards on mono. Mono line works well with that because it tends to float and let's the bait have a bit slower fall rate. Which keeps the bait in the strike zone longer.

[@matthewotis3594]

I did as well. Didnt have bullet weights. Had my dads smaller surf fishing weights. Either a ribbon tail purple and pink tailed PowerBait worms or plastic lizards. Never really thought about it. Using tear shaped weights with the loop tie on top. They crushed them.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

It works really well in shallow rivers too. I’ve been using it for four years and it’s my 100% confidence bait. No matter what time of year if I drop a craw in front of them they’ll eat it. I always place a bobber stop between the hook and a 1/16 ounce tungsten weight. That’s the key for shallow water. You need more separation.

[@michaelcatalano8882]

Try it with a z man floating worm and fish it like a Texas rig. Every few pops give it a little slack to float up off the bottom and just dance it in place for a few seconds. It presents somewhere between a Texas rigged worm and a whacky worm and if is a killer setup.

[@pedropaccollazo2039]

👍👍😀 In South Texas Gulf we've called that a "Knocker Rig".✌️

[@CeeJayWho]

Shin Fukae explains the Free Rig in a Bass University video. And yes, he even says it was started in Korea.

[@_md______]

When was this "invented" in korea? This technique has been around since the lead sinker was introduced

[@CeeJayWho]

@_md______ many sources says so

[@AJFishing]

Love seeing the Bellows Shad used that way!

[@gospideygo8781]

Great idea for “kids”/non-regular fisher peeps. Taking the family to Clearlake soon. The free rig looks like a good one to rig up for them. Thanks Tim!

[@luckybassturd7260]

Try to find some Sacramento perch too!

[@lurestolines6027]

Need to do an underwater video of different free rig baits!

[@codem0de]

This has been a killer for me. I have the most confidence in a 4" Dolive Beaver. Absolutely hammers them.

[@Chefgabbs]

shhhhhhhhhhh!

[@GDubyah]

Reminds me of a hybrid between something like a Texas Rig and a Tokyo Rig. Very interesting setup. Thanks for sharing!

[@DavidBronstein1961]

Bull Flat has been killing it for me. Head blows out after a few fish so bring your Mend-It!

[@dustinwalker8152]

Best bait ever made for the free rig is the OSP DoLive beaver. Make sure to get some separation on each pop and the bait will do the rest.

[@JamesJohnson-kr8ge]

You guys are so helpful. Me I've never heard of such techniques and it has help me each time I put it to work Thanks 👍

[@jasonblack5335]

Tim Pleasure meeting you the other day…HF for the win! Like I said I’m a subscriber and really enjoy your and Matt’s content and tips been helpful for me and kids when it gets tough. I will definitely have to try this one. Hope to run into you again in the near future. Be blessed!

[@욜라뽕따이-h2n]

It is the Free Rig that Koreans use the most. Can see a great effect in a place where the floor topography is made up of small stones.

[@tedlincolnsfishinglife]

Freerigging Kissimmee grass has been a major bite for me all summer but using my jig rod with 50lb braid to 25lb leader. Many 8-9lbers 🤫🎣

[@mikegardiner3934]

I will have to get some bellows shad. I love the bellows gill already! Been waiting for the free rig vid from you guys, so thanks Tim!

[@funkymojo111]

No, the unpegged bullet weighted T-rig has more friction along the line and often heavier weights. The free rig is a finesse technique and the open eye weight tie can fall with less hydrodynamic resistance due to shape and design. The lure selection is similar to some of the baits thrown on a C-rig. Unlike the C-rig, the free rig doesn't have a clacking bead or bright colored brass weights or the need for a swivel.

[@chrisrobinson9332]

Hey Tim,,I met you and Matt at the Knoxville Expo this yr. Dude if u like the free rig crab u a pack of Hyper Freaks from lake fork lures they are kiss ass on the free rig. Happy fishing to you and Matt...

[@xDx0xUxGx]

How is this different from a regular unpegged Texas rig?

[@paulkimble6223]

There’s not as much drag on the line with a free rig weight so you get more separation from weight to bait on the fall

[@lannister9606]

More than 70% of people who enjoy bass fishing in south Korea only use free league.😂 #2 wide gap hook + zoom speed craw(ultra vibe) + 7~21g sinker - walking fishing

[@notillegal6771]

I want to pickup some doyo reels to try them out but can't find an importer

[@treehunter1]

@@notillegal6771Abu and Lew’s get their reels from Doyo

[@lannister9606]

@@notillegal6771 If you want, I can call Doyo Fishing. What is your country and province?

