Help With the Carolina Rig

[tjc]

Dave Stewart taught me how to ledge fish using the Carolina Rig and I have caught more fish using this technique than any other. The problem is my line is breaking above or below the rig when I set the hook way to often. I have changed line, but is does not seem to matter. I use 17lb mono on the main and a 12lb mono leader below the rig. I use a double blood knot and have tried a palomar, too. Any help would be appreciated!

Todd

[Fishin is life]

is it breaking above the swivel or below? If it's breaking above the swivel it's probably the sinker rubbing your line until it's frayed enough to break....I use braid for my mainline and might help you solve this problem

[Dean Scott]

I have switched to Fluorocarbon and it works well. Less stretch than mono - and make sure you use a bead above the swivel to protect the knot.... Braid is another option but be careful how heavy you use... if you hang up the main line with 50 lb braid - it is tough to break.... I use 17 lb fluorocarbon as my main - and 10 - 12 lb mono for the leader.

[Dave Stewart]

If you used my equipment when I taught you, you would have been throwing copolymer line with two glass red beads between the sinker and the swivel. The reason for the copolymer is that it is the most nick resistant line out there....the mussels and rock here on Ky Lake will shred florocarbon and braid.

[kent]

is it breaking above the swivel or below? If it's breaking above the swivel it's probably the sinker rubbing your line until it's frayed enough to break....I use braid for my mainline and might help you solve this problem

+1 on the braid.

[RICHYD4U]

+1 on the braid.

+2 on the braid....stuff is nearly impossible to break IMHO.

-Rich

[davidsa]

When I'm in Florida the braid works great for main line. At KYL, not so much as it will cut from rock. I guess if you re-tie very frequently then it would be OK.

At KYL, I tend to use 17 or 20# FC or 17# Copoly. The FC I use holds up as well as my Copoly and is more sensitive.

Regardless of line, the beads are a must to protect the knot.

[tjc]

If you used my equipment when I taught you, you would have been throwing copolymer line with two glass red beads between the sinker and the swivel. The reason for the copolymer is that it is the most nick resistant line out there....the mussels and rock here on Ky Lake will shred florocarbon and braid.

Thanks for all the help! I will try the copolymer and the braid to see if I have better results! The C-Rig I use is the quick rig from Bass Pro with the beads and weight on an aluminum shaft.

Todd

[coombro]

If you used my equipment when I taught you, you would have been throwing copolymer line with two glass red beads between the sinker and the swivel. The reason for the copolymer is that it is the most nick resistant line out there....the mussels and rock here on Ky Lake will shred florocarbon and braid.

Dave's right I recently switched to a copolymer line and it will take some abuse. Although i don't know what is? Just seem's stronger and I have less nicks and don't have to re-tie as often.