What's Really Happening With Your Carolina Rig | Bass Fishing Tips

How much of a difference does leader length make on a Carolina Rig? What about fishing grass or something other than rock? Let's find out. Links to some of my favorite lures are listed below.
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Links to some of my favorite lures:
Damiki Jig Head: bit.ly/3wwfosr
Baby Z Too for Damiki Rig: bit.ly/2OsJc8c
Strike King Thunder Cricket Bladed Jig: bit.ly/39F2Bdq
Swim Jigs
KVD Swim Jig Green Pumpkin 3/8oz: bit.ly/2EgCnRT
KVD Swim Jig Sexy Shad 3/8oz: bit.ly/3aJrkMY
KVD Swim Jig Black Blue 1/4oz: bit.ly/2EgC9Kx
Crankbaits
KVD Squarebill Crankbaits: bit.ly/2Q9JFtc
Soft Plastics
KVD Dream Shot 4" Watermelon: bit.ly/31hgMlb
KVD Dream Shot 4" KVD Magic: bit.ly/2YoZoZX
KVD Half Shell: bit.ly/2Q9JsWW
KVD Perfect Plastics Rodent 4" Blue Bug: bit.ly/2EdmV9g
KVD Perfect Plastics Rodent 4" Green Pumpkin: bit.ly/2ErurgE
Rage Tail Menace Grub: bit.ly/2QldIhF
Topwaters
KVD Splash Popper: bit.ly/2GDJip7
Strike King Swinging Sugar Buzz Sexy Shad: bit.ly/34mR00K
KVD Toad Buzz: bit.ly/3j2meyq
KVD Sexy Dawg: bit.ly/2YCv3a8
Rod and Reels:
Lew's Pro SP Skipping/Pitching Reel: bassproshops.v...
Lew's Mach Crush Baitcaster: amzn.to/2ZoYoTe
Lew's Mach Crush Spinning: amzn.to/2ZwFee6
Lew's Custom Lite Rods: amzn.to/2ZkEwFr
Lew's David Fritts Cranking Rods: bassproshops.v...
Lew's KVD Casting Rods: bassproshops.v...
Lew's KVD Spinning Rods: bassproshops.v...
Lew's KVD Baitcast Reels: bassproshops.v...
Lew's KVD Spinning Reels: bassproshops.v...
Books on the Outdoors I have read and enjoyed:
Jay Yelas: A Champion's Journey of Faith, Family, and Fishing: amzn.to/31Vl02g
Kevin VanDam's Bass Strategies Revised Ed: amzn.to/3lPppLM
Rootbeer Lady: The Story of Dorothy Molter by Bob Cary: amzn.to/32WsGAi
Ely Echoes by Bob Cary: amzn.to/2F6x5s8
Try Audible and get Two Free Audiobooks: amzn.to/3jHU2B1
EQUIPMENT I USE TO FILM MY VIDEOS:
Neewer 12" Ring Light:amzn.to/2ODRtBY
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Polar Pro Peter McKinnon Variable ND Filter: amzn.to/2ZumvA3
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TubeBuddy: www.tubebuddy....
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Recommended Playlist - Bass Fishing Tips and Techniques
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#bassfishing #bassfishingtipsandtechniques #largemouthbass #smallmouthbass #bassfishingtips

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

My new Bass Behavior Bundle is active. You can join here or find out more by following this link: www.steverogersoutdoors.com/bass-behavior-bundle-info Thank you! Have a blessed day!

[@bobsouza2984]

I genuinely enjoy and learn from your KZbin videos because you typically support your discussions with underwater video evidence as well as above water video demonstrations; I particularly like the underwater videos. Plus, still photographs with graphics illustrations. Plus, you breakdown your discussions into logical sequences that are easy to understand and (most importantly) easy to directly apply. Many times you show compare and contrast discussions which again support your theory; e.g.: long vs. short Carolina Ring leaders; rocky vs. silty lake bottoms; light wire hooks vs. heavy wire; Neko vs. Bungee Jumpers; etc. Keep up the good work!

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Thanks so much! It is a lot of fun to put together. I really appreciate you watching.

[@mistertwister1816]

I can’t add anything to this already perfect comment about the high quality and in depth nature of this channel…except that I agree!

[@rm709]

This channel has done more to improve my fishing than any other, especially the popular pro tubers. You’ve got the best teaching presentation and cadence. Thank you SO much for this info!

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Wow, thanks!

[@LowBrowFishing]

I've gotten to were I fish a smaller Carolina rig with a bullet weight and a fairly long leader because, while I don't have a nifty underwater drone (yet!) I do have sparkling clear water that I can see what's happening. A floating worm and a mono leader almost reminds me of how we would run with kites to get them into the air when we were kids.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

That is a really good comparison! I was surprised how far off the bottom that lure actually got on the long leader.