[@akaJb86]

​@@notillegal6771 쟈니모리스 릴이 도요에서 만든 릴인데 그때 보다 더 좋은릴을 만들죠 지금은..

[@nickterpselas1651]

You guys need to try the Freedom Tackle Wire Drop Shot for the weight on your “Free”dom rig. The wire is awesome with rock weed combo areas. It helps stop the weigh from getting lodged in the stones.

[@matthewotis3594]

I always considered ot to be an unoegged texas rig with a different weight. Guess it would work more like a hybrid of t and c rig.

[@5.7.0bassin2]

I really started to throw the free rig last yr I changed it out with my t-rig mostly I just felt I got a lot more bites here in pa where I live the body of waters are very pressured and I did great with it

[@MultiXMeGa]

Waiting for that fall time swimbait fishing video. I pieced together a swimbait dedicated rod and i cant wait to put time on the water.

[@Basspundit]

I will try this tomorrow with a Mag Fluke and maybe a regular Super Fluke. I've never free-rigged before, and a couple of guys brought it up on the IDO message board and referenced this video.

[@KissmyBasss]

So this rig caught an 8, 6 & few 4 & 5lbrs this yr. Then I started waisting time on the hover rig. I don't know why the free rig catches more, but it works. I'll add a tail spinner to a stickbait for Fall.

[@paulbohn1971]

I will use what i learned here today next time out thanks fore the advice

[@lastcastlures_satx]

I just poured some floating lizards with this method in mind! We'll see how they do

[@DrewF424]

What’s the difference between this technique vs just using an unpegged worm weight?

[@stootg]

Visual presentation. The worm weight looks like a pebble while the bass casting weight works well through small pebbles

[@Steve-ev6vx]

I am thinking it sinks faster and and travels farther up the line than a bullet weight but I would have to see it on camera in a pool to know fore sure.

[@MrEQ2009]

Could you demo the new baits with underwater camera on the lake or in a pool, so we could see the separation.

[@krisramos7453]

I’m gonna play around with threading baitfish profiles on the VMC neko hook with the floro keeper. That way the hook is exposed. Open water of course

[@patklinger9894]

can't wait to go try this👍

[@rcandy4u]

I’m over here in so cal using the 1 ounce Zappu pin drop and the GPB baby

[@jeffreyrodgers5835]

Great technique careful with gut hooking just like a Carolina rug you need to stay in contact. No slack line

[@Milehighsnake98]

Glad I waited to take a drink..."when the kickers pinching..." 😂😂😂

[@stevenbrown7246]

Z-mans soft baits are the best to use, as they float.

[@bassinbilliards6279]

The jr. Is such a good punch bait in ponds or smaller bodies of water. However the claws are fragile.

[@reelnfishing3386]

I free a floating jerk bait, which you can fish in deep structure where regular suspended jerk can reach

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Thank you Tim,great job ❤👏👏

[@CosbyKid]

I'll tell you a very deadly way to fish this is to tie on a soft jerkbait and vertically fish it over suspended bass. If you see them under the boat, drop that on them and jerk the bait to get a good reaction bite. Also, for a different style of fall, use a Black Bean weight. Its almost like a sliding split shot.

[@jonathanrivera6815]

The free rig is great to experiment with.

[@swimbaitonaprairie9359]

Zman love the elaztech float back up its fish a catcher

[@arnemueller2112]

This was the best description/explanation of a free rig I heard so far. The comparison with a Carolina rig makes absolutely sense! Well done. What do you think about using tubes with a free rig?

[@joestrummer9507]

Actually fan boy, it makes no sense at all. A carolina rig is for getting the bait down quickly and dragging or hopping it on the bottom horizontally with the bait just above bottom. A finesse carolina rig is a split shot rig or mojo rig which uses a cylindrical weight. The free rig is all about a slow vertical fall and thus nothing like a carolina. This guy made all this up, just hit record and made a bunch of assumptions and comparisons which are all wrong. All you have to do is Google or search YT for 10 seconds to find out what the free rig actually is.

[@arnemueller2112]

@@joestrummer9507 don‘t know what makes you so frustrated. Take some buck and visit a hostel, this might help 👍

[@dontnonowuno9953]

​@@arnemueller2112😂😂 ppl are funny.your response was 🎯

[@omarhill7345]

must be his time of the month 😂.

[@Radican1]

What makes this different then a Texas rig if I don’t peg the weight?

[@frankevans6584]

The weight slips up and down the line more freely than a bullet sinker

[@Radican1]

@@frankevans6584 i guess I’ll have to try it!

[@Tackletuesdayfishing]

Can someone tell me how this is different than an unpegged texas rig?

