Page 26 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Stelly Special Ed 2022

For the when, well the Carolina rig is a multi-seasonal option. It can be used in the spring when bass are in
less active moods such as pre-spawn, post spawn and when cold fronts roll through. In the fall, it is great for
targeting bass that are schooling along points as they follow baitfish as they migrate from the deeper sum-
mer haunts to the backs of pockets. Finally, it is an excellent bait in the summer months when the waters
warm and bass move out to their offshore summer spaces.

It has been stated that the Carolina rig is a finesse presentation, but the equipment needed looks like no other finesse
equipment you might have in your arsenal. Remember the only part of the rig that is finesse is the leader and the bait. A
7’ or slightly longer medium heavy to heavy rod with a fast tip is a must to deal with the longer leaders, to get a long cast,
to get a good hookset and finally to fight and land that fish. Pairing this rod with a high-speed reel is just as important as
you are fishing deeper water and will often need to take up a lot of line in a hurry.

We have alluded to the how of using the Carolina rig at different points. It’s now time to get a little more specific.

Casting a Carolina rig is not like casting your typical bass fishing lure. Two primary reasons for this are the weight and
the leader. The cast is more of a long sweeping motion like you are launching the bait. Be very mindful of your sur-
roundings. The leader in addition to longer rod, means you have a longer reach than normal! It is important on the
backswing that the rod loads up using a slow steady motion. In other words, you can feel the weight. The weight should
be a short distance from the tip to get it moving on the cast. As you begin the cast, start with a slower motion, and then
accelerate to get the bait up and out. The weight should be doing most of the work on the cast.

Once the bait has hit the water, you need to watch your line as it falls across the through the water. Your line will fall
slack once it has hit the bottom. At that time, engage the reel and begin dragging the bait with the rod moving back and
horizontally to the water in a short sweeping motion. Always maintain contact with the bottom and line during the drag.
As you move your rod back to the forward position, reel in the slack line. It is best not to let the line fall completely slack
as you move to the forward position. As you are retrieving, you are feeling for those changes in bottom composition,

26 Lady Bass Anglers Association