[@jeffhudick2385]

Thanks for the video. I’ve never had much luck with the C rig. Maybe I’m fishing too short a leader 🤷‍♂️. You’re the first person I’ve heard say to use mono on the leader which makes sense because fluoro is NOT a buoyant line. I’ve been using 17 lb green line for leader and 30 lb braid for the main line. What is the best hook for C Rigged soft plastics?

[@Rio360ful]

@@jeffhudick2385i use a long suffix mono leader to flouro white a 3 to 5/0 hook depending what bait I’m using

[@GodGunsGills]

​@@jeffhudick2385normal Texas rig hooks. Ewg or round worm hooks

[@topwatertrl]

I use an inline cylinder float, marketed for walleye fishing, just in front of my plastic which helps tremendously to keep the bait off the bottom. I use the black ones. You think it would diminish the hook up ratio but I haven't found that true. It sure helps with getting bites! Been doing here on Table Rock for several yrs. Cabelas carries them. Word!

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I have not tried that. I really appreciate it.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

@@topwatertrl thank you!

[@mikewelter180]

Another fine video! I, like everyone else, really enjoy the underwater footage. Thanks for what you do!

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

You’re welcome! The underwater filming is my favorite

[@mikewelter180]

@@SteveRogersOutdoors You do a great job at it!

[@thomassevcik4097]

Try heavy mono for a leader! It’s super buoyant and gives more lift so you don’t need a 6 foot leader

[@robertlane370]

Still need one because the weight drags down a shorter leader regardless. The longer the leader the less the weight effects it.

[@machoman5928]

One of the most informative channels on KZbin

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Thanks! I try to keep good interesting topics coming. Not always easy to come up with ideas. Lol.

[@machoman5928]

@@SteveRogersOutdoors if you haven't already, could you give advice on choosing finesse techniques for the Co-Angler? Also if you could speaks on fishing the Slider rig. Thanks

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

@@machoman5928 I sure can. Thanks!

[@arthurdirindinjr1792]

This video was absolutely invaluable to me 90% of the lakes I fish have either or both 90% silt or vegitation covered bottoms. Of I want to fish a weedless rigged soft plastic I am definitely going to use something that floats

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck out there and thank you for watching.

[@tunit8946]

Always enjoy these videos . Not many are doing this . How can you cast a 6-7 foot leader?

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Just a gentle lean back with the rod and then a side arm like lob. Take a little practice for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@futurecrunk]

I was wondering the same. Not gonna work for a lot of ponds I fish being a bank guy often working in tight spots.

[@skylerbishop8944]

Man that is PERFECT info and explanation. Thank ya sir!

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billsutorius2753]

That was that was some really interesting video to watch. One question, what do you think about using a z-man floating bait? I think that would really help get the bait get up off the bottom in conjunction with a mono leader.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

I like Elaztech baits a lot. Here is a video that compares some of them on a c rig:kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2LKe3-QoKyYr5osi=5kEEtMacvzPuqWDd

[@mikemollett5546]

I have also found that when you pull a bass out of a structured setting, they tend to shy away from that area a bit. They tend to do what you are saying about moving out a bit deeper when spooked for whatever reason but not far. Depending on the fight and action the fish gives you, it can scare other fish away for a bit. I tend to go 10-20ft or so outside an area I just caught a fish from if I continue to cast there. I'm a small lake/ large pond tube fisher. Just what I have observed in my neck of the woods. Oklahoma

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us!

[@josephmiles6441]

Best Channel on KZbin. Glad I found it.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Thank you! Glad you’re here. Welcome.

[@hectorcamacho5565]

Great video man. You got a new subscriber! 👍

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Awesome, thank you!

[@finmanpoozie4756]

I always pitch & flip with a 4' fluro leader so my braid's visibility is kept a distance away. Casting that setup can be a bit of a learning curve because the tip snap works against the hook weight. Does a 1 oz Carolina rig weight do the same where it has to be almost a lob type of cast or is the weight heavy enough for more of a normal wrist snap typical baitcaster cast? (Probably simpler for me to hook it up & experiment on my own but I'm curious with the casting technique) Really good video--- I use leaders day in & day out without exception

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

@@finmanpoozie4756 great question! I pretty much use the lob cast for it, even with the heavier weights, all the time.

[@ricksonora6656]

What knot would you use to join mono leader to mono mainline? All the videos I find are for joining to braid. I thought I was being generous with a 2’ to 3’ leader! But anything that will reduce snags, I’ll try.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Mainline to the swivel I use the palomar and then an improved clinch knot has always worked well for me to attach the swivel to the leader. Good luck!

[@ricksonora6656]

@@SteveRogersOutdoors Oh! You use a swivel! That changes everything. Thank you, Steve!