[@nikolivas8743]

Plz do an underwater video. I've fished the free rig in crystal clear water and I never saw anything different from a Texas rig. From what I noticed the weight really doesn't separate from the bait, at least no more then a Texas rig. What lines and baits can make that happen?!

[@RickBReviews]

Tried this a couple years ago. Never got bit.

[@jeremyrose2667]

Have you guys done a split screen with underwater footage beside the angler to show how the bait reacts to the rod manipulation ?

[@Fronaldo33]

What type of hook do you use for that Xzone Stealth invader?

[@danielpomponio4967]

The bellows shad looks similar to the 10000 fish Yoto worm. Do you know if there is much difference between the two. Nice overview of the free rig btw. Thanks for the info as always

[@twiggsherman3641]

Been fishing this for a couple seasons now. I really like floating baits. Zman Bang Stickz rigged wacky. Cast it out, let it fall and it'll hover off the bottom. If you give it enough slack it'll eventually go all the way back up to the surface. So its great to fish in current, and you can control the depth it hovers at.

[@TWC6724]

Hmm, that’s really interesting. I love Zman baits and you’re right, I can totally see the bait floating back up if you use one of their floating baits. Excellent, gonna try this. 👍

[@Steve-ev6vx]

I was going to use a worm needle to blow an air bubble into a soft plastic but the floating baits sound even better.

[@davidraguse2106]

What is a good starting weight to use in 10 foot of water please?

[@twiggsherman3641]

@@davidraguse2106 1/4 oz is what i use most of the time. 3/8 in heavy current. Hook weight matters too if you're trying to fish a floating bait. I use Trokar number 2 weedless wacky hooks. Trying to use something with a long shank like a number 2 VMC neko hook causes it to raise much slower.

[@davidraguse2106]

@@twiggsherman3641 have you a link for the hook please? Have you tried the 4" streakz curly tailz? Being a zman would be a floating bait.

[@brettg4386]

I’d put a bobber stop in front of that knot to make sure the weight wasn’t beating it up too badly

[@kimjinhokk]

Free rig is meant to be used with Damiki Stinger 4". That's how we do in South Korea.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

OSP Dolive baits beaver hook up tackle had a Competition between Griff and Ben. Griff win free rig its a cool bait to fishing with small mouth bass loves them the most of all

[@anangrycustomer2913]

I've already been doing something similar with bottom bouncers🤔

[@Wheat711]

Wait, you are finally doing JDM baits with the Bellow Gill?

[@fisherboys9197]

I’m picturing a future video- Texas rig vs Carolina rig vs Free rig, when to use which, with underwater footage 🙂

[@brucemckinnley5272]

Would you use the Elaztech baits as well? They should have an even slower rate of fall with a lighter wired hook.

[@raymondjohnson6496]

That blue rod what is the name of it

[@raymondjohnson6496]

What the name of that rod please the spinning rod blue one or is it a. Secret

[@tomsworkmail9621]

How about a hellgramite? The Nikko is really slow falling when weightless.

[@kalebg8075]

What in the world is that yellow thing above your reel seat? Is it a lock to keep the reel seat from coming loose?

[@Internutt2023]

@ 11:27 It's a "keeper" for his bait, it grabs the line instead of the hook, since he is using a texas rig on the bait and its so deep into it there's barely any hook to even grab with a open keeper like some rods have, that one grabs the line before the nose of the bait / eye of the hook. Google "Cal Coast Cali Clip Drop Shot Weight and Hook Holder" and you can find some.

[@kalebg8075]

@@Internutt2023 ahhhhhhh I see! Interesting little thing. I don't dropshot much so never would have guessed. Seems like a good way to keep the weight from getting tangled on everything when it's not being used though. That's a fairly annoying thing to deal with having a drop shot tied on 🤣

[@Michaelanthony209]

Why don’t y’all ever use or review Abu Garcia rods and reels? Always wondered

[@brianrobinson9979]

Hey Tim and Matt. What's the difference between the "Free Rig" and an Unpegged Texas Rig? (Other than the weight)

[@upstateangler9575]

I was thinking the same . It must have to do with the shape of the weight . Mass is below the line making it easier to go towards the real then want to fall straight down and not back towards the hook.

[@borreholic]

I mean it is the weight that is the difference. With the same plastic, the free rig weight will drop more straight down and faster compared to a bullet weight with a more "glidey" sinking motion, resulting in more separation between weight and bait (with enough water depth). I also like how the free rig casts better with the pointy weight leading the way like a rocket.

[@scottrudy8127]

What is the difference between using a casting weight and a bullet weight?

