Thread: Carolina Rig Question?

If I plan on using 1 and 2 oz egg sinkers for my Carolina Rigs, what size bead should I uses? 6mm, 8mm 10mm?

It depends on the diameter of your line. Use the smallest bead that will fit over your knot and rest on the swivel.

I have 20lb mono.

I would leave it off unless you are running a shock leader and pyramid weights, which I would recommend.

Originally Posted by drumbum

I would leave it off unless you are running a shock leader and pyramid weights, which I would recommend.

We do not use any beads for our Carolina rigs with egg weights, though I have not used pyramids for Carolina rigs. Seems I have been missing out on a technique. Hmmm, how does that work? When I am bumping bottom with Carolina's, I look for my bait to drift in the current. With a pyramid weight, I would not expect much, if any, drift. Some one help me out; advantages for the Pyramid weight in the Carolina rig?

Originally Posted by bodebum

We do not use any beads for our Carolina rigs with egg weights, though I have not used pyramids for Carolina rigs. Seems I have been missing out on a technique. Hmmm, how does that work? When I am bumping bottom with Carolina's, I look for my bait to drift in the current. With a pyramid weight, I would not expect much, if any, drift. Some one help me out; advantages for the Pyramid weight in the Carolina rig?

You need a sinker slide for a Carolina rig with a pyramid sinker. It's a plastic/Teflon tube with a snap clip attached to it to hold the sinker. Your main line goes thru the tube the same as it would an egg sinker. The advantage of using a pyramid is that it won't travel as fast along the bottom in a heavy/moderate surf. Go to ebay and search sinker slides for a picture of what they look like. Once you see it, you'll get the idea. J&M has them. I bought a few there last year.

L I B, will wonders never cease. Not sure I will have them this trip, definitely on my new wish list. Thank you. ( I will sneak them into the cart, sweetheart will never know ).

Originally Posted by bodebum

We do not use any beads for our Carolina rigs with egg weights, though I have not used pyramids for Carolina rigs. Seems I have been missing out on a technique. Hmmm, how does that work? When I am bumping bottom with Carolina's, I look for my bait to drift in the current. With a pyramid weight, I would not expect much, if any, drift. Some one help me out; advantages for the Pyramid weight in the Carolina rig?

If you don't use a bead, how do you prevent the egg sinker from pounding your knot? I always use one to protect my knot.

Originally Posted by Irish Fisherman

If I plan on using 1 and 2 oz egg sinkers for my Carolina Rigs, what size bead should I uses? 6mm, 8mm 10mm?

I'm not sure on size. I have a variety of sizes and colors. I'm not sure why some people don't recommend them, but if its because they don't want the color to show just use clear.

Originally Posted by Irish Fisherman

If I plan on using 1 and 2 oz egg sinkers for my Carolina Rigs, what size bead should I uses? 6mm, 8mm 10mm?

It depends on the size line you are using.
The primary function of a bead is to protect your knots from damage from sinkers sliding into them repeatedly.
You want a bead with an internal hole slightly larger than the diameter of your knot.
Fish attraction is a secondary function really, and was discovered by accident years ago.
But beads are NOT the best tool for protecting knots from sinkers, a sinker stop is! (cheapest too ;-)


These provide a rubber cushion between the sinker and the knot for about 5 cents each.
If the hole in your weight is larger diameter than the sinker stop THEN use a bead with a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the sinker stop.
But use a clear or green one, not a bright orange or red that brings attention to your terminal tackle!

And sinker slides are an effective way to Carolina Rig with a coin or pyramid sinker in slightly rough to moderate surf to keep your bait where you want it.
For smaller fish like pompano, whiting and 'puppy' drum I prefer the (small, black) Eagle Claw brand...

For larger fish (weights and baits) I prefer the Sea Striker style...


Hope this helps!