[@willtrax71]

Great Video my Friend and I Fish the local River and it’s a muddy bottom and the Drop Shot is the most productive and a pain to tie and I break off a lot but it’s extremely effective lol.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

It is definitely a great one! I still feel like I was the last angler on the planet to try it.

[@shannonkirby9295]

Hey, Steve, great to see ya. Gotta try a Carolina rig one day. Be safe

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

I think you will really like it! I used to fish it a lot. Probably my number 2 technique for years. Have a great day!

[@learningtofish7036]

Thank you Steve. Do you ever use a Lindy weight on a Carolina rig for bass? And, won't a lighter weight fished slower give you less weird disturbance and less hang up?

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

I have not used a Lindy weight. You can definitely use lighter weights if the depth isn’t too great. I typically throw the 1/2 - 3/4 oz but lots of anglers will go lighter than that.

[@DrGargani]

I always use some sort of FLOATING plastic when fishing a Carolina Rig...I feel that helps greatly in keeping the bait just above the short bottom cover......

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Thank you for adding this!

[@DrGargani]

@@SteveRogersOutdoors Steve: back in the old days ( and I go way back there ! LOL), we would use these floating lizards that actually had air pockets built into the plastic, because they hadn't really perfected some of the floating material that they now have everywhere today. Even mighty Yamamoto has gotten into floating plastic.

[@jholl7339]

That was a good point to address. Again, the raw data of the video confirms or disputes what we believe to be true. You mentioned switching to a mono leader, for added float. Might be an interesting premise to dive into, on the camera, under water. "Just how MUCH added buoyancy DO you get, switching to mono of the same pound test?"

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

That is a great video title! Thank you!

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

And idea. I definitely plan on doing that.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

I have the mono vs fluoro video done you requested. It will be live next Thursday. Thanks for the topic!

[@ptpatrickusmc]

Really good info. Thanks.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching.

[@JBob08]

How do you cast with a 6 foot leader? Or are you dropping it and trolling?

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

It is tough for sure. I swing the rig to the side instead of overhead and on the backswing, it is key to make sure the rig reaches the farthest point of its pendulum backward before you then bring the rod forward. It’s more like a hefty lob than a traditional casting motion. But with that weight it flies a long ways. But if you bring it forward before it reaches its maximum back swing the weight snaps down against the bead really hard.

[@toddlester8063]

What do you define as long or short? Over 18" long, under short? Or another number?

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

I personally go 24” or just under as short and my long leaders will be 4-6ft

[@cgravey]

I feel like I am struggling to catch bass in florida right now. I’m not sure what bait to use because I’ve used a lot.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

It can be very hard fishing right now. It is super tough here too. I would focus on using a lure to help you search and then switch when you find where some fish are. Anything that covers water. Be looking for follows, any other signs of life like baitfish, look for shorebirds that may show where life is, and then go from there. This is also the time where you will have to fish extremes with lures - either really work on a reaction bite with something that is very erratic or fish very sloooow. So often we fish in-between speeds.

[@cgravey]

@@SteveRogersOutdoors thank you so much

[@JoseLopez-xd8gv]

How do you cast a 7ft leader

[@normanwiggins1320]

What light hook would you recommend if Texas rig on a carolina rig

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

The Trokar HD worm hooks are nice ones.

[@normanwiggins1320]

@@SteveRogersOutdoors thanks for your advise really enjoy your videos

[@vincentkolb717]

That long leader can be tough to throw.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

I definitely can be. An awkward lob for sure.

[@nicoduplessis5435]

I realy love your under water stuff. But a 6ft leader wil be hell to get way out their.

[@ricksonora6656]

Try slinging it. Put the work in the line instead of the pole.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

It is a challenge for sure. Like Rick said, it’s more of a sling or lob. Also, be sure the weight is fully back before you bring it forward to eliminate any snap.

[@nicoduplessis5435]

@@SteveRogersOutdoors I'm a kayak fisherman and the lac of swinging space realy makes it hard. From a standing position makes it easier.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

@@nicoduplessis5435 definitely correct there

[@freshandsaltyjohnny]

After gathering information from people who have been fishing the carolina for 20+ years. Thry all say the same thing. 3 foot of leader is the best length hands down. Not more not less. If you want less then you shoukd be on a texas.

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

That longer leader is a good one!

[@Gospodin_Nikoi]

nice video again man! keep the good work going! lm trying to in my channel! :D

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

Thanks!

[@floydmayes4924]

I'm not going to fish a silty bottom or a bottom with dead vegetation!

[@vinnylivoti9567]

Carolina Rig Vs a Free Rig?

[@SteveRogersOutdoors]

That is a great topic! I will have to work on that one. Thank you!