[@rougaroux2359]

Tim have you had any luck with the Free Rig on BFS?

[@rcandy4u]

Late December No vegetation Nothing to get snagged on I fish I ounce Zappu pin drop / the large cushion & a Open nose hook 202 Hayabusa 1/0 an the 6” lizard. Fish rocky point bars 30-45’ of water. 18:49

[@bradleyrcrockett]

think a berkley pitboss would work well with this setup?

[@LouArocho]

Does this free rig work in dirty water or just clear water

[@myoutdoors5842]

Finally

[@youtubzkoz]

Thoughts on where and when / the best situations to fish it?

[@youtubzkoz]

Docks? Shallow or mostly deep? Senko? Getnet Juster shad?

[@thomaspearce-v4q]

What hook keeper do you have on that pole? Totally of topic my apologies in advance.

[@fakamfishin6780]

Would the Lunkerhunt Versa Fish be a good bait for this technique?

[@jackiewang-t1h]

Does this rig have a minimum depth requirement for its better performance?

[@keenanmoore264]

I'm curious why you listed the two rods you did (in the video description) .. A med-heavy and med-light seem to be two very different actions from one another. I guess it depends on where you plan to fish this tecnique?

[@upstateangler9575]

Well if your fishing in 25ft of water you need a mich heavier weight then if your fishing in 8ft.

[@rcandy4u]

@@upstateangler9575We will even fish that free rig with the 1.5 ounce decoy drop weight in 35-40ft in our deep Rez

[@benrollinh526]

Does it work in stained/algae bloom dirty water?

[@provocation18]

What about using floating softbaits on this rig? Also i want to use this rig in the netherlands but there are a lot of big pike in my water. Any chance i can make it pike proof? Or does thick fluorocarbon 0.70mm ruin the action to much?

[@Boon-ie1rq]

We need more leech looking like flat lures to slow drop rate.

[@citizenGman]

How is this different from an unpegged texas rig?

[@travedc9873]

Not quite understanding how this is functionally any different than a bullet weight sliding freely along the line on a Texas rig. Help me out?

[@efishnseetv2082]

How is the free rig any different than a texas rig ...?

[@thebasswicker6294]

What about a brush Hawg

[@patmccarthy55]

Been looking hard at that 7'2ML expride....also considering a dobyns extreme/xtasy 742c/743c/753c....what would fit the bill for light duy tubes/neds/ika/small swimbaits/5" senko?

[@ok313114]

What is the name of the yellow thing on your rod to hold the bait?

[@jacksonbrooks]

Does mat fish the ring craw on a light rod or a medium light

[@andrescruz9448]

How is this any different than an un-pegged texas rig?

[@JimmyJae9948]

What does it do differently than a Texas rig?

[@zainemaharaj2564]

Hi can i use this rig when fishing from the bank

[@Fishingwithfaithoutdoors23]

Going to try that. Just trying to understand how that’s different from a t-rig. But I’ll give it a try. And can y’all do a video on the only rod and reel ( spinning and casting) combo you can buy under 200$ that’s centered for the poor man? Like need to know what brand is the most versatile for the average angler. I’m having a hard time making my mind up on what I want to spend my money on. Shimano, daiwa, or Abu garca. I can afford to buy ten different brands for 20 different techniques. Thanks

[@jersey4755]

They have done both a $100 and $200 Combo videos: 2022 BUYER'S GUIDE: Best $100 Rod And Reel Combos! 2022 BUYER'S GUIDE: Best $200 Rod And Reel Combos!

[@davidvernier6012]

I don't see how this is different from a weighted Texas rig with no stopper on it... has the same affect..

[@robboekelmans]

Whats that for Red hookkeeper?

[@gunadoo]

I haven't even heard of this

[@Cbasschin]

What’s the best weight size for water depths in the 5 to 10ft range?

[@fishing3047]

I use 1/8oz mainly as a shore banger.

[@dreddy5187]

Isn't this just a Texas rig with a drop shot weight instead of a worm bullet weight

[@Demolitiondude]

Does it work for hydrilla?

[@lljustice3877]

Must be a slow period on the new technique front for Bass fishing. They’ve basically renamed a Texas rig to a free rig. 🤷‍♂️

[@rearwheelslider]

Modified Texas rig.

[@cliffordhutt143]

I do not understand the comparison to a Carolina rig. It's just a Texas rig with a different style sinker. That's it.

[@marcanzlovar72]

I’m telling ya, bellows gill, weightless Texas rig over submerged grass. Wait for your line to get tight, and Jack em! Too easy. Free rig will help me get